Micromobility Cable Lock Assembly With Impact-Decoupling Actuator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks for micromobility vehicles are difficult to lock and unlock efficiently, unreliable, and prone to tampering, particularly through inertial impacts.

Innovation Solution

A cable lock assembly with a locking pin, latch, actuator, and electric motor, featuring a tolerance mechanism to decouple the actuator from the latch, ensuring secure and reliable locking and unlocking operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing locks are used for micromobility vehicles, then the locking function is provided, but the locks are difficult to lock and unlock efficiently, unreliable, and easily tampered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking and unlocking operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical lock systems with an electric motor-driven actuator system. The electric motor (240) drives a lead screw (234) that moves the actuator (204) between positions, which in turn moves the latch (202) between locked and unlocked configurations. This substitution of mechanical key-based locking with an electromechanical system improves both reliability and ease of operation, as the system can be controlled electronically and provides more consistent, repeatable locking actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a tolerance mechanism (gap between actuator end wall and latch flange) that acts as an intermediary element to decouple the actuator from the latch during certain operations. This tolerance allows the latch to move independently in response to inertial impacts without transmitting forces to the actuator, while still allowing the actuator to move the latch when intentionally actuated. This intermediary tolerance space resolves the contradiction by protecting the actuator from tampering forces while maintaining reliable locking operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing locks are used for micromobility vehicles, then the locking function is provided, but the locks are unreliable and easily tampered with through impact with enough inertial effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-tamper reliabilityVSAvoidlock assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tolerance mechanism (gap between actuator end wall and latch flange) that acts as an intermediary element to decouple the actuator from the latch during certain operations. This tolerance allows the latch to move independently in response to inertial impacts without transmitting forces to the actuator, while still allowing the actuator to move the latch when intentionally actuated. This intermediary tolerance space resolves the contradiction by protecting the actuator from tampering forces while maintaining reliable locking operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the locking system into distinct functional components: the latch (202) that engages with the locking pin, the actuator (204) that moves the latch, and the electric motor (240) that drives the actuator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and protects the complex electromechanical actuator from direct exposure to tampering forces by introducing the tolerance decoupling mechanism between the latch and actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a tolerance mechanism is introduced to decouple the actuator from the latch, then tamper resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper resistanceVSAvoidlock assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tolerance mechanism (gap between actuator end wall and latch flange) that acts as an intermediary element to decouple the actuator from the latch during certain operations. This tolerance allows the latch to move independently in response to inertial impacts without transmitting forces to the actuator, while still allowing the actuator to move the latch when intentionally actuated. This intermediary tolerance space resolves the contradiction by protecting the actuator from tampering forces while maintaining reliable locking operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12351262B2Micromobility transit vehicle cable lock assembly systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 LYFT INC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods associated with a cable lock assembly for a micromobility transit vehicle. A lock assembly may include a latch, an actuator, and an electric motor. The latch may be movable between a first, locking configuration securing a locking pin in place and a second, unlocking configuration disengaging the latch from the locking pin. The actuator may be coupled to the latch and movable between a plurality of positions, such as first, second, and third positions. The first position may secure the latch in the first configuration. The second position may move the latch to the second configuration. The third position may allow the latch to move between the first configuration and the second configuration. The electric motor may move the actuator between positions. A tolerance between the actuator and the latch may limit a load applied to the actuator by the latch.