OBSIDIAN, the safe and easy bike lock for city commuters.

A tech enabled bike lock for the everyday commuter. Designed to be easy to bring, easy to use, and a strong theft deterrent.

Designed in collaboration with Zach Rogers.

Project duration of 12 weeks.

Protect your bike, with a lock that can’t be picked, and a key that’s always in your pocket.

RFID

Strong, with a titanium alloy core and braided Kevlar exterior. A carbon fiber look and an intimidating chord diameter turn away thieves.

Cable

Recharging every time your bike is outside, with a backup USB-C port for long rainy weeks.

Solar

Reliable and rechargeable, with a simple LED indicator to inform you of the battery level.

Battery

Say “hi!” to Robert.

User & Demographic

A friendly banker on his way to work, loaded down with his laptop, his lunch, and heavy paperwork. The last thing he needs is an awkward bike lock.

Relying on his bike to get around his city, Robert needs to be sure it will be waiting for him when he is ready to head home.

Market Analysis

U-Lock

The U-Lock, originally patented by Kryptonite, is trusted by many commuters. Its strong bent steel body makes it difficult to cut. However, its inflexibility also makes it one of the most difficult locks to transport and operate quickly.

Chain Lock

The chain lock provides a unique mixture of portability and strength. With a concealed link chain wrapped in a layer of tough fabric, it’s easier to use, but also easier to cut. Commuters complain that it is noisy during transportation.

Cable Lock

This most common type of bike lock, ranging in strength and size, is also the least secure. The lock’s distinctive spring cable allows for easy transportation, but many city commuters do not trust the cable lock for all-day security.

Pannier

A commuter’s best friend.

Designed to transport your OBSIDIAN lock, bags, and items without the compromise of reduced comfort or style.

Concepts & Ideation

Two preliminary concepts were developed to explore a redesign of the iconic U-lock.

One concept revolves around a standalone lock featuring a GPS and a speaker eliminating the need for a bike rack or pole. The second explored incorporating a thumbprint scanner with a backup key and a robust, flexible braided cable for simple storage and use.

Through design studio collaboration and interviews with our target demographic, the design direction was refined.

Prototypes & Testing

Key findings through prototyping and testing pointed to the value in flexibility to adapt to any bike and any locking station.

Exploring on-bike storage using a pannier, reducing down to a single locking point, and refining the cable length through prototyping were all crucial to our design process.

Field Exploration

Ergonomics

Function

Usability

Context

Prototype Evaluation

Chord Length

Locking Angle

Chord Thickness

On-Bike Storage

Strength in Simple

A flexible but rugged bike lock. Easier for the commuter, harder for the bike thief.

Faster to use than traditional locks, with one flexible and strong cable. It only takes one tap from your phone or key card to open.

It’s that simple.

Components

Obsidian is composed of a 2-part cast steel shell, welded shut. Acrylic shields allow light to reach the solar cells. Rubber seals cover the RFID reader and create a weatherproof seal to protect the locking mechanism.

Manufacturing

The PCB houses a microprocessor, RFID reader, 4 LEDs, and a small piezo speaker alarm. When OBSIDIAN’s cable is cut, a wire running through it is severed, breaking the circuit and activating the piezo alarm.

Electronics

Mechanics

A solenoid switch releases the lock by activating a custom machined titanium locking lever, designed with the ability to withstand high force.

Mechanism Development

A simple foamcore mechanism helped identify how linear motion can be turned into a tough locking mechanism that resists when pulled on.

Use Cycle

Lock it

Leave it

Tap it

Pull it

RFID Key Card

Use a phone or a keycard and never lose your bike lock key again. A simple tap is all it takes to open the lock. Without a physical key, OBSIDIAN is a lock that can’t be picked.

CMF Exploration

Cobalt blue, titanium white, and argon red options for more a fun and personalized look.

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