Micromobility Cable Lock Assembly With Tamper-Load Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micromobility transit vehicle lock systems for hire are inefficient, unreliable, and prone to tampering, making them difficult to lock and unlock consistently.
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 locking and tamper protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing locks are used for micromobility vehicles, then the lock system can be implemented with simple components, but the locking and unlocking process is inefficient and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking mechanisms with an electric motor-driven actuator system. The electric motor receives signals from a control unit to automatically move the actuator, which in turn moves the latch between engaged and disengaged positions. This substitution of mechanical systems with an automated electromechanical system significantly improves both the efficiency and reliability of the locking and unlocking processes, eliminating the need for physical keys and manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is designed to operate automatically based on signals received from a control unit. The electric motor autonomously drives the actuator to engage or disengage the latch without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically performing the locking and unlocking actions when commanded, improving operational efficiency and consistency while enhancing reliability through automated control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing locks are used for micromobility vehicles, then the device complexity can be kept low, but the locks are easily tampered with through impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tolerance between the actuator and the latch that is specifically designed to absorb and mitigate impact forces. This tolerance acts as a cushioning mechanism that prevents direct transmission of impact forces to the locking latch, thereby protecting against tampering and accidental disengagement. The tolerance is built into the design beforehand to ensure that even when impact occurs, the critical locking components remain protected and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance between the actuator and the latch serves as an intermediary element that decouples the actuator from direct mechanical coupling with the latch. This intermediary tolerance zone allows the system to absorb impact forces without transmitting them to the critical locking engagement points, thereby enhancing tamper resistance while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Strength
If the latch is directly coupled to the actuator, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the actuator is vulnerable to load from tampering attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a tolerance between the actuator and the latch that serves as a protective cushioning element. This tolerance is built into the coupling mechanism beforehand to absorb and dissipate impact forces and tampering attempts before they can reach the actuator. The tolerance acts as a sacrificial element that protects the actuator from direct exposure to external forces, thereby enhancing actuator strength and protection while maintaining a relatively simple coupling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance functions as an intermediary element within the coupling mechanism between the actuator and the latch. It provides a mechanical buffer that decouples the actuator from direct force transmission to the latch during tampering attempts. This intermediary tolerance zone protects the actuator from direct exposure to external loads while maintaining the functional coupling between components, thereby enhancing actuator protection without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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.