On-Board Vehicle Lock for Flexible Dockless Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bike and scooter sharing systems face issues such as overcrowded docking stations, vehicles being left blocking sidewalks, and increased theft and vandalism due to lack of secure locking solutions that allow flexible rental and return locations.
Innovation Solution
An on-board locking system featuring a rigid bar or flexible cable that can be movably mounted to vehicles, allowing for secure fastening to various objects and controlled by wireless signals or keys, preventing wheel rotation when locked, and accommodating different types of vehicles and objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If docked systems are used to lock vehicles at stations, then vehicle security is improved, but docking ports become full at popular stations and empty at unpopular stations, preventing users from renting or returning vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the stationary docking station and transferred to the vehicle itself. The on-board locking assembly allows vehicles to be locked and unlocked independently of docking stations, enabling users to secure vehicles at any location rather than being constrained to specific docking ports.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (mobile device communicating with a server) mediates the locking and unlocking process. The system uses wireless signals to control the locking mechanism, allowing remote operation without physical interaction with docking station infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dockless systems allow vehicles to be left anywhere, then rental flexibility is improved, but vehicles block sidewalks and wheelchair ramps, and theft and vandalism increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking capability is extracted and provided directly to the vehicle, eliminating the need for docking stations. This allows vehicles to be securely locked at any location including sidewalks and public spaces, preventing obstruction while maintaining security against theft and vandalism.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle provides its own locking service through the on-board locking assembly, eliminating dependence on external docking infrastructure. Users can independently secure their vehicles at any location without requiring station infrastructure, enabling responsible parking while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then security is provided, but the system becomes complex and requires multiple components that can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged into the vehicle's existing structure as an on-board assembly. The rigid bar, mounting assembly, and receptacle are integrated components that work together as a unified system, reducing the number of separate parts that can be lost while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The on-board locking assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a security mechanism and a structural component of the vehicle. The rigid bar can be configured in different positions and the system works with various vehicle types, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board locking assembly for a vehicle such as a bicycle or scooter comprising a movable member, such as a rigid bar, movably mounted to the vehicle at a first end and releasable from the vehicle at the second end, wherein a vehicle mounted receptacle is configured to fasten and release the second end, and wherein the rigid bar is configured to be movable relative to the vehicle to capture an object to which the vehicle may be fastened, and optionally obstruct the rotation of a vehicle wheel, and wherein the unfastening of the locking assembly may be controlled by wireless signal. A novel on-board retractable cable lock is also presented.