The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of an automated handlebar lock that is actuated by a biometric system to lock/unlock the handlebar of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles such as, but not limited to, two-wheelers such as bikes, scooters, and the like are provided with locks for locking the handlebar of the vehicle. Such locks generally comprise locking means disposed of in a casing and an external key to lock/unlock the handlebar of the vehicle. Such locks are widely used in the automobile industry and are commonly known as handlebar locks. However, one major drawback of such locks is that the user has to manually insert the key in the locking means every time he wants to perform the action of locking/unlocking of the handlebar of the vehicle. In the modern era of keyless operation of various functions in vehicles, using a mechanical key to manually lock/unlock the vehicle is a major drawback for manufacturers/users. Another drawback of manually operated handlebar locks is that the manual operation of locking/unlocking may not be swift as the locking means has a number of mating parts. Also, improper operation by the user may cause rough and sluggish locking/unlocking of the handlebar which eventually results in inconvenience to the users.
With the ongoing efforts, a number of arrangements have been proposed to provide an automated handlebar lock in two-wheelers. However, a major disadvantage of such electronic actuated locks is that they require a battery

supply, and in case of emergency i.e., battery drainage the electronic actuated locks cannot be operated to lock/unlock the handlebar lock. Hence, it is required to have a manual override mechanism to operate electronically actuated locking mechanisms. Another disadvantage of these locks is the large size due to the number of gears required to drive a locking means in the lock, thereby resulting in limited application.
In view of the above circumstances, there is an immense need to develop an automated handlebar lock that overcomes one or more problems associated with the existing locks. The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more drawbacks of conventional handlebar locks as described in the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through an automated handlebar lock for vehicles as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an automated handlebar lock for vehicles. The automated handlebar lock for vehicles comprises a housing and a bottom cover defining an encapsulation therebetween. A locking means for selectively locking/unlocking a handlebar of the vehicle. An actuating means is configured to actuate the locking means. A drive mechanism is coupled to the actuating means and is operatively configured with the locking means. A biometric sensor is configured to detect a biometric pattern for user authentication and sends an output signal to an electronic control unit (ECU). After successful authentication, the ECU is configured to operate the actuating means for selectively locking/unlocking the handlebar of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuating means is a motor operable by the ECU.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the biometric sensor is configured for authentication of a user and may be selected from a group of a fingerprint sensor, a facial recognition sensor, or an Iris recognition sensor.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive mechanism comprises a ring gear, a sun gear meshed with a plurality of planet gears which further meshed with the ring gear. The sun gear is rotatable by a drive shaft of the actuating means. The plurality of planet gears are supported between a carrier and the housing. The ring gear comprises a projection extending towards the bottom cover. The projection is provided with a cavity to accommodate a magnet for the position feedback sensor. The drive mechanism is operatively configured with the locking means by a slide plate.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the slide plate comprises a slot configured for receiving the projection such that the locking means translates laterally upon rotary movement of the ring gear to selectively lock/unlock the handlebar of the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ECU is configured with one or more sensors. The ECU is adapted to stop the actuating means upon completion of the locking/unlocking of the locking means, by determining the position of the magnet which is integrated with projection, and the corresponding position of the locking means.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of planet gears are pivoted in corresponding projections formed in the housing.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ring gear is co-axial with the sun gear and defines a rotary movement along axis YY upon rotation of the sun gear.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ECU comprises at least one hall sensor configured to determine the position of magnets integrated with projection in the ring gear and the corresponding position of the locking means.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the biometric sensor is a capacitive fingerprint identification module, or an optical fingerprint identification module mounted on a vehicle panel.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent with reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the automated handlebar lock in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the automated handlebar lock in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the automated handlebar lock in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the automated handlebar lock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the drive mechanism of the automated handlebar lock of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the planetary gear set of the drive mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates the perspective view of the housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates the perspective view of the carrier for supporting the plurality of planet gears, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the outer surface of the ring gear of the drive mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the internal surface of the ring gear of the drive mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of the automated handlebar lock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 illustrates a bottom view of the automated handlebar lock, whereby the locking means is in unlocked condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 13 illustrates a bottom view of the automated handlebar lock, whereby the locking means is in a locked condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 14 illustrates a block diagram of a biometric circuit of the automated handlebar lock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
Before describing in detail, the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with an automated handlebar lock operated with biometry for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various modifications. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain the present disclosure. The invention in respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Reference will now be made to an automated handlebar lock for vehicles which is explained with the help of figures. The figures are for the purpose of illustration only and should not be construed as limitations on the assembly and mechanism of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.
Figures 1 to 14 illustrate an automated handlebar lock (100) which is configured to be operated with a biometric sensor according to the present disclosure. The automated handlebar lock (100) comprises a housing (1) and a bottom cover (14) forming an encapsulation therebetween for accommodating various components of the said lock. A locking means (2) is disposed of in the interior of the encapsulation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The locking means (2) may be operatively engageable with a locking member for selectively locking/unlocking a handlebar of the vehicle (not shown). The automated handlebar lock (100) further comprises an actuating means (9) coupled with a drive mechanism (16) for operating the locking means (2). In a non-

limiting embodiment, the actuating means (9) may be a motor operable by an electronic control unit (ECU). The actuating means (9) can therefore be actuated electronically by means of a switch (not shown) on a switch panel of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating means (9) is actuated after detecting a biometric pattern by using the biometric sensor. In an embodiment, the biometric sensor is configured to detect the biometric pattern and provide an input signal from the user to authenticate and provide an output signal to the ECU. The ECU (5) is configured to operate the actuating means (9) for selectively locking/unlocking the handlebar of the vehicle after successful authentication. In an embodiment, the bottom cover (14) is assembled with the housing (1) by means of fastening means such as a screw (17). A top cover (3) may be mounted externally to secure the actuating means (9) from the external environment.
As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the drive mechanism (16) is a planetary gear arrangement comprising a ring gear (10), a plurality of planet gears (11a, lib, lie), and a sun gear (12). The sun gear (12) is disposed coaxially with the ring gear (10) and is in meshed connection with the ring gear (10) through a plurality of planet gears (11a, lib, lie). In an embodiment, the plurality of planet gears (11a, lib, lie) are pivoted in corresponding pivot points (1A) formed internally in the housing (1). The projections (1A) extend vertically downwards towards the bottom cover (14). In an embodiment, a carrier (13) is disposed below the plurality of planet gears (11a, lib, lie) such that the plurality of planet gears (11a, 1 lb, lie) is supported between the carrier (13) and the housing (1).
In the mounted condition, the sun gear (12) is coupled to a drive shaft of the actuating means (9) such that torque from the actuating means (9) is transmitted to the sun gear (12) upon activation of the actuating means (9). Torque is transmitted from the sun gear (12) to the ring gear (10) through the plurality of planet gears (11a, 1 lb, lie). The ring gear (10) is co-axial with the sun gear (12) and therefore defines a rotary movement about the central axis YY upon rotation of the sun gear (12).

The ring gear (10) comprises a projection (10A) being formed normally along axis YY. The projection (10A) has a generally cylindrical configuration and extends towards the bottom cover (14). Disposed below the ring gear (10) is a retaining plate (7). The retaining plate (7) comprises a slot (7A) having a generally arcuate shape. In the mounted condition, the retaining plate (7) may be fastened to the housing (1) by a fastening means. In this condition, the arcuate slot (7A) is located below the projection (10A) such that the projection (10A) can pass therethrough. The shape and dimensional configuration of the arcuate slot (7A) correspond with the shape and path defined by a rotary movement of the projection (10A) such that the arcuate slot (7A) constrains the rotary movement of the projection (10A). In one embodiment, the said projection (10A) is provided with a cavity (10B) to accommodate a magnet (15) for the position feedback sensor. The projection (10A) is accommodated with the magnet (15).
The drive mechanism (16) is operatively configured with the locking means (2) by a slide plate (6). The slide plate (6) has a generally rectangular configuration and comprises a slot (6A)for receiving the projection (10A). During actuation, the locking means (2) translates laterally upon rotary movement of the ring gear (10) to selectively lock/unlock the handlebar of the vehicle. In a non-limiting embodiment, the handlebar may be in the locked condition when the locking means (2) is in an extended position away from the slide plate (6) as shown in Figure 13. Accordingly, the handlebar may be in the unlocked condition when the locking means (2) is in a retracted position towards the slide plate (6) as shown in Figure 12.
In an embodiment, the ECU (5) may be configured with one or more sensors. The ECU (5) is adapted to regulate the actuating by stopping it upon completion of the locking/unlocking of the locking means (2), by determining the position of the projection (10A) and the corresponding position of the locking means (2). For this purpose, in the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the magnet (15) is

housed inside a cavity (10B) of the projection (10A). The magnet (15) along with at least one hall sensor (5A) provided on the ECU (5) determines the position of projection (10A) in the ring gear (10) and the corresponding position of the locking means (2). Therefore, the ECU (5) stops the motor when the required locking/unlocking motion of locking means (2) has been performed. Figure 11 also illustrates the internal wiring connection of the ECU to the motor (9). The wiring connection, being completely routed inside the housing (1) is protected from any external tampering.
Figure 14 shows a block diagram of a biometric circuit of the automated handlebar lock, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the biometric circuit comprises a power supply and a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor is mounted to a vehicle body for reading a unique identifying characteristic of an individual. In an embodiment, a memory device (not shown) that stores the biometric data of the user is also provided in the biometric circuit. The biometric sensor receives a biometric input and authenticates whether an offered biometric pattern, sensed by the sensor, matches with any of the enrolled biometric data stored in the memory device. In case of a match, the biometric sensor provides an input signal from the user to authenticate and sends an output signal to the ECU (5).
The operation of the automatic handlebar lock operated with the biometric sensor is now explained with the help of a block diagram as shown in Figure 14. On pressing the biometric impression (not shown) on the vehicle panel, the biometric sensor receives the biometric input from the user, i.e., a thumbprint in an embodiment, and provides the output signal to the ECU (5) of biometric data associated with the received thumbprint. The ECU (5) would then search its memory for stored biometric data corresponding to the data associated with the user's thumbprint. Upon successful authentication, the ECU (5) actuates the actuating means (9) to rotate.

The drive shaft of the actuating means (9) drives the sun gear (12) which in turn causes the planet gears (11 A, 11B, 11C) to rotate about their respective axis on the carrier (13). The arrangement allows the planet gears (11 A, 11B, 11C) to freely rotate on their axis and restricts other motions. This rotational movement is transmitted to the ring gear (10). Rotation of motor (9) in one direction drives the ring gear (10) in another direction. The rotational movement of the projection (10A) causes the slide plate (6) to translate inwards towards the housing (1) such that the locking means (2) recedes towards the housing (1), resulting in the desired unlocking of the handlebar of the vehicle. During locking of the said handlebar lock (100), the ECU detects the position of the projection (10A) and the corresponding position of the locking means (2). Accordingly, the actuating means (9) is activated in the opposite direction which results in the locking means (2) translating away from the housing (1) to engage with a locking member, thereby resulting in the locking of the handlebar lock (100).
In an embodiment, the biometric sensor configured for the authentication of the user and to lock/unlock the handlebar lock in the present disclosure may be selected from a group of a fingerprint sensor, a facial recognition sensor, an Iris recognition sensor, or a retina scan. The location of the biometric sensor can be selected as per the convenience and the requirement of the user. For example, the biometric sensor can be shielded from view by an openable cover or obscured behind or underneath a portion of the outside structure of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the biometric sensor is a capacitive fingerprint identification module or an optical fingerprint identification module mounted on a vehicle panel.
It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or

two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Reference numerals:

100 Handlebar Lock
1 Housing
1A Plurality of projections of the housing
2 Locking means
3 Top cover

4 Electronic control unit (ECU) housing
5 Electronic control unit (ECU)
5A Hall Sensor
6 Slide plate
6A Slide plate slot
7 Retaining plate
7A Slot
8 Motor Housing
9 Actuating means
10 Ring Gear
10A Projection of the ring gear
10B Cavity
11 A, 11B, 11C Plurality of Planet Gears
12 Sun Gear
13 Planet Carrier
14 Bottom Cover
15 Magnet
16 Drive Mechanism
17 Plurality of rivets

We claim:

1. An automated handlebar lock (100) for vehicles, comprising;
a housing (1) and a bottom cover (14) defining an encapsulation therebetween;
a locking means (2) for selectively locking/unlocking a handlebar of the vehicle;
an actuating means (9) configured to actuate the locking means (2);
a drive mechanism (16) coupled to the actuating means (9) and operatively configured with the locking means (2);
a biometric sensor configured to detect a biometric pattern for user authentication and sends an output signal to an electronic control unit (ECU);
wherein the ECU (5) is configured to operate the actuating means (9) after successful authentication for selectively locking/unlocking the handlebar of the vehicle.
2. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating means (9) is a motor operable by the ECU (5).
3. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sensor is configured for authentication of a user and may be selected from a group of a fingerprint sensor, a facial recognition sensor, or an Iris recognition sensor.
4. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism (16) comprising:
a ring gear (10);
a sun gear (12) meshed with a plurality of planet gears (11a, lib, lie) which further meshed with the ring gear (10);

the sun gear (12) is rotatable by a drive shaft of the actuating means (9);
the plurality of planet gears (11a, lib, lie) are supported between a carrier (13) and the housing (1);
the ring gear (10) comprises a projection (10A) extending towards the bottom cover (14); the projection (10A) is provided with a cavity (10B) to accommodate a magnet (15) for position feedback sensor;
wherein the drive mechanism (16) is operatively configured with the locking means (2) by a slide plate (6).
5. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the slide plate (6) comprising a slot (6A) for receiving the projection (10A) such that the locking means (2) translates laterally upon rotary movement of the ring gear (10) to selectively lock/unlock the handlebar of the vehicle.
6. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ECU (5) is configured with one or more sensors; the ECU being adapted to stop the actuating means (9) upon completion of the locking/unlocking of the locking means (2), by determining a position of the projection (10A) and the corresponding position of the locking means (2).
7. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of planet gears (11a, lib, lie) are pivoted in corresponding projections (1A) formed in the housing (1).
8. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ring gear (10) is co-axial with the sun gear (12) and defines a rotary movement along axis YY upon rotation of the sun gear (12).

9. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ECU (5) comprises at least one hall sensor (5A) configured to determine the position of projection (10A) in the ring gear (10) and the corresponding position of the locking means (2).
10. The automated handlebar lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sensor is a capacitive fingerprint identification module, or an optical fingerprint identification module mounted on a vehicle panel.