Foldable Bicycle Locking Loop with Nested Saddle Column Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle locking devices built into the saddle column face issues such as noise generation during cycling due to chain vibration, limited length, and difficulty in positioning the loop around stationary objects, as they are either too short or require additional buffer elements that compromise strength and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A foldable locking loop system with adjustable loop portions and a support member that allows the loop to be compressed and extended, ensuring it fits within the saddle column and rear frame tube, with a flexible cable and pivotal connections for increased length and flexibility, allowing the loop to be securely wrapped around stationary objects without generating noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chain is built in the saddle column to provide locking function, then the locking capability is improved, but noise is generated during cycling due to chain vibration against the metal tube
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer element as an intermediary component between the chain and the saddle column interior. This buffer element absorbs the vibration and prevents direct contact between the chain and metal tube, thereby eliminating noise while preserving the locking function of the chain.
2Ease of operation
If the chain length is increased to provide sufficient wrapping length for convenient use, then the usability is improved, but the chain becomes too long to be properly positioned in the limited hollow space of the saddle column
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the chain to be nestable or foldable, allowing it to be compacted into a small volume for storage within the hollow saddle column, while maintaining its full extended length for practical locking operations. This nesting capability resolves the contradiction between needing long chain for usability and limited space for storage.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If additional buffer elements are added to reduce noise, then the noise problem is improved, but the structural strength and flexibility of the locking system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible buffer element that can be made from elastomeric materials or flexible coatings. These thin film or shell-like structures effectively dampen vibration and reduce noise while maintaining sufficient structural strength and flexibility for the locking system to function properly.
4Volume of moving object
If a coiled cable is used to fit in the hollow interior of the saddle column, then the space utilization is improved, but the cable diameter is limited by the need to provide sufficient strength and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cable, specifically its coiling diameter and material properties. By optimizing the coil diameter to match the available hollow space while selecting materials with high strength-to-diameter ratios, the cable achieves sufficient strength and rigidity within the constrained spatial parameters of the saddle column.
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 provides a locking device with sufficient length for secure attachment to various stationary objects while minimizing noise and vibration, ensuring easy deployment and retraction, and maintaining structural integrity through the use of flexible and strong materials.
Implementation Method 1
the second loop portion is a tube with an upper end pivotally coupled to the narrowing portion of the support member
Data Source
Figure 1~9
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Anti-theft bicycle locking device, wherein the bicycle has a saddle column (4), a saddle (3) and a rear frame tube (2), the device has a foldable locking loop that can be wrapped around the bicycle and a stationary object, the loop comprises a plurality of5 loop portions of which each has a predetermined length, a first loop portion is constituted by the saddle column (4) being a hollow tube, and a second loop portion (8, 16, 20) that has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the saddle column (4) and has a first end slidably connected to and moving in the interior of the saddle column (4), a closure member (11, 17) in the remote end part of the saddle column (4)10 preventing the removal of the second loop portion (16, 20) from the saddle column (4), a lock (7) is attached to an upper portion of the saddle column (4) close to the saddle (3), and a lock part (9) is attached to a free end of the last portion of the loop, the lock part (9) can be fitted in and engaged by the lock (7), and said loop portions can be pushed to take a compressed state and pulled to form the loop, an in compressed15 state said loop portions except for the saddle column (4) are positioned in the hollow inner space of the saddle column (4) and the rear tube (2), and the loop comprises at least one further loop portion attached to the remote end of the second loop portion (8, 16, 20), and the loop has a minimum length (LL) in fully unfolded state which is at least as long as the combined length of the rear frame tube (LFT) and twice the length20 of the saddle column (LSC), in equation: LL > LFT + 2 * LSC.