Wheel Lock Fastener With Protective Cap Against Socket Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel lock systems are ineffective against theft as they lack true locking mechanisms, can be easily removed without keys, and may damage wheels during installation, while anti-theft car alarms are expensive and not specifically designed for wheel protection.
Innovation Solution
An anti-theft locking system featuring a fastener with a locking mechanism and a detachable cap, utilizing unique keys and retractable pins to prevent unauthorized access, along with an adapter for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel locks with theft-deterring sockets are used, then wheel theft protection is improved, but the locking mechanism can be easily bypassed using special sockets that dig into the metal to grip the outside of the wheel lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - a lockable cap that covers and protects the locking mechanism. This cap acts as a mediator between the wheel lock and external tools, preventing direct access to the locking sockets and eliminating the vulnerability to special socket tools while maintaining the security function
2Ease of operation
If traditional wheel locks without protective caps are used, then the locking mechanism is exposed and accessible, but the internal components of the detachable lock are vulnerable to damage and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the fastener with locking mechanism, the protective cap, and the cap key. This segmentation allows the cap to serve as a separate protective layer that can be removed with the unique cap key, providing controlled access while protecting internal components from damage and unauthorized interference
3Reliability
If metal boots that cover entire wheels are used, then wheel protection is improved, but installation and removal require special tools and may incur substantial damages to the wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from the entire-wheel metal boot concept and concentrates it into a localized cap that covers only the fastener area. This extracted protective element can be installed and removed using the unique cap key without requiring special tools, eliminating wheel damage risks while maintaining protection where it is most needed
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects are directed to an anti-theft wheel locking system with independent locking mechanisms configured to protect the wheels and rims of an automobile is disclosed. The anti-theft wheel locking system comprises a fastener with a hollow chamber located on one end of the fastener and a plurality of lock pin slots disposed around an exterior of the fastener; a detachable lock with a plurality of retractable lock pins that match the design and dimensions of the hollow chamber and the lock pin slots respectively; a cap that screws onto a threaded head of the fastener; a cap key configured to unlock the cap via the unique key protrusions located on a bottom of the cap key; and an adapter configured to install and remove the fastener when the detachable lock is removed.