Rotating Stirrup Bicycle Lock for Compact Frame Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bicycle locks, particularly U-locks, are bulky and difficult to carry due to their rigid structure, discouraging their use despite their security features, and existing solutions do not adequately address this issue.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle lock with rotating bars that can be retracted and deployed laterally, featuring a compact design and additional attachment points to secure it to the frame, reducing bulk and enabling easy transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lock is made rigid for security, then security effectiveness is improved, but transportability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity effectivenessVSAvoidtransportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stirrup lock incorporates rotating bars that can pivot between locked and retracted positions. The bars rotate around their longitudinal axes, transforming the lock from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts its configuration. This allows the lock to maintain rigidity when securing the bicycle while becoming compact for transport by rotating the bars parallel to each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the lock structure is made rigid, then security effectiveness is improved, but device bulk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity effectivenessVSAvoiddevice bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lock transitions from a bulky static U-shape to a compact dynamic configuration through bar rotation. When retracted, the bars rotate to lie parallel to each other, reducing the overall volume and bulk of the device while maintaining the structural integrity needed for security when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating bar mechanism allows the stirrup structure to nest into a more compact form. The bars can be positioned close together in the retracted state, creating a nested configuration that minimizes the space occupied by the lock device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the lock is made entirely rigid, then security effectiveness is improved, but attachment stability to vehicle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity effectivenessVSAvoidattachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating bars provide dynamic adjustment capability that enhances attachment stability. The bars can be rotated to align with and contact the vehicle frame at optimal points, creating stable attachment geometry. This dynamic positioning allows the lock to adapt to different frame shapes and sizes while maintaining stable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4574636B1Anti-theft device for a cycle-type vehicle, such as a bicycle, and associated methods

Publication Date: 2026.05.13 ETAB THIRARD

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an anti-theft device (1) for a cycle-type vehicle, such as a bicycle, the device (1) comprising: - a locking housing (3); and - a stirrup (2) configured to be mounted in the housing (2) so as to close the device (1), the stirrup (2) comprising a first bar (4a) and a second bar (4b) which are not rectilinear and extend respectively along a first axis (Xa) and a second axis (Xb) distinct from the first axis (Xa), the first (4a) and second (4b) bars being movable in rotation respectively around the first (Xa) and second (Xb) axes so as to deploy or retract the stirrup (2).