Two-Wheeler Lock Lever Mechanism for Reliable Latch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks for two-wheelers, particularly frame locks, face challenges in reliably detecting the position of moving elements like the latch due to small stroke distances and contamination, which complicates distinguishing between locked and unlocked positions.

Innovation Solution

A lever mechanism is introduced with a coupling section and a deflection section, where the sensor detects the position of the deflection section to amplify the movement, allowing for more reliable detection of the latch position, even in a compact design, and positioning the sensor outside the contamination region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the lock is configured in a compact manner with small latch stroke, then the lock size is reduced, but the latch positions cannot be reliably distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock sizeVSAvoidlatch position detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A lever is introduced as an intermediary element between the latch and the sensor. The lever has a coupling section that is movement-coupled to the latch and a deflection section that is detected by the sensor. This intermediary amplifies the small latch movement into a larger deflection section movement, enabling reliable position detection while maintaining compact lock dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling between the latch and sensor with a mechanical amplification system using a lever. Instead of directly detecting the small latch stroke, the system uses the lever's mechanical advantage to convert small latch movements into larger deflection section movements that are easier for the sensor to detect reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If the sensor is positioned close to the latch for compact design, then the lock size is reduced, but the sensor is exposed to contamination from the hoop region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock sizeVSAvoidsensor contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lever acts as a spatial intermediary that separates the sensor from the contamination-prone latch region. The sensor detects the deflection section of the lever which is positioned away from the hoop and contamination sources, while still obtaining information about the latch position through the lever's mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever mechanism transforms the detection problem from a direct spatial proximity requirement into a mechanical coupling relationship. The sensor can be positioned in a different spatial dimension or location away from the contamination region, while the lever transmits the positional information through its mechanical structure, effectively decoupling the sensor location from the latch location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If the latch stroke is made very small for compact design, then the lock becomes more compact, but the locked and unlocked positions cannot be reliably distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch strokeVSAvoidposition distinction

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lever provides a mechanical advantage ratio that counteracts the small latch stroke. By positioning the coupling section close to the latch and the deflection section farther from the pivot point, the lever creates a mechanical amplification effect where a small latch movement produces a proportionally larger deflection section movement, ensuring reliable position distinction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits the latch movement to the sensor, amplifies the movement for reliable detection, and positions the sensor away from contamination sources. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain compact dimensions while achieving reliable position detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11299916B2Lock

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG

AI summary

A lock, in particular for a two-wheeler, comprises: a lock body; a hoop that is movable between an open position and a closed position; a latch that is movably supported at the lock body between a locked position in which it blocks the hoop in its closed position against a departure from the closed position and an unlocked position in which it releases the hoop; a sensor for detecting the latch position; and a movably supported lever. A coupling section of the lever is movement-coupled to the latch here. In addition, the lever is supported such that on a movement of the coupling section, a deflection section spaced apart from the coupling section carries out a movement that is greater in comparison therewith, with the sensor detecting the position of the deflection section of the lever to detect the latch position.