Retractable Cable Locking Device with Segmented Rotatable Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for securing articles with retractable cables lack the ability to effectively and efficiently secure multiple stationary objects simultaneously, particularly for heavy objects like bicycles, which require multiple secure points.
Innovation Solution
A retractable cable locking device with multiple rotatable assemblies, locking cables, and lock mechanisms that allow for the secure attachment of a bicycle to multiple stationary objects by manually extending and locking cables around these objects using a unified key for all lock mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking device is used to secure multiple stationary objects, then the device complexity increases, but the security and reliability of securing heavy objects like bicycles improves
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into multiple independent rotatable assemblies (at least three), each with its own locking cable and lock mechanism. Each assembly can independently secure a different stationary object, allowing the device to secure multiple objects simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each rotatable assembly serves multiple functions: it can lock independently, retract automatically, and secure different objects. The unified design allows all assemblies to work together or separately, providing versatile security options for various scenarios such as securing bicycles to multiple stationary objects
2Reliability
If multiple locking cables are used to secure multiple stationary objects, then the time required to secure objects increases, but the reliability of securing heavy objects improves
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cables are designed to be manually extendable and automatically retractable. Users can quickly extend cables when needed and the automatic retraction eliminates the time-consuming task of manually winding or storing cables, significantly reducing the time required to secure multiple objects
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic retraction mechanism allows the locking cables to return to their stored position without user intervention. This self-service feature eliminates the need for users to manually rewind or store each cable after use, reducing the overall time and effort required for the locking process
3Ease of operation
If retractable cables are used instead of fixed cables, then the portability and ease of operation improves, but the reliability of maintaining constant tension for secure locking may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable cables provide dynamic adaptability, allowing users to extend cables to the exact length needed for different securing scenarios. The automatic retraction maintains cable tension by pulling the cable back when not in use, ensuring the locking mechanism remains secure while preserving portability
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable cable locking device, which includes a housing having a top and a bottom, a non-rotatable axle extending between the top and the bottom, a plurality of rotatable assemblies disposed within the housing where each rotatable assembly comprises a rotatable planar member and where each rotatable assembly can be separately rotated around the non-rotatable axle, a plurality of locking cables each having a first end which is attached to a different one of the plurality of planar members, a plurality of locking pins where each locking pin is disposed on a different distal end of a different locking cable, and a plurality of lock mechanisms wherein each lock mechanism will accept and fixture any one of the plurality of locking pins.