WO2021260521A1

WO2021260521A1 - A lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2021260521A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/055437
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nilesh BOTHRA; Huzaifa HARARWALA; Kunal MOMAYA; Atul ZANJURNE; Rudresh LONKAR; Dhruvin PANDYA
Original assignee: Calamus Electric Private Limited
Priority date: 2020-06-22
Filing date: 2021-06-21
Publication date: 2021-12-30

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a lock assembly (100). A housing (110) includes: at least one locking element adapted to move linearly between a first position defined as the at least one locking element having a first end away from a surface of the disc (150) of the wheel, and a second position defined as the at least one locking element moving towards the disc such that the first extends into any of the slots (154) on the disc of the wheel. A gear train is coupled with the at least one locking element and is adapted to effect linear motion of the at least one locking element between the first position and the second position. An actuator (120) is adapted to actuate the gear train to effect the linear motion of the at least one locking element between the first position and the second position.

Description

A LOCK ASSEMBLY FOR A WHEEL OF A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present disclosure relates, in general, to safety of vehicles against theft. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for a wheel of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[2] Background description includes information that can be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[3] The existing locks such as chain and U-lock tend to be cumbersome, and when not in place must somehow be carried by the rider or secured to the bicycle structure. They also require a stand, pole to which it is physically attached. There is also a possibility that the wheel is removed from the bike, and the rest of the bike can be stolen.

[4] A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, which may be the lock itself. Compared to other locks, chains tend to be heavy, especially in case of long and/or tough chains.

[5] The O-lock or frame lock locks the spokes of the wheel which can easily be damaged as the spokes are very thin. Also, the rider has to bend and lock the bike every time he/she locks/unlocks the bike.

[6] Therefore, there exists a need in the art to provide a reliable and efficient smart locking device that provides improved security and handling.

[7] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[8] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[9] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[10] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[11] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle.

[12] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle that can be remotely actuated.

[13] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle, which is tamper-proof.

[14] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle whose status can be monitored remotely.

[15] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle that is economical and easy to implement. SUMMARY

[16] The present disclosure relates, in general, to safety of vehicles against theft. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism to for a wheel of a vehicle.

[17] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a lockassembly for a wheel of a vehicle, the lockassembly including: a housing adapted for fitment at a frame of the vehicle, at a vicinity of a disc rigidly coupled to the wheel of the vehicle, the disc provided with slots along its circumference. The housing includes: at least one locking element adapted to move linearly between a first position and a second position, the first position defined as the at least one locking element having a first end away from a surface of the disc of the wheel, and the second position defined as the at least one locking element moving towards the disc such that the first end extends into any of the slots on the disc of the wheel; a gear train coupled with the at least one locking element, the gear train adapted to effect linear motion of the at least one locking element between the first position and the second position; and an actuator adapted to actuate the gear train to effect the linear motion of the at least one locking element between the first position and the second position. Upon receipt of a lock signal, the actuator is adapted to effect movement of the at least one locking element from the first position to the second position, and, at the second position, the at least one locking element moves towards the disc such that the first end extends into any of the slots on the disc of the wheel to restrict motion of the disc along axis of rotation of the wheel, thereby restricting the rotation of the wheel.

[18] In an aspect, the lock assembly can include: two locking elements adapted to move linearly between a first position and a second position, the first position defined as the two locking elements having a first end each away from a surface of the disc of the wheel, and the second position defined as the two locking elements moving towards the disc such that the corresponding first ends at least extends to the surface of the disc of the wheel. Upon receipt of the lock signal, the actuator is configured to effect movement of the two locking elements from the first position to the second position, and at the second position, the two locking elements move towards the disc such that the first end of at least one of the two locking elements extends into any of the slots on the disc of the wheel to restrict motion of the disc along axis of rotation of the wheel, thereby restricting the rotation of the wheel.

[19] In an aspect, upon receipt of an unlock signal, the actuator is adapted to effect movement of the at least one locking element from the second position to the first position, and at the first position, the first end of the at least one locking element is away from the disc, thereby allowing for free rotation of the disc and, consequently, the wheel. [20] In an aspect, the at least one locking element includes a spring element that forms at least a portion of the body of the at least one locking element, and wherein the spring element increases linear force acting on the surface of the disc by the first end of the at least one locking element, thereby increasing the force of friction between the first end of the at least one locking element.

[21] In an aspect, the lock signal is provided to the actuator through a wired connection.

[22] In an aspect, the unlock signal is provided to the actuator through a wired connection.

[23] In an aspect, the gear train is a rack and pinion assembly.

[24] In an aspect, a display unit is operatively coupled to the actuator, the display unit adapted to display a current position of the at least one locking element of the lock assembly.

[25] In an aspect, the display unit is adapted to indicate an error when current position of the at least one locking element is not congruent to receipt, by the actuator, of any of the lock signal and the unlock signal.

[26] In an aspect, the lock assembly includes a tamper detection mechanism.

[27] In an aspect, the tamper detection mechanism is a theft alarm system based on light indication, or hom sound, or haptic feedback indication.

[28] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[29] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[30] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[31] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the lock assembly implemented at a wheel of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[32] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[33] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[34] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[35] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. [36] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non - claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[37] The present disclosure relates, in general, to safety of vehicles against theft. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism to for a wheel of a vehicle.

[38] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle, the lock assembly including: a housing adapted for fitment at a frame of the vehicle, at a vicinity of a disc rigidly coupled to the wheel of the vehicle, the disc provided with slots along its circumference. The housing includes: at least one locking element adapted to move linearly between a first position and a second position, the first position defined as the at least one locking element having a first end away from a surface of the disc of the wheel, and the second position defined as the at least one locking element moving towards the disc such that the first end extends into any of the slots on the disc of the wheel; a gear train coupled with the at least one locking element, the gear train adapted to effect linear motion of the at least one locking element between the first position and the second position; and an actuator adapted to actuate the gear train to effect the linear motion of the at least one locking element between the first position and the second position. Upon receipt of a lock signal, the actuator is adapted to effect movement of the at least one locking element from the first position to the second position, and, at the second position, the at least one locking element moves towards the disc such that the first end extends into any of the slots on the disc of the wheel to restrict motion of the disc along axis of rotation of the wheel, thereby restricting the rotation of the wheel.

[39] In an embodiment, the lock assembly can include: two locking elements adapted to move linearly between a first position and a second position, the first position defined as the two locking elements having a first end each away from a surface of the disc of the wheel, and the second position defined as the two locking elements moving towards the disc such that the corresponding first ends at least extends to the surface of the disc of the wheel. Upon receipt of the lock signal, the actuator is configured to effect movement of the two locking elements from the first position to the second position, and at the second position, the two locking elements move towards the disc such that the first end of at least one of the two locking elements extends into any of the slots on the disc of the wheel to restrict motion of the disc along axis of rotation of the wheel, thereby restricting the rotation of the wheel.

[40] In another embodiment, upon receipt of an unlock signal, the actuator is adapted to effect movement of the at least one locking element from the second position to the first position, and at the first position, the first end of the at least one locking element is away from the disc, thereby allowing for free rotation of the disc and, consequently, the wheel.

[41] In another embodiment, the at least one locking element includes a spring element that forms at least a portion of the body of the at least one locking element, and wherein the spring element increases linear force acting on the surface of the disc by the first end of the at least one locking element, thereby increasing the force of friction between the first end of the at least one locking element.

[42] In another embodiment, the gear train is a rack and pinion assembly.

[43] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lock assembly 100 can include a housing 110 (a representative figure is shown but can take various forms and shapes based on various needs, functions, and aspects associated with the lock assembly 100 as appreciated by those skilled in the art) which can have a first pinion 112, a second pinion 114, a first rack 116, and a second rack 118. The first pinion 112 can be operatively connected to the first rack 116 while the second pinion 114 can be operatively connected to the second rack 118. The first pinion 112 can also be operatively connected to the second pinion 114. The first pinion 112 is further operatively connected to an actuator 120 which is configured to actuate the first pinion 112. With regards to the mentioned operative connection configurations, the first pinion 112, in a locking position, rotates about its axis thereby causing a rotation of the second pinion 114 about the second pinion’s 114 axis. In the same locking position, the first rack 116 is configured to move linearly in the direction “L” (shown in FIG. 2) by virtue of its operative connection with the first pinion 112. Similarly, in the same locking position, the second rack 118 is configured to move linearly in the direction “L” by virtue of its operative connection with the second pinion 114 where the second pinion 114 is configured for the above-mentioned rotational motion by virtue of its operative connection with the first pinion 112.

[44] The actuator 120 can typically be a DC motor or other motor known in the art that is capable of providing a rotational motion to the first pinion 112. In some embodiments, the lock assembly 100 can include multiple pinions and racks, similar to the pinions 112, 114, and the racks 116, 118, and the pinions and racks can accordingly function in like manner as provided herein. In other embodiments, the pinions and the racks can have multifarious configurations that can serve to provide the function of the lock assembly 100 as mentioned herein.

[45] The lock assembly 100 is also capable of an unlocking position. In an unlocking position, the first pinion 112 is configured to rotate about its axis thereby causing a rotation of the second pinion 114 about the second pinion’s 114 axis. This rotation aspect can be in a direction opposite to the rotation aspect associated with the locking position as can be appreciated. In the same unlocking position, the first rack 116 is configured to move linearly in the direction opposite to the direction “L” by virtue of its operative connection with the first pinion 112. Similarly, in the same unlocking position, the second rack 118 is configured to move linearly in the direction opposite to the direction “L” by virtue of its operative connection with the second pinion 114 where the second pinion 114 is configured for the above-mentioned rotational motion by virtue of its operative connection with the first pinion 112.

[46] Referring again to FIG. 1, the lock assembly 100 can also include a first shaft

132, and a second shaft 134. The shafts 132, 134 can be in respective connection with the racks 116, 118 by means of two respective spring mechanisms 142, 144 (first and second respectively). The spring mechanisms 142, 144 are capable of providing a reversionary or retreating function as can be appreciated. In other words, the spring mechanisms 142, 144 are capable of an expanded position and a compressed position as can be appreciated. Therefore, in some embodiments, the spring mechanisms 142, 144 can be based on other similar devices capable of providing the same functions. The expanded position is typically the position where the spring mechanisms 142, 144 are at rest while the compressed position is typically the position where the spring mechanisms 142, 144 are in motion as can be appreciated. The spring mechanisms 142, 144 are operatively coupled to the respective racks 116, 118 at one end (the end being the same for both the respective spring mechanisms 142, 144) and operatively coupled to the respective shafts 132, 134 at another end as can be seen from FIG. 1. The operative coupling, in this case, can be attributed to the linear movement aspect of the shafts 132, 134. In other words, the respective pinions 112, 114 work respectively with the respective racks 116, 118 to cause respective linear movements as to the spring mechanisms 142, 144 and as to the respective shafts 132, 134.

[47] In another embodiment, the lock signal is provided to the actuator 120 through a wired connection. [48] In another embodiment, the unlock signal is provided to the actuator 120 through a wired connection.

[49] In another embodiment, a display unit is operatively coupled to the actuator 120, the display unit adapted to display a current position of the at least one locking element of the lock assembly.

[50] In another embodiment, the display unit is adapted to indicate an error when current position of the at least one locking element is not congruent to receipt, by the actuator 120, of any of the lock signal and the unlock signal.

[51] In another embodiment, the lock assembly includes a tamper detection mechanism.

[52] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the lock assembly 100 implemented at a wheel of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[53] FIG. 2 shows the lock assembly 100 in an implemented position on a respective vehicle (not shown) which includes a disc 150 associated with a wheel (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The disc 150 can include a contact surface 152 that can come in contact with the shafts 132, 134 in the locking position and the unlocking position. In an embodiment, in the locking position, the shafts 132, 134, through their respective contact surfaces, are configured to register with the contact surface 152 linearly and cause the disc 150 to remain locked based on the pressure exerted upon the contact surface 152 by the respective shafts 132, 134. The locked status of the disc 150 here can refer to the status of the disc 150 being in a stationary state i.e. the disc 150 is caused to have negligibly minimal movement, either rotational or otherwise, or have no movement whatsoever. In an unlocked position, the shafts 132, 134 are configured to retreat and remain in an initial state. In an embodiment, the disc 150 is typically associated with a vehicle which can include a two-wheeler, a three-wheeler, a four-wheeler, or any vehicle capable of having a wheel and an associated disc known in the art.

[54] In another embodiment, the locking assembly 100 can be provided with a slot assembly having a plurality of slots 154disposed on an opposite side to the disc 150 as shown in FIG. 2. The lock assembly 100 can be installed at the wheel such that the shafts 132, 134, upon extension are adapted to extend individually into at least one slot associated with the plurality of slots 154. The plurality of slots 154 can be disposed about the contact surface 152 as shown in FIG. 2 in some embodiments. The number of slots in the plurality of slots 154 corresponds to the number of shafts 132, 134 as the slots are capable of and are configured to receive the shafts 132, 134 in a locking position. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment in FIGs. 1 & 2, it is to be appreciated that there may be two slots as to the plurality of slots 154 with one slot being visible in FIG. 2.

[55] In another embodiment, when the lock assembly 100 is actuated, the shafts 132, 134 are moved towards the disc 150 such that at least one of the shafts (132 or 134) can enter any of the slots 154. The other shaft (132 or 134) is blocked from entering a slot (associated with the plurality of slots 154) due to the alignment of the disc 150. The force of extension of the second shaft (can be 132 or 134 as can be appreciated)is absorbed by the spring of the second shaft (can be 132 or 134 as can be appreciated).

[56] In another embodiment, in such a state, when there is an attempt to force the vehicle to move, the disc 150 can align such that the second shaft (can be 132 or 134 as can be appreciated)also slides into a slot (associated with the plurality of slots 154) of the disc 150, thereby providing additional protection for the vehicle against forced movement.

[57] In an embodiment, both the shafts 132, 134 are configured to move, get received into their respective plurality of slots 154 thereby causing a locking position for the vehicle associated. It may occur that one of the shafts 132, 134 may face hindrance from either the disc 150 or any other component associated with the vehicle and in such case, any one of the spring mechanisms 142, 144 can respectively get compressed by registering against the disc 150 or a component and thus allow the other shaft (132 or 134) to register and be received at one slot of the plurality of slots 154.

[58] In an embodiment, the shafts 132, 134 (whichever may be engaged in a locked position with at least one slot of the plurality of slots 154) may not disengage from the at least one slot unless the control unit signals to that effect. In another embodiment, both shafts 132, 134, may be received into two slots associated with the plurality of slots 154 simultaneously.

[59] The lock assembly 100 can further include a control unit (not shown) configured to control the locked position and the unlocked position of the lock assembly 100. In an embodiment, the control unit can be a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to toggle the lock assembly 100 into a locked position or an unlocked position. Thus, in a locked position, the control unit can receive an instruction from a user as to the locked position, and by virtue of its connection with the actuator 120, can cause the rotational motion of the first pinion 112 with respect to the direction “L” as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1. The first pinion 112 by virtue of its operative connection with the first rack 116 causes the linear movement of the first rack 116 thereby causing the first shaft 132 to register onto at least one slot of the plurality of slots 154. The registering of the first shaft 132 onto at least one slot of the plurality of slots 154can occur if a space exists between the at least one slot of the plurality of slots 154and the first shaft 132, i.e. if there is no hindrance that could be caused by another component of the associated vehicle or if there is no access to theat least one slot of the plurality of slots 154. The second pinion 114 by virtue of its operative connection with the first pinion 112 causes the linear movement of the second rack 118 in the same manner.

[60] The control unit (not shown) can also include a feedback mechanism (not shown) configured to process the completion of one or more cycles as to the locked position or the unlocked position. The feedback mechanism can be a limit detector mechanism in an embodiment. The limit detector mechanism can be based on sensors known in the art or other forms of measurement devices known in the art. In one embodiment, the limit detector mechanism is configured to convey to the control unit that a given shaft (132 or 134) has achieved a pre-conditioned linear movement distance so the control unit can process that pre conditioned linear movement distance so as to pause further linear movement as to the shafts 132, 134. The pre-conditioned linear movement distance, as the name implies, refers to the distance travelled by the shafts 132, 134 towards the contact surface 152 or the plurality of slots 154 with respect to either the locked position or the unlocked position. As such, the control unit can control the distance travelled by the shafts 132, 134 with regards to the locked position or the unlocked position. In one embodiment, the limit detector mechanism can be a mechanical switch assembly based on an OEM component and can include a plurality of housings 162 having respective plurality of fin members 164 as shown in FIG. 1. The mechanical switch assembly can be operatively coupled with the control unit. The plurality of fin members 164 can be configured to retreat into their respectiveplurality of housings 162 after linear movement of the shafts 132, 134 and registering upon the plurality of slots 154. The control unit can detect and the process the retreated status of theplurality of fin members 164to cause any subsequent linear movements of the shafts 132, 134, the linear movements being associated with the locking position. While this is a representative embodiment of the limit detector mechanism, it is to be appreciated that other embodiments are also possible and are therefore envisioned without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[61] The lock assembly 100 can also include a display unit which may be in communicative connection with the control unit and can facilitate the conveyance of information as to whether the lock assembly 100 is in a locked position or an unlocked position. The display unit can also facilitate the display modes as can be appreciated (for example, the tampering).

[62] The lock assembly 100 can also include a tamper detection mechanism (not shown) configured to detect tampering of the lock assembly 100. The tamper detection mechanism can be an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which is an electronic device that measures and reports a body's specific force, angular rate, and sometimes the orientation of the body, using a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and sometimes magnetometers, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The IMU can be configured to detect a tampering of a respective vehicle upon which the lock assembly 100 has been implemented. In other words, the IMU can detect tampering by being configured to detect inertia of the whole vehicle and convey the same to a user’s computing device based on a pre-defined threshold inertia value. The control unit can facilitate this aspect and the display unit can convey the same to a user.

[63] In some embodiments, the tamper detection mechanisms can include theft alarm systems such as those based on lights, horn, or haptic feedback indication. The “lights” in the aforementioned can be a light indication feature. The “horn” in the aforementioned can be a hom sound feature. The “haptic feedback indication” in the aforementioned can be a haptic feedback indication feature. Thus, in some embodiments, following tamper detection of the lock assembly 100, the control unit can be configured to cause a light associated with vehicle upon which the lock assembly 100 has been implemented to glow such that an on looker may appreciate the tampering of the vehicle. Thus, in some embodiments, following tamper detection of the lock assembly 100, the control unit can be configured to cause a hom associated with vehicle upon which the lock assembly 100 has been implemented to sound such that an on-looker may appreciate the tampering of the vehicle. Thus, in some embodiments, following tamper detection of the lock assembly 100, the control unit can be configured to cause an alarm activation based on a haptic feedback that may be received by the control unit following a touch by an entity upon any component associated with vehicle upon which the lock assembly 100 has been implemented. Thus, it is to again be appreciated that for the above-mentioned tamper detection mechanisms’ types, operative connections with the control unit and other related instant components, electrical circuitries that enable such functions, or material and components that facilitate the enablement of those functions are implied.

[64] In some embodiments, the lock assembly 100 can include a plurality of control units (similar to the one provided above) wherein each task or function associated with the lock assembly 100 can be handled by each one of the plurality of the control units. This can include the aspect of the locked position, or the unlocked position, or the tamper detection mechanism.

[65] It is to be appreciated that since there are two shafts, when the vehicle is moved in locked state, both the shafts engage, providing a mechanical alert to auser. The vehicle can include any mode of transport include a motorbike, or a bicycle. It is to be appreciated that the lock assembly 100 can be implemented in any machinery where such a locking need is extant and where such instant support components including the slots 154, the disc 150 may be extant.

[66] For the purposes of the present disclosure, it is to be appreciated that the arrangement associated with the first pinion 112, second pinion 114, first rack 116, and second rack 118 can be an embodiment associated with gear train. The locking elements (including all its variants thereof) can be an embodiment associated with the first shaft 132 or the second shaft 134. The locking elements (including all its variants thereof; i.e. including the at least one locking element) can also be an embodiment associated with the first shaft 132 or the second shaft 134 in addition to their respective spring mechanisms 142, 144. In other words, in one embodiment, the locking elements (including all its variants thereof) can include respective racks 116, 118, respective spring mechanisms 142, 144, and respective shafts 132, 134 as forming either the whole body of the respective locking elements or at least a portion of the body of the respective locking elements. Further, the locking elements’ adaptations as to their respective locking and unlocking positions can be respectively the first position and the second position with the first spring mechanism 142 and the second spring mechanism 144 being a salient part thereof to effect the locking and the unlocking position (i.e. the first position and the second position). The actuator 120 can be embodiment of the control unit.

[67] It is to be appreciated that the components of the lock assembly 100 can be made based on any known materials in the art including metals, plastics, or the like, or other materials as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art. It is also to be appreciated that the components of the lock assembly 100 can be manufactured by means of any manufacturing methods known in the art including additive manufacturing, or injection moulding.

[68] Thus, the present invention relates generally to a lock assembly, more specifically a bicycle lock with smart and advance technology, which can be integrated in frame rear dropout. It includes many features like anti-theft alarm, dual shaft system, keyless operation, and self-aligning mechanism. The idea behind the smart lock was to create an all- new locking mechanism which is very intuitive, simple, and minimal yet multiplies the security quotient. The lock assembly can be stealthy in such a way that it does not stand out on the bicycle frame unlike the available options in the market. The lock assembly can be camouflaged and perform its work of security most promisingly.

[69] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive patent matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “includes” and “including” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practised with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[70] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE DISCLOSURE

[71] The present disclosure provides a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle. [72] The present disclosure provides a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle that can be remotely actuated.

[73] The present disclosure provides a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle, which is tamper-proof. [74] The present disclosure provides a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle whose status can be monitored remotely.

[75] The present disclosure provides a lock assembly for a wheel of a vehicle that is economical and easy to implement.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A lock assembly (100) for a wheel of a vehicle, said lock assembly (100) characterized by comprising: a housing (110) adapted for fitment at a frame of the vehicle, at a vicinity of a disc (150) rigidly coupled to the wheel of the vehicle, said disc (150) provided with slots (154) along its circumference, said housing (110) comprising: at least one locking element adapted to move linearly between a first position and a second position, the first position defined as the at least one locking element having a first end away from a surface (152) of the disc (150) of the wheel, and the second position defined as the at least one locking element moving towards the disc (150) such that the first end extends into any of the slots (154) on the disc (150) of the wheel; a gear train coupled with the at least one locking element, said gear train adapted to effect linear motion of the at least one locking element between the first position and the second position; and an actuator (120) adapted to actuate the gear train to effect the linear motion of the at least one locking element between the first position and the second position, wherein, upon receipt of a lock signal, the actuator (120) is adapted to effect movement of the at least one locking element from the first position to the second position, and wherein, at the second position, the at least one locking element moves towards the disc (150) such that the first end extends into any of the slots (154) on the disc (150) of the wheel to restrict motion of the disc (150) along axis of rotation of the wheel, thereby restricting the rotation of the wheel; and wherein, upon receipt of an unlock signal, the actuator (120) is adapted to effect movement of the at least one locking element from the second position to the first position; and wherein, at the first position, the first end of the at least one locking element is away from the disc (150), thereby allowing for free rotation of the disc (150) and, consequently, the wheel; and wherein the gear train is a rack and pinion assembly.

2, The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock assembly (100) comprises: two locking elements adapted to move linearly between a first position and a second position, the first position defined as the two locking elements having a first end each away from a surface (152) of the disc (150) of the wheel, and the second position defined as the two locking elements moving towards the disc (150) such that the corresponding first ends at least extends to the surface (152) of the disc (150) of the wheel, wherein, upon receipt of the lock signal, the actuator (120) is configured to effect movement of the two locking elements from the first position to the second position, and wherein, at the second position, the two locking elements move towards the disc (150) such that the first end of at least one of the two locking elements extends into any of the slots (154) on the disc (150) of the wheel to restrict motion of the disc (150) along axis of rotation of the wheel, thereby restricting the rotation of the wheel.

3. The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one locking element comprises a spring element (142, 144) that forms at least a portion of the body of the at least one locking element, and wherein the spring element (142, 144) increases linear force acting on the surface (152) of the disc (150) by the first end of the at least one locking element, thereby increasing the force of friction between the first end of the at least one locking element.

4, The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock signal is provided to the actuator (120) through a wired connection.

5, The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unlock signal is provided to the actuator (120) through a wired connection.

6. The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a display unit is operatively coupled to the actuator (120), said display unit adapted to display a current position of the at least one locking element of the lock assembly (100).

7, The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit is adapted to indicate an error when current position of the at least one locking element is not congruent to receipt, by the actuator (120), of any of the lock signal and the unlock signal.

8. The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein of the lock assembly (100) comprises a tamper detection mechanism; wherein the tamper detection mechanism is a theft alarm system based on light indication, or horn sound, or haptic feedback indication.