Bicycle Handlebar Cable Lock with Friction Fingers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable cable locks for securing bicycles and other vehicles are cumbersome to use, aesthetically undesirable, and add weight, with previous designs often requiring external storage that can damage bike frames and pose safety risks due to exposed metal components and complex mechanical solutions.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight cable lock that stores entirely within the bicycle's handlebar, using a cylindrical lock housing with a dial combination lock and resilient friction fingers to secure the cable, allowing easy deployment and stowing without additional aerodynamic drag or safety hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable lock is stored externally on the bicycle, then the lock is accessible for use, but the bicycle's aerodynamic performance deteriorates and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lock is nested within the hollow interior of the handlebar, utilizing the existing internal space for storage. This eliminates external storage components and reduces overall system weight while maintaining accessibility during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The handlebar serves dual functions: as a steering component and as a storage container for the cable lock. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external storage, reducing weight and improving aerodynamics.
2Ease of operation
If the cable lock is stored externally on the bicycle, then the lock is accessible for use, but the bicycle's aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lock is nested within the hollow interior of the handlebar, eliminating external storage components that would create aerodynamic drag. The integrated design maintains a streamlined profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The handlebar serves dual functions as both a steering component and a storage container, eliminating the need for external storage attachments that would increase aerodynamic resistance.
3Ease of operation
If the cable lock components are exposed during use, then the locking mechanism is functional, but safety hazards increase due to exposed metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful exposed metal components are extracted and replaced with a plastic housing and cable construction. The functional locking mechanism is retained while the hazardous metal surfaces are removed, eliminating safety risks during handling.
4Reliability
If the cable lock is permanently installed in the handlebar, then the lock is securely positioned, but the handlebar structure is modified and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lock is designed to be dynamically removable and reinsertable within the handlebar. This eliminates permanent modification requirements while maintaining secure positioning during use, and allows for weight optimization by removing the lock when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into separate components (cable, housing, combination mechanism) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This modular approach enables secure positioning without permanent handlebar modification and facilitates weight reduction.
5Reliability
If the cable lock design includes complex mechanical components, then the locking mechanism is secure, but manufacturing cost increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical locking components are replaced with a simple plastic housing and cable system using a combination mechanism. This substitution maintains security functionality while dramatically simplifying manufacturing and reducing weight.
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 discreet, lightweight, and easy-to-use cable lock that adapts to various handlebar sizes, preventing damage to the bike and eliminating safety concerns, while allowing for secure storage and use beyond bicycle applications.
Implementation Method 1
Rings are located at both ends of the lock housing having radially outwardly extending resilient friction fingers that contort to conform to the interior bore of the handlebar
Implementation Method 2
radially outwardly extending resilient friction fingers that contort to conform to the interior bore of the handlebar
Data Source
AI summary
An improved cable lock device incorporating a lock housing incorporating both a cylindrical combination lock and axial friction fingers and associated with a flexible shackle that stores entirely inside handlebars of vehicles that utilize handlebars. The shackle is secured at one end to the lock housing and the other end to a toothed key to be inserted into the anterior end of the combination lock to form a locked loop for securing the vehicle. In the stored configuration of the device in the handlebar the toothed key is retained at the posterior of the lock housing. At its midpoint the shackle is bent substantially 180 degrees and attached to a small ball that will fit inside the handlebars. Resilient rings of fingers are attached on the axis of the lock housing. Upon lock insertion the resilient fingers deform to interior bore of the handlebar for friction locking.