Electronic Cable Lock with Integrated Antenna and Solenoid Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic bicycle locks, particularly flexible cable locks, are vulnerable to cutting and have design flaws that increase size, weight, and power consumption, with RF signal ports providing access points for tampering and inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cable electronic lock with a spherical body and no RF signal port, utilizing a unique mechanism with a solenoid-driven retainer and spring biases to engage the shackle, where power is only required to unlock the lock for a short duration, and a boosting circuit for power management, with the cable serving as the antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a port is added in the lock body for RF signal access, then the antenna can receive signals, but it creates an access point for tools to defeat the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna function with the cable structure itself. The cable serves dual purposes: as the mechanical locking element and as the RF signal transmission medium. This eliminates the need for separate antenna ports in the lock body, thereby maintaining security while enabling wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical locking through the shackle and RF signal transmission for electronic control. This multi-functionality removes the need for dedicated RF ports, addressing both communication requirements and security concerns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic control components are added to the lock, then the lock can be controlled remotely, but the size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RF receiver and control electronics from the traditional lock body and relocates them to the cable assembly. This distribution of components allows the lock body to remain lightweight and simple while still providing remote control functionality through the cable-integrated electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the lock body for mechanical locking, the cable for signal transmission and additional electronics, and the receiver for wireless communication. This modular approach allows each component to be optimized independently for size and weight.
3Ease of operation
If power is provided continuously to the solenoid, then the lock remains unlocked, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid is activated periodically and transiently only when unlocking is required, rather than continuously. The spring mechanism maintains the locked state without power, and the solenoid provides brief power bursts only when electronic unlock commands are received, significantly reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides the primary locking force without requiring continuous power. The system uses passive mechanical energy storage in the spring to maintain the locked state, and only consumes active power when electronic control is needed to override the spring mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the cable is made flexible for easy wrapping, then it can be easily stored and configured, but it becomes easier to defeat by cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is constructed as a composite structure combining flexible outer materials with embedded strengthening elements. This allows the cable to maintain flexibility for easy wrapping and storage while incorporating cut-resistant properties through the composite design of the cable structure.
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 lock is difficult to defeat, smaller, lighter, and conserves power by using mechanical springs for locking and a short solenoid activation for unlocking, while the antenna configuration eliminates external access points.
Implementation Method 1
an electronically driven linear actuator, such as a solenoid, drives the retainer to the released position
Implementation Method 2
The linear actuator may further include a first spring biasing the retainer in the engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A cable lock includes a cable, a shackle pin connected to one end of the cable, and a lock body connected to another end of the cable. The lock body includes a channel for the shackle pin, at least one lock member adjacent the channel pivotable from an open position disengaged from the shackle pin to a closed position engaging the shackle pin, and a retainer associated with a lock member driven from a released position disengaged from the lock member to an engaged position retaining the lock member in the closed position.