Elastic Shape Memory License Plate Protector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing automobile traffic density, scarce parking spaces, and the use of coupling devices with registration plates lead to frequent shocks and damage to license plates, which are often not properly maintained or replaced, violating legal requirements for visibility.
Innovation Solution
A protective device for license plates made of elastic material with shape memory, featuring grooves and recesses to securely hold the plate in place, acting as a shock absorber and ensuring visibility, which can be easily installed using existing rivets and potentially suspended for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If license plates are frequently replaced due to damage, then visibility requirements are maintained, but installation complexity and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a protective device made of elastic material with shape memory that absorbs shocks and collisions before they can damage the license plate. The elastic material deforms under impact and returns to its original shape, preventing damage accumulation that would require plate replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device serves as an intermediary between the license plate and external shock sources. It is installed over the license plate and acts as a mediator that absorbs impacts from coupling devices, pedestrians, or other vehicles, thereby protecting the underlying plate without requiring frequent replacements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid protection structures are used, then shock protection is improved, but visibility and reflectivity of the license plate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using an elastic material with shape memory as the protective structure. This flexible material provides shock absorption while maintaining transparency and reflectivity properties, allowing light to pass through effectively and preserving the license plate's visibility unlike rigid structures would.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device utilizes parameter changes in the elastic material's physical state. The material changes its shape and density in response to impact forces, absorbing shock energy while maintaining its optical properties. The shape memory characteristic allows it to return to its original state after deformation, consistently providing protection without compromising visibility.
3Ease of operation
If traditional license plate mounting is used, then installation simplicity is maintained, but protection against shocks and collisions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device embodies universality by performing multiple functions simultaneously: it protects against shocks and collisions, maintains license plate visibility, and can be installed using existing mounting systems. The device integrates these diverse functions into a single component that works with standard vehicle mounting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material with shape memory provides self-service protection by automatically absorbing and dissipating shock energy through its inherent material properties. The device requires no active control systems or additional mechanisms - the shape memory material naturally deforms under impact and returns to its original shape, providing continuous passive protection.
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
Effectively protects license plates from shocks and collisions while maintaining visibility and reflectivity, simplifying installation and reducing the need for frequent replacements, and can serve as an advertising medium.
Implementation Method 1
the protective device according to the invention consists of an elastic material with shape memory
Implementation Method 2
an elastic material with shape memory which can be, for example, rubber, an elastomer or an elastomer derivative
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The device has a flat bottom (1) whose front surface comprises two longitudinal projecting edges (2, 2 ') provided with corresponding longitudinal grooves (3). The grooves extend on inner faces (4, 4 ') of the corresponding edges. The inner faces are arranged against each other such that the grooves are arranged in a same plane, where the device is made of a shape memory elastic material such as rubber, elastomer and elastomer derivatives. The bottom has a rear surface that is provided with hollowed longitudinal edges.