Flexible Bicycle Lock with Segmented Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle locks, such as cables and chains, cause damage to bicycles due to loose ends that can scratch frames and get tangled, and U-shaped locks add weight and are difficult to attach to non-adjacent surfaces, while being prone to cutting and noise.

Innovation Solution

A lock assembly with a flexible hose containing ball and socket segments that conforms to surfaces, incorporating a cable or chain with a lock mechanism to secure loops, providing a retrofit option that is strong like larger diameter locks without the weight or damage issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thicker and larger cables and chains are used to prevent cutting, then strength is improved, but weight increases making them undesirable for riders

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to cuttingVSAvoidweight of cable/chain

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible housing is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by hinges, creating a articulated structure that can bend while maintaining strength. This segmentation allows the lock to achieve cutting resistance through the rigid segments without requiring excessive thickness throughout the entire cable/chain length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines rigid segmented housing with flexible hinges and inner cable/chain, creating a composite structure. The rigid segments provide cutting resistance while the flexible components maintain adaptability, achieving strength without requiring uniform thickness throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If U-shaped locks are used to secure bicycles, then theft prevention is improved, but weight increases due to additional brackets and fixed structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidweight of lock assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lock transitions from a fixed U-shaped structure to a dynamic articulated structure that can change shape. The segmented housing with hinges allows the lock to adapt its configuration, maintaining security while reducing the need for heavy brackets and fixed mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lock's shape and configuration parameters can change dynamically through the articulated segments. This allows the same lock to provide secure attachment in various positions and orientations without requiring multiple heavy fixed-structure variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If cables and chains are made loose for easy storage, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to scratching and tangling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of storageVSAvoidscratching and tangling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible segmented housing acts as a protective shell that contains the inner cable/chain. When stored loosely, this flexible structure prevents the cable/chain from scratching the bike frame while maintaining ease of storage through its bendable nature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible segmented housing serves as an intermediary between the inner cable/chain and the bike frame. It mediates the interaction by providing a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the cable/chain and the bike, eliminating scratching and tangling issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If U-shaped locks are used to attach to non-adjacent surfaces, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to required brackets and special mounting structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to attach to non-adjacent surfacesVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated segmented structure allows the lock to dynamically adjust its shape and reach between non-adjacent surfaces without requiring complex fixed mounting structures or brackets. The flexibility inherent in the hinged segments provides adaptability with simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9506274B1Bicycle lock

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 MIRACLE DARRELL

AI summary

Locks, lock mechanisms, lock assemblies, retro fit kits, and methods of using locks with cables and chains inside of strengthened flexible sleeves can conform to shape surfaces to which they are mounted, for preventing thefts of bicycles, motorcycles and other applications, such as but not limited to securing gates and doors, and other objects together. The flexible sleeve can include a series of ball and socket segments arranged next to one another, having a hollow conduit through which the cable or chain can pass through.