Wheel Lock Device with Encased Lug Nuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle wheel theft is prevalent due to the time-consuming installation of wheel locks and the accessibility of lug nuts to thieves, even when locking mechanisms are used.

Innovation Solution

A wheel lock device with a lockable plate and retention tabs that encase and secure lug nuts, preventing direct access and rotation, using a keyed locking mechanism to ensure the wheel lock device remains in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wheel locks are installed in place of lug nuts, then wheel security is improved, but installation time increases and lug nuts remain accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the wheel lock mechanism with the wheel hub structure by integrating the lock body into the center of the wheel, combining multiple security functions into a single unified component that replaces traditional separate lug nuts and wheel locks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel hub assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the wheel, integrates the locking mechanism, and covers the lug nuts, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If locking mechanisms are used on lug nuts, then wheel security is improved, but lug nuts remain accessible to thieves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel securityVSAvoidlug nut accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is nested within the wheel hub structure, with the lock body integrated into the center and the lug nuts positioned inside the hub assembly, creating a nested configuration where the outer structure protects the inner components from direct access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel hub assembly acts as an intermediary structure that physically blocks access to the lug nuts, preventing thieves from directly reaching the locking mechanisms without first removing or damaging the hub assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wheel locks replace lug nuts, then wheel security is improved, but wheel design characteristics are altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel securityVSAvoidwheel design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is integrated into the center portion of the wheel hub, concentrating the security feature in a localized area that does not alter the overall wheel design or aesthetics, while the rest of the wheel maintains its original characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9969210B1Wheel lock device

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A locking device for a vehicle wheel is disclosed. In some embodiments, the locking device includes a plate having an outer surface and an inner surface and at least one opening extending through the plate, at least one enclosure extending from the inner surface of the plate, at least one retention tab extending from the inner surface of the plate, the retention tab having a lateral locating portion and a radial locating portion having a slot, and at least one lock cylinder extending through the at least one opening, a lock tab connected to the at least one lock cylinder and movable from an unlocked position to a locked position.