Self-Aligning Bicycle Lock with Elastic Latching Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle locks require precise mechanical alignment, leading to poor user experience and potential security risks, and electrical locks face reliability issues due to misalignment and wear, necessitating manual debugging.
Innovation Solution
A lock system with an elastic transmission component connecting the driving block and driven block, allowing for automatic alignment and unlocking, and featuring position detection components to ensure secure locking and prevent damage to the power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical lock with strict alignment requirement is used, then the locking structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the alignment parameter from strict point-to-point alignment to a range of acceptable angles. The conical surface allows the latching tongue to engage the locking hole within a certain angular tolerance, transforming the binary alignment state into a continuous range of valid positions, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the latching tongue can rotate and adapt its angle during the locking process. The elastic component enables the system to dynamically find the correct alignment position rather than requiring precise pre-alignment, making the locking operation more convenient.
2Ease of operation
If an electrical lock with electromagnetic drive is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to misalignment and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an elastic component that acts as a cushion before the latching tongue engages the locking hole. This elastic element absorbs misalignment errors and prevents direct impact between the latching tongue and locking hole, reducing wear and preventing stalling of the electromagnetic motor, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component serves as an intermediary between the electromagnetic drive and the latching tongue. It mediates the force transmission, allowing the motor to drive the latching tongue without direct rigid connection, thus preventing motor stalling and reducing wear on the latching tongue while maintaining reliable locking.
3Device complexity
If manual debugging is required for electrical locks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient debugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-alignment and self-debugging mechanism. The elastic component and conical surface automatically adjust the alignment between the latching tongue and locking hole during operation, eliminating the need for manual debugging. The system self-corrects alignment errors, making the device easier to operate without increasing control system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the latching tongue is not aligned with the locking hole, then the ease of operation improves by allowing free rotation, but the reliability deteriorates due to easy wear and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component provides beforehand cushioning that protects the latching tongue and locking hole from damage during misalignment. It absorbs the impact and reduces friction wear when the latching tongue passes through the locking hole at non-perfect alignment angles, maintaining component durability while allowing rotation freedom.
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
Ensures secure and convenient locking without alignment dependency, reduces wear and tear on components, and prolongs the lock's service life by preventing overloading and damage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic transmission component connected between the driving block and the driven block in a transmission manner
Data Source
AI summary
A lock and a bicycle are provided. The lock includes a power source, a driving block, a driven assembly and an elastic transmission. The driving block is connected to the power source in a transmission manner. The driving block is capable of moving between a first position and a second position under drive of the power source. The driven assembly includes a driven block and a latching tongue connected to each other, and the driven assembly is capable of moving between a locking position and an unlocking position. The elastic transmission component is connected between the driving block and the driven block in a transmission manner, and when the driving block is disposed on the second position, the elastic transmission component has a tendency to drive the driven assembly to move to the locking position.