Elastic Molded Part for Electronic Padlock Vibration Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic padlocks for bicycles face issues with vibration-induced functional impairment and increased size and manufacturing costs due to the need for vibration protection and space for electrical components.
Innovation Solution
An elastic molded part is used to accommodate electrical components in a form-fitting manner within the padlock housing, providing vibration damping, moisture protection, and reducing the need for additional fastening elements, resulting in a compact design and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components are mounted in the lock body, then the U-lock gains extended functionality (alarm, drive, communication), but the lock body size increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical components are nested within recesses in the molded part, which is itself received within the lock body housing. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to be accommodated in a compact configuration, maximizing functionality within limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for mounting components, acts as a vibration-damping element, provides moisture protection, and enables compact arrangement of electrical components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall lock body size.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual components of the electrical unit are mounted separately, then each component can be positioned precisely, but the assembly effort and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical unit is segmented into multiple components that can be independently manufactured and then precisely positioned within recesses in the molded part. Each component can be manufactured with high precision using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled into the molded part which provides precise positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded part acts as an intermediary component that facilitates easy assembly. It provides pre-formed recesses with precise dimensions and positioning features, allowing components to be accurately positioned without requiring complex assembly procedures. The elastic nature of the molded part also allows for simple snap-fit or friction-fit assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mounting structures are used for electrical components, then structural stability is achieved, but vibration transmission impairs functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The molded part is made from an elastomer material, which is inherently flexible and vibration-damping. This flexible material provides structural stability for mounting components while simultaneously absorbing and dampening vibrations, preventing them from being transmitted to the electrical components and impairing their functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomer material in the molded part creates a composite structure that combines the rigid components (electrical components and housing) with a flexible vibration-damping material. This composite approach maintains structural stability while reducing vibration transmission, resolving the contradiction between stability and vibration protection.
4Reliability
If vibration protection measures are implemented, then component functionality is preserved, but the lock body requires more space and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration protection function is merged with the structural mounting structure. The molded part simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for electrical components and as the vibration-damping element. This merging eliminates the need for separate vibration protection components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded part is designed as a multi-functional component that provides structural support, vibration damping, and moisture protection all in one element. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring functionality is protected from vibrations.
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
The solution effectively protects against vibrations and moisture, reduces assembly complexity and costs, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective electronic padlock design.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic molded part dampens vibrations between the components of the electrical unit and the housing, as well as between the components themselves
Implementation Method 2
the molded part is elastically designed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic U-lock for a two-wheeled vehicle comprises a lock body and a locking shackle that is movable relative to the lock body between a closed and an open position. The lock body includes a housing, a locking mechanism, and an electrical unit. An elastic molded part is positively inserted into the housing, providing multiple recesses in which several components of the electrical unit are positively engaged.