Elastic-Driven Bicycle Lock for Misalignment-Tolerant Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle locks require precise mechanical alignment, leading to poor user experience and potential security risks, and electrical locks face reliability issues due to misalignment and wear, necessitating manual debugging.

Innovation Solution

A lock system with a driving block, driven block, and elastic transmission component that allows for automatic alignment and locking, even when the latching tongue is not perfectly aligned, and includes position detecting components for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical lock requires strict alignment between the latching tongue and locking hole, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to adjustment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of alignment tolerance by introducing a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion. The cam profile is designed such that during wheel rotation, the latching tongue is gradually pushed into the locking hole, allowing locking to occur within a range of angular positions rather than requiring precise alignment. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through controlled engagement while improving ease of operation by eliminating manual adjustment needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by using a cam mechanism that dynamically adjusts the positioning of the latching tongue during the locking process. As the wheel rotates, the cam profile dynamically guides the latching tongue from a retracted position to an engaged position, allowing the system to adapt to varying alignment conditions automatically. This dynamic approach maintains reliable locking without requiring manual intervention for alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If an electrical lock uses electromagnetic drive for locking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to misalignment causing wear or motor stalling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the electromagnetic motor by coupling it with a cam mechanism. The motor only needs to rotate the cam through a limited angular range, rather than directly driving the latching tongue through its entire travel distance. This reduces the torque requirements and prevents stalling, while the cam profile ensures reliable engagement of the latching tongue with the locking hole regardless of initial alignment conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary between the electromagnetic motor and the latching tongue. The cam converts the motor's rotational motion into the linear motion required for locking, while also providing mechanical guidance that ensures proper alignment during engagement. This intermediary mechanism protects the motor from direct mechanical stress and misalignment issues, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual debugging is required for electric assisted bicycles, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a locking mechanism that automatically compensates for alignment variations during normal wheel rotation. The cam mechanism self-adjusts the latching tongue position based on the wheel's rotational position, eliminating the need for manual debugging or alignment adjustments by users. The system performs its own alignment function through the mechanical design, maintaining manufacturing precision requirements while greatly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures secure and convenient locking without alignment dependency, reduces wear and tear on components, and prolongs the lock's service life by preventing damage from overloading.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic transmission component connected between the driving block and the driven block in a transmission manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4635832A1Lock and bicycle
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 ZHEJIANG JIAHONG SPORTS EQUIPMENT CO LTD
  • EP4635832A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4635832A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4635832A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A lock (100) and a bicycle (10) are provided. The lock (100) includes a power source (110), a driving block (120), a driven assembly (130) and an elastic transmission (140). The driving block (120) is connected to the power source (110) in a transmission manner. The driving block (120) is capable of moving between a first position and a second position under drive of the power source (110). The driven assembly (130) includes a driven block (131) and a latching tongue (132) connected to each other, and the driven assembly (130) is capable of moving between a locking position and an unlocking position. The elastic transmission component (140) is connected between the driving block (120) and the driven block (131) in a transmission manner, and when the driving block (120) is disposed on the second position, the elastic transmission component (140) has a tendency to drive the driven assembly (130) to move to the locking position.