Locking Hub Ring Mechanism for Tamper-Resistant Vehicle Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for trailers and vehicles are vulnerable to theft due to exposed locks that can be cut or compromised, and they do not effectively prevent unauthorized movement of motorized vehicles like cars, motorcycles, or RVs.
Innovation Solution
A secure locking hub system that locks a wheel hub to an axle in a rotationally fixed position, featuring a locking ring, actuator, and security lock, which can be switched between locked and unlocked configurations using a dial, with tamper-proof bolts to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a keyed lock is used to actuate a locking ring that locks a hub to an axle, then the vehicle can be secured against theft, but torque applied to the lock to actuate the locking ring may affect reliability of the system over an extended period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: a locking ring that engages with the hub, a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion to linear motion, and a keyed lock that controls the cam. This segmentation allows the lock to control the mechanism without bearing the full torque load of locking the hub, as the cam and locking ring handle the mechanical engagement and force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the keyed lock and the locking ring. When the key rotates the cam, the cam's cam surface converts this rotational motion into linear motion that moves the locking ring into its locked position. This intermediary mechanism protects the lock from direct exposure to high torque forces, as the cam translates small rotational movements into the larger linear displacement needed for locking.
2Reliability
If an exposed lock such as a padlock is used in a coupler lock system, then the trailer can be locked to a vehicle hitch, but the lock may be cut by lock cutters or otherwise compromised to facilitate removing a hitched trailer or allowing an unhitched trailer to be hitched for theft
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable exposed padlock is replaced with an integrated keyed lock mechanism that is embedded within the locking hub system. The lock is no longer an external, easily accessible component but is instead integrated into the hub assembly, making it much more difficult to access and compromise with lock cutters or other external tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyed lock is nested within the locking hub assembly, with the cam mechanism housed inside the hub. This nested configuration protects the locking mechanism from external attacks, as the keyhole and locking components are shielded by the hub structure, preventing easy access for lock cutting or manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a coupler lock system is used, then a trailer can be locked to a vehicle hitch, but the system cannot be used to prevent theft of a motorized vehicle such as a car, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, golf cart, or electric conveyance vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hub system is designed with universal applicability to various vehicle types. Instead of being specific to trailer couplers, the system can be installed on the wheel hubs of any vehicle with a hub-and-axle configuration, including cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, golf carts, and electric conveyance vehicles. The keyed lock and cam mechanism provide universal theft prevention functionality across different vehicle platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking hub system for locking a wheel hub of a vehicle to an axle is provided. The system has a locking ring that may be moved between locked and unlocked configurations. When in the locked configuration, the hub is in a rotationally fixed position relative to the axle on which the hub is mounted. With the hub locked to the axle, the wheel will not rotate and the vehicle thus cannot be moved. When in the unlocked configuration, the hub can rotate freely about the axle, thereby allowing movement of the vehicle.