Adjustable Vehicle Flag Holder With Vibration-Damping Rack Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flag holders for vehicles lack adaptability to various truck bed sizes and do not effectively address vibration and illumination needs, making them inefficient and costly to implement.

Innovation Solution

A flag holder with telescopic segments for adjustable fit, bumpers for leveling and vibration reduction, and a light assembly for illumination, utilizing a rack assembly with interconnected tubes, clamp assembly for secure mounting, and LED lighting for visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size flag holder is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot adapt to various truck bed sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various truck bed sizesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flag holder incorporates a telescopic mechanism with movable segments that can extend and retract to accommodate different truck bed widths. The distal segment can slide relative to the proximal segment, allowing the flag holder to dynamically adjust its size while maintaining structural integrity through connecting pins and joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flag holder is divided into multiple segments (proximal segment, distal segment, and connecting elements) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for strength while enabling overall adaptability through relative movement between segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic adjustments are added to fit various truck beds, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit to various truck bed sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic mechanism uses simple sliding joints and connecting pins that can be manufactured using standard fabrication processes. The dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through basic mechanical elements rather than complex actuators or motors, keeping manufacturing costs reasonable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic flag holder serves multiple functions: it adapts to different truck bed sizes, provides secure flag mounting, and maintains structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate products, thereby lowering overall manufacturing and inventory costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If bumpers are added for leveling and vibration reduction, then stability and comfort improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling and vibration resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Bumpers are integrated into the flag holder structure to provide vibration damping and shock absorption before vibrations can affect the flag mounting. These bumpers are positioned to contact the truck bed surface, cushioning impacts and reducing vibrations in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The bumpers are merged with the flag holder structure rather than being separate components. This integration achieves vibration reduction and leveling functions while minimizing additional complexity, as the bumpers serve both protective and structural roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Illumination intensity

If a light assembly is added for illumination, then visibility and safety improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexterior and interior illuminationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light assembly is merged with the flag holder structure, with lights positioned to illuminate both the exterior surroundings and the interior flag mounting area. This integration achieves dual illumination functions without requiring separate lighting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light assembly serves multiple purposes: illuminating the flag for visibility, lighting the surrounding area for safety, and potentially indicating the flag holder's presence. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive illumination from a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a versatile, cost-effective, and durable flag holder that fits multiple vehicle sizes, reduces vibrations, and offers adjustable illumination, enhancing usability and safety while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a telescopic segment (25) at the distal end of the rack assembly (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTelescopic mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

bumpers (23) mounted to the rack assembly (20) for leveling and counteract vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

LED strip (102) mounted to the rack assembly (20) that luminate the exterior and interior of the rack assembly (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11756460B1Flag holder for vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.09.12 MINGEE JOHN
  • US11756460B1 patent drawing
  • US11756460B1 patent drawing
  • US11756460B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A flag holder for vehicles including a rack assembly and a clamp assembly is disclosed. These assemblies in conjunction with one another provide a simple solution to retrofitting a flag holder to various pickup truck bed sizes. The rack assembly includes multiple pole sleeves linked together through horizontal segments that run parallel to the truck bed edge the rack assembly is mounted on. The clamp assembly includes a gripping member and a securing member that can tighten and loosen the present invention from the truck bed via a knob. The horizontal segments as well as the pole sleeves include an attachment portion for bumpers to be mounted to. The bumpers help level the rack assembly as well as protect the present invention and vehicle from damage while the vehicle is in motion. Also disclosed is a light assembly that is capable of illuminating face plates from the interior or exterior.