Motorcycle Keyless Lock Actuation via Perpendicular Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to provide an ignition-lock structure for motorcycles that use keyless start systems, as traditional mechanical key-based locking mechanisms are not applicable.

Innovation Solution

A lock apparatus comprising a bracket, an engagement module, and an actuation module with an electromagnetic switch, where the engagement module has an engagement member that moves between lock and unlock positions driven by a pushing member, allowing for keyless operation by moving in non-parallel axial directions, and includes retaining members and resilient components to manage force and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional mechanical key-based ignition-lock structure is used, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but it cannot be applied to motorcycles with keyless start systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with keyless start systemsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-based actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic actuator receives electrical signals from the keyless start system's control unit and converts electrical energy into mechanical motion to drive the locking mechanism, enabling compatibility with keyless start systems while maintaining functional simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the keyless start system and the locking mechanism. The control unit receives wireless signals, processes them, and generates electrical signals to actuate the electromagnetic actuator, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between the keyless system and the mechanical locking structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the pushing member moves directly along the first axial direction to drive the engagement member, then the structure is simple, but it causes excessive wear and impact damage to the engagement module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidwear and impact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the movement direction of the pushing member from the first axial direction (parallel to engagement member movement) to the second axial direction (non-parallel, preferably perpendicular). This dimensional change allows the pushing member to drive the engagement member through a linkage mechanism rather than direct linear contact, significantly reducing wear and impact damage while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a linkage mechanism as an intermediary between the pushing member and the engagement member. The linkage mechanism transfers the motion from the pushing member (moving in the second axial direction) to the engagement member (moving in the first axial direction), reducing direct contact and wear while maintaining efficient force transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the electromagnetic actuator directly drives the engagement member without a linkage mechanism, then the actuation is direct and simple, but it causes excessive wear between the pushing member and engagement member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation efficiencyVSAvoidwear between components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a linkage mechanism that changes the actuation from direct linear contact to angular motion transmission. The linkage mechanism maintains high actuation efficiency by effectively transferring force while reducing wear through distributed contact points and reduced friction, achieving both productivity and durability goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables secure locking and unlocking of the steering shaft without keys, preventing theft while minimizing wear and damage through controlled movement and cushioning, suitable for motorcycles with keyless start systems.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member abutted between the sleeve and the abutting ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3406508B1Lock apparatus and vehicle using the same
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 GOGORO
  • EP3406508B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3406508B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3406508B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A lock apparatus (200) includes a bracket (210), an engagement module (220), and an actuation module (230). The engagement module is supported in the bracket and has an engagement member (221) configured to move to a first position or a second position in a first axial direction (A1) along the first axial direction. The actuation module is connected to the bracket and includes a pushing member (231). The actuation module drives the pushing member to move to a first position or a second position in the second axial direction (A2) along the second axial direction. When the pushing member is at the first position in the second axial direction, the engagement member is at the first position in the first axial direction. When the pushing member is at the second position in the second axial direction, the engagement member is at the second position in the first axial direction.