Single-Sided Wheel Lock Pin for Easier Vehicle Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) in dynamic transportation networks are cumbersome, unintuitive, and can interfere with vehicle operation, leading to user frustration and trip delays.
Innovation Solution
A single-sided lock mechanism that includes a pin inserted between wheel spokes to secure the vehicle, with a rotating locking cable and a pin holster to prevent misplacement, and a mechanism to prevent accidental re-locking, enhancing user experience and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cable lock is used to lock a personal mobility vehicle, then the vehicle security is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to clunky mechanism and interference with vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking element that engages with the wheel, a cable for securing, and a holster for storage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, making the lock less clunky and easier to operate while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock transitions from a traditional two-sided cable lock to a single-sided design where the locking element operates on one side of the wheel. This dimensional change simplifies the operation by eliminating the need to route cable through multiple sides, reducing complexity and interference with vehicle operation.
2Reliability
If a traditional lock mechanism is used, then vehicle security is provided, but loss of time increases due to trip delays from locking and unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is pre-configured with the locking element positioned to engage automatically when the wheel is turned, and the holster is pre-positioned to receive the locking element. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid locking and unlocking operations, minimizing trip delay while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If a traditional cable lock is used, then vehicle security is improved, but device complexity increases leading to user frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The complex cable routing and multi-component mechanism of traditional cable locks is extracted and replaced with a simplified single-sided design. The locking element is removed from the complex cable system and integrated with the wheel structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining security functionality.
4Reliability
If a traditional lock system is used, then vehicle security is provided, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into modular components (locking element, cable, holster) that can be manufactured separately and assembled simply. This segmentation improves ease of manufacture by allowing each component to be produced using standard processes and assembled through straightforward integration, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus may include a pin that is pushed in between two spokes of a wheel to lock the vehicle and removed from between the spokes of the wheel to unlock the vehicle. In one embodiment, a single-sided lock may include a pin holster for securing the pin while the vehicle is unlocked. In some embodiments, a single-sided lock mechanism may be permanently affixed to and/or built in to a vehicle, increasing the ease of use of the single-sided lock by preventing users from misplacing the lock. In one embodiment, a single-sided lock may include a mechanism for preventing accidental re-locking of a lock that has just been unlocked, further improving the user experience. Various other methods, systems, and apparatuses are also disclosed.