Pivoting Bicycle Locking Device for Theft Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle storage facilities face challenges in securely storing bicycles due to structural limitations and theft concerns, particularly in urban areas where space is restricted and theft is a significant issue.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a fixing assembly that pivots via the load of the bicycle to securely lock the rear wheel to a bicycle-support frame, using a locking insert to pass through holes and position-fixing portions to fix the wheel in place, combined with a returning unit for easy release and a bicycle holding apparatus that allows multiple stage storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple welded frame structure with tent roof is used for bicycle storage, then the facility can be constructed quickly and simply, but it cannot reliably prevent theft or ensure secure bicycle storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidtheft prevention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage facility is divided into modular units, each with independent locking mechanisms. The locking device is segmented into a fixing assembly with pivoting portions and a locking assembly with a locking insert, allowing individual modules to be manufactured and assembled separately while maintaining secure locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device employs dynamic pivoting portions that rotate from an initial position to a locked position when the object is loaded. The locking insert dynamically engages with the pivoting portions to secure the object, transforming a static structure into one with active security features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a locking device with pivoting portions and locking insert is implemented, then secure bicycle storage is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft prevention capabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device utilizes the weight of the loaded object itself to drive the pivoting portions into the locked position. The object's load automatically engages the locking insert with the pivoting portions, eliminating the need for external motors or complex actuation mechanisms while maintaining secure locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing assembly and locking assembly are merged into a single integrated locking device. The pivoting portions serve dual functions as both structural support elements and locking engagement surfaces, reducing the total number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple stage stacking is implemented in the bicycle holding apparatus, then space utilization is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmulti-stage structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bicycle holding apparatus uses nested modular units that can be stacked vertically in multiple stages. Each unit contains the complete locking device, allowing compact vertical stacking while maintaining independent security functionality in each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed as a universal module that can be replicated and stacked multiple times. The same fixing assembly and locking assembly design is used across all stages, simplifying manufacturing and structural planning despite the increased number of units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution provides stable and secure storage of bicycles, preventing theft while allowing easy retrieval and minimizing space usage through multiple stage stacking.

Implementation Method 1

first and second pivoting portions pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets respectively, wherein when the first and second pivoting-driving portions are pivoted downwardly via a load of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3225515B1Locking device and bicycle storing device having same
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 SEOHEONG BICYCLERACK CO LTD
  • EP3225515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225515B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3225515B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure is to provide a locking device capable of easily and conveniently storing an object such as a bicycle, and a bicycle holding apparatus having the locking device. In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a locking device configured to fix and lock an object having an empty space defined therein, wherein the device comprises: a fixing assembly configured to pivot via a load of an object to fix the object; and a locking assembly configured to control a locked or unlocked state of the fixing assembly via a user input operation, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking insert. In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bicycle holding apparatus comprising: a main support supported on a ground and having a predetermined height; a bicycle-support frame having one end supported on the main support and the other end supported on the ground, wherein the bicycle-support frame has an elongate slot defined therein to receive a front wheel and a rear wheel of the bicycle; and the locking device of the first aspect, wherein the locking device is disposed on the bicycle-support frame, wherein the object is the rear wheel of the bicycle, wherein the locking device is configured to fix and lock the rear wheel to the bicycle-support frame.