E-bike Lock Control Unit with Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Permanently installed bicycle locks can fail to lock due to obstacles like spokes, leading to unnecessary electrical activation and energy inefficiency, as existing systems do not effectively check if the locking mechanism can be closed before initiating the locking process.
Innovation Solution
A control unit and detection system that only activates the locking device when it can be closed, using a movable blocking element, and includes a drive unit to adjust the wheel position if an obstacle is detected, ensuring the locking element can reach its intended position without damaging the spoke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device is activated without checking for obstacles, then the locking process can be initiated quickly, but the blocking element may hit a spoke and cause mechanical damage or failure to lock
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit checks for obstacles in the locking path before the locking process is initiated. This preliminary detection prevents the blocking element from hitting spokes or other obstacles, ensuring reliable locking without mechanical damage while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the locking device is activated when an obstacle is present, then the electrical locking request is fulfilled, but the blocking element cannot reach the locking position and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit performs a preliminary check to determine whether the blocking element can reach the locking position without hitting obstacles. Only when the path is clear is the electrical locking request activated, preventing wasted energy consumption while ensuring reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit provides feedback information about the presence of obstacles in the locking path. This feedback controls whether the electrical locking request is activated, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining high locking success rate.
3Loss of energy
If the blocking element path is checked before locking, then unnecessary activations are avoided and energy is saved, but the device requires additional detection units and control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is integrated into the existing locking device structure, combining the obstacle detection function with the locking mechanism. This merging approach enables energy-saving preliminary checks while minimizing the increase in device and control system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for theft protection of a two-wheeled vehicle, as well as to a bicycle equipped with such a device or method. A control unit is provided by means of which a locking device can be electrically activated to block at least the rotation of one wheel on a two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, a detection unit is provided which additionally detects whether the locking device can actually block the wheel. The core of the invention lies in the fact that the locking device is only electrically activated, i.e., actuated, when it is actually possible to block the wheel, e.g., by means of a movable blocking element of the locking device.