RFID Bicycle Locking System with Tilting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for bicycles, particularly in self-service rental systems, are costly to install and do not effectively protect against theft, as they require specific bikes and lack versatility in accommodating various types of bicycles without modification.
Innovation Solution
A locking system comprising a fixed station with a tilting mechanism and a radiofrequency transceiver, where the on-board locking element is permanently clipped to the bicycle, preventing removal and theft, and can be used with any type of bicycle production without modification, utilizing an RFID component and a tilting mechanism with stops to secure the bicycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking bollards are individually sealed to the roadway with underground cables, then the locking system provides secure bicycle restraint, but the installation cost becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical underground cable system with a radiofrequency electromagnetic field-based locking mechanism. The fixed locking station uses an RFID transceiver to communicate with the on-board locking element, eliminating the need for physical underground cable connections while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The on-board locking element is designed to be permanently clipped to the bicycle and compatible with multiple fixed locking stations throughout the network. This universal design allows a single locking element to work with any station in the system, reducing overall system cost and improving ease of manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If autonomous bicycle locking points are distributed along an overhead metal rail, then installation cost is reduced, but the system requires system specific bikes without modification capability
Solution Approach 1:
The on-board locking element is designed as a universal component that can be permanently attached to various types of bicycles. It features a standardized interface that works with any fixed locking station in the network, allowing the system to accommodate different bicycle models without requiring system-specific bikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The on-board locking element is pre-installed and permanently clipped to the bicycle during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action ensures that the locking component is already integrated with the bicycle, eliminating the need for modifications when the bicycle is brought to a locking station.
3Ease of operation
If the on-board locking element can be removed from the bicycle, then the locking system allows flexible bike changes, but theft protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system dynamically controls the state of the on-board locking element. When locked, the element is secured to the bicycle and cannot be removed. When unlocked at a authorized station, the element can be removed. This dynamic control provides both theft protection during use and flexibility when changing bikes through authorized channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed locking station acts as an intermediary that controls the locking state of the on-board element. The RFID transceiver verifies authorization before allowing the locking element to be released from the bicycle, providing a secure intermediate step between the user and the locking mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the wire of the RFID antenna is not cut off when the locking element is removed, then the antenna remains functional, but the locking element can be stolen and reused
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary anti-action by cutting the antenna wire when the locking element is removed from the bicycle. This preventive measure ensures that even if someone attempts to remove and reuse the locking element, the antenna wire will be cut and the element will no longer function, preventing theft and unauthorized reuse.
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 system provides secure locking and unlocking of any type of bicycle, preventing theft and allowing for centralized access control, while reducing installation costs by eliminating the need for underground infrastructure and accommodating various bike types without modification.
Implementation Method 1
a radiofrequency transceiver, and in that the on-board locking element is permanently clipped around an element of the bicycle, an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) component consisting of at least one RF (Radio Frequency) antenna being arranged in the on-board locking element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The system has a fixed locking post comprising a housing to receive an embedded locking element (1) on a self-service vehicle. The post has a tilting mechanism to retain the bicycle in the housing, and a radio frequency transmitter-receiver. The locking element is clipped around a section of an element of the bicycle, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) component is arranged in the locking element. A wire of a radiofrequency (RF) antenna (6) turns the locking element such that the wire is cut when the locking element is dismounted from the vehicle element. An independent claim is also included for a method for locking a bicycle by utilizing a locking system.