Deployable Trail Sight With Pivoting Movable Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trail sights on vehicles lack a deployable and retractable design that allows for adjustable positioning and easy access to accessory mounts and tie-downs, particularly in configurations where the front of the vehicle is sloped or when space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A trail sight with a body comprising a fixed first portion and a movable second portion that pivots between retracted and deployed positions, featuring attachment interfaces for accessories and tie-downs, and a latch mechanism for secure positioning, allowing the second portion to extend along the vehicle's length and adjust vertically within a gap between the hood and fender.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the trail sight is fixed in a deployed position, then driver visibility and guidance are improved, but access to accessory mounts and tie-downs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The trail sight incorporates a movable second portion that can pivot between deployed and retracted positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the trail sight to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing both visibility when deployed and access when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The trail sight is divided into a first portion (fixed) and a second portion (movable). This segmentation allows different parts to serve different functions: the first portion provides stable mounting and structural support, while the second portion provides adjustable visibility and access to mounting interfaces.
2Illumination intensity
If the trail sight extends along the vehicle length, then visibility and guidance are improved, but space utilization in limited areas becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The movable second portion allows the trail sight to extend when needed for visibility and retract when space is limited, providing dynamic space utilization rather than permanent occupation of space.
Solution Approach 2:
When retracted, the second portion can be positioned within or alongside the first portion, allowing the trail sight to occupy minimal space when full extension is not required, similar to nested dolls.
3Shape
If the trail sight is mounted flush with the vehicle, then aerodynamics and appearance are improved, but access to mounting interfaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the trail sight into fixed and movable portions, the design allows the first portion to maintain flush mounting while the second portion can be moved to provide access to mounting interfaces on both portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second portion can be temporarily extended or adjusted to provide access to mounting interfaces, then returned to a retracted position that maintains the flush appearance when not in use.
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
Enables improved driver visibility of vehicle boundaries and path guidance, provides adjustable and secure mounting options for accessories, and ensures the trail sight is flush with the vehicle when retracted, enhancing both on-road and off-road maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot connection couples associated ends of the first and second portions to each other such that the second portion can pivot relative to the first portion to move between the retracted position and the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
one of the first and second retention portions comprises a spring loaded retention member and the other of the first and second retention portions comprises a plate portion with at least one aperture that receives the retention member
Data Source
AI summary
A trail sight for a vehicle, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body configured to extend in a longitudinal direction along a length of a vehicle, wherein the body comprises a first portion fixed to a vehicle body structure and a second portion that is moveable relative to the first portion between a retracted position and a deployed position.