Clamp with Moveable Member for Towing Mirror Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing mirror designs face challenges in accommodating diverse wing mirror designs, particularly modern curved mirrors, due to complexity in providing a universal fixing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a moveable clamping member that integrates both arm and wing mirror fixation, utilizing a single adjustable element, allowing for rotation to match curvature and simplify the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp with two adjustable elements is used to fix both the wing mirror and the arm, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate fixing functions (securing the wing mirror and securing the arm) into a single moveable clamping member. This single element performs both functions simultaneously, reducing the number of adjustable elements from two to one while maintaining connection stability through integrated dual-function design
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable clamping member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to clamp the wing mirror and to clamp the arm. This universal element replaces two separate specialized elements, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable connections at both locations
2Reliability
If a clamp with two adjustable elements is used to fix both the wing mirror and the arm, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate fixing operations (securing the wing mirror and securing the arm) into a single moveable clamping member. This single element performs both functions simultaneously, reducing the number of adjustable elements from two to one while maintaining connection stability through integrated dual-function design
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable clamping member is designed to automatically perform both fixing functions through a single user action. When the user adjusts this single element, it simultaneously secures both the wing mirror and the arm, making the installation process simpler and more user-friendly
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used in the clamp design, then the adaptability to different wing mirror curvatures is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable gripping element that can be positioned at different angles relative to the frame. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the clamp to adapt to various wing mirror curvatures and shapes, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized components for each mirror type
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design allows for parameter changes in the orientation and position of the gripping element through rotation. By changing the angular parameter of the gripping element relative to the frame, the system can accommodate different wing mirror curvatures using the same basic component structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamp 10 is for mounting on an arm. The clamp 10 comprises a frame 14, a gripping element 20 and a moveable clamping member 26. The frame 14 comprises an upright portion 16 and a lip 18 located at a lower end of the upright portion 16 and extending substantially perpendicularly to the upright portion 16. The gripping element 20 is connected to the frame 14, and is arranged to mount on the arm, and comprises a first component 22 and a second component 24 connected together at one end and spaced apart at the other end, the arm to be located between the first component 22 and a second component 24 in a hole 34. The moveable clamping member 26 is mounted through a hole in the second component 24, and comprises a shaft 28 and an engaging portion 30 arranged to be moved towards the lip 18 of the frame 14.