Rotating Lock Cable for Personal Mobility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional locking systems for personal mobility vehicles in dynamic transportation networks are often clunky, unintuitive, and prone to user frustration, particularly when locking and unlocking, which can delay trips and increase user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A rotating locking cable and anchor system for a single-sided lock that is less physically cumbersome, compatible with small-wheeled vehicles, and includes a pin that can be easily inserted between spokes to lock and unlock the vehicle, with a pin holster for secure storage when in motion, allowing for secure fastening to various objects without impeding user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable locks are used to secure personal mobility vehicles, then security is improved, but the locking process becomes clunky and interferes with vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into separate functional components: a cable portion for securing to objects, a body portion containing the locking mechanism, and a wheel interaction component. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function efficiently without interfering with vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable cable that can pivot at multiple points, and a wheel that rotates to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. This dynamic design enables smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states without clunky movements.
2Reliability
If traditional locks are used to prevent vehicle theft, then security is improved, but user frustration increases due to unintuitive operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-explanatory and self-operating. The wheel naturally wants to rotate, and users intuitively apply this by turning the wheel to lock or unlock. The cable automatically tensions and secures when the wheel is rotated, eliminating the need for complex user instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock incorporates visual indicators including a transparent window displaying the lock status (locked/unlocked) and color-coded components that guide users through the operation sequence, making the system intuitive even for first-time users.
3Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to personal mobility vehicles, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock integrates multiple functions into a single compact assembly: the cable attaches to the vehicle frame, the body contains the locking mechanism, and the wheel interacts with the vehicle wheel. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is designed with universal applicability across different personal mobility vehicle types. The cable can be secured to various frame configurations, and the wheel mechanism works with different wheel sizes and types, reducing the need for vehicle-specific lock variants.
4Reliability
If traditional cable locks are used to secure vehicles to objects, then security is improved, but the cable may interfere with vehicle operation when unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is designed with multiple pivot points and rotational freedom, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When unlocked, the cable naturally retracts or moves away from the vehicle operation area, eliminating interference with riding or folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is extracted from the main body on flexible linkages, allowing it to be separated from the locking mechanism. This enables the cable to move independently and clear of the vehicle when not in use, while remaining connected for quick re-engagement when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus may include a rotating locking cable and anchor for a lock for wheeled objects, including wheeled vehicles. A rotating locking cable and anchor may securely fasten a lock and/or a component of a lock, such as a pin, to a wheeled vehicle without impeding a user's ability to lock and unlock the lock. In some embodiments, a rotating locking cable may rotate along multiple axes in order to facilitate easy mobility of a pin between a lock and a pin holster. Various other methods, systems, and apparatuses are also disclosed.