Integrated Locking Shaft for Pedal Vehicle Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for pedal vehicles are structurally complex, making them weak, difficult to install, and prone to tampering, while also being expensive and not easily retrofitted.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising three main parts - a first and second bushing with integrated bearings, and a shaft with a lock and pin mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by mounting the pre-assembled shaft into the pedal vehicle's sleeve, with a security key for locking and unlocking the pedals and safety chain mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with multiple separate components is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the structural complexity increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shaft, lock mechanism, and pin into a single integrated component that can be installed as one piece. The lock is integrated into the shaft, and the pin is housed within the shaft, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple components. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft serves multiple functions: it transmits pedaling force, houses the lock mechanism, contains the pin, and provides the locking function itself. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall structure while achieving reliable locking.
2Reliability
If a locking device with multiple separate components is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the installation and de-installation process becomes time-consuming and requires qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the shaft, lock, and pin into a single integrated component, the installation process is simplified to installing one piece rather than assembling multiple components. This significantly reduces installation time and eliminates the need for qualified personnel to perform complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock and pin are pre-assembled and integrated into the shaft during manufacturing. This preliminary action means that during installation, the user only needs to install the pre-assembled shaft unit, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple components and reducing installation time.
3Reliability
If a complex locking system with multiple parts is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device becomes structurally weak and easy to tamper with
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the lock and pin into the shaft creates a unified structural unit that is more difficult to tamper with. Instead of separate components that can be individually accessed and manipulated, the locked state is achieved through the integrated design, making tampering more difficult and the overall structure stronger.
4Reliability
If traditional locking systems are used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design of the shaft with built-in lock and pin reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft performs multiple functions (force transmission, locking, pin housing), which reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing. Instead of producing and assembling multiple specialized parts, a single multi-functional shaft is manufactured, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device for pedal vehicles, comprising: a first bushing (9) configured to be mounted and secured to a first axial end (10) of a sleeve (2) hosting a central movement of the pedal vehicle; a first bearing (17) mounted in a first housing (16) of the first bushing (9); a second bushing (18) configured for being mounted and secured to a second axial end (15) of the sleeve (2); a second bearing (23) mounted in a second housing (22) of the second bushing (18); a cylindrical body (11) which is an integral part of the first or second bushing (9, 18) and it is configured to be inserted into the sleeve (2). The cylindrical body (11) has a radial seat (24) open radially towards the inside. A shaft (3) having opposite ends (4, 5) configured to be rigidly constrained to respective pedals (6, 7) is rotatably mounted in the first and second bushing (9, 18) and in the cylindrical body (11) through the first and the second bearing (17, 23). A lock (25) is integrated into the shaft (3) and provided with a respective key (26). The lock (25) is operatively connected to the pin (28) to move the pin radially between a radially retracted position, in which the pin (28) lies outside of the radial seat (24), and a radially extracted position, in which the pin (28) lies at least partially in the radial seat (24) and prevents rotation of the shaft (3) with respect to the cylindrical body (11) and to the sleeve (2).The shaft (3) integrates a latching mechanism (37) for a safety jack (38), wherein the jack (38) is constrained or constrainable to a safety chain which enables tethering the vehicle, for example, to a pole.