Flexible Drive Belt for Electromechanical Two-Wheeler Lock

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frame locks with electromechanically adjustable locking bolts are costly to manufacture, prone to wear, and susceptible to dirt, requiring high manufacturing precision and complex mechanical components like levers and gears.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flexible, tear-resistant drive belt to transmit forces between the electromechanical drive device and the locking bolt, allowing for variable placement and reducing manufacturing complexity, with a low-power drive system and minimal wear, and integration of a displaceable security element for enhanced reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If levers, gears, or racks are used to transmit force to the locking bolt, then the locking bolt can be adjusted electromechanically, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking bolt adjustment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical transmission components (levers, gears, racks) with a flexible drive band that transmits force from the electromechanical drive device to the locking bolt. This substitution eliminates the need for precision-machined gear interfaces and complex mechanical linkages, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable electromechanical adjustment of the locking bolt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible drive band (made of metal or plastic foil-like material or fabric tape) to transmit force instead of rigid mechanical components. This flexible element can accommodate dimensional tolerances and simplifies manufacturing while reliably transmitting the driving force to adjust the locking bolt between locked and unlocked positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Force

If traditional mechanical components like levers and gears are used, then force transmission is achieved, but wear and susceptibility to dirt increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidwear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical transmission components (levers, gears, racks) with a flexible drive band that transmits force from the electromechanical drive device to the locking bolt. This substitution eliminates the need for precision-machined gear interfaces and complex mechanical linkages, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable electromechanical adjustment of the locking bolt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible drive band (made of metal or plastic foil-like material or fabric tape) to transmit force instead of rigid mechanical components. This flexible element can accommodate dimensional tolerances and simplifies manufacturing while reliably transmitting the driving force to adjust the locking bolt between locked and unlocked positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If high-power electromechanical drive devices are used, then reliable locking bolt adjustment is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking bolt adjustment reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible drive band (made of metal or plastic foil-like material or fabric tape) to transmit force instead of rigid mechanical components. This flexible element can accommodate dimensional tolerances and simplifies manufacturing while reliably transmitting the driving force to adjust the locking bolt between locked and unlocked positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential disadvantage of the flexible drive band (possible slippage or elastic deformation) into a benefit by designing the system to operate with lower driving forces. The flexible band's ability to accommodate tolerances and its low-friction operation allow the use of low-power drive devices, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 results in a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient frame lock with reduced friction losses and improved reliability, enabling mains-independent operation and secure, fully automatic locking and unlocking of two-wheelers.

Implementation Method 1

The force required to adjust the locking bolt is not transmitted via levers, gear wheels or the like, but via a flexible, tear-resistant drive band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Depending on the configuration of the connection between the drive belt and the spool, power can be transmitted by means of a friction fit and/or form fit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP2504223B1Lock

Publication Date: 2015.07.08 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock, in particular a two-wheeled vehicle lock, comprises a locking bolt (16) which can be displaced between a locking position and an open position. Fastened to the locking bolt is a least one drive belt (20a, 20b) which can be driven by means of an electromechanical drive device in order to adjust the locking bolt.