Elastic U-Shaped Coupling Element for License Plate Tag Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license plate holder supports do not effectively accommodate decorative tags without an advertising component, and existing coupling systems are not quick or efficient to apply.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a tag with a relieved rear side edge and a coupling element with elastic 'U'-shaped portions and inner teeth, allowing for easy coupling to license plate holder supports without interfering with the front portion or increasing the rear thickness, featuring a cavity and flat flaps for enhanced stability and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling system is added to license plate holder supports to accommodate decorative tags, then the versatility and functionality of the license plate holder support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with a nested structure where the first elastic U-shaped portion envelops the relieved rear side edge of the tag, and the second elastic U-shaped portion envelops the relieved rear side edge of the license plate holder support. The inner teeth are nested within the channel formed by the U-shaped portions, creating a compact integrated coupling system that adds functionality without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is segmented into distinct functional portions: the first U-shaped portion for coupling to the tag, the second U-shaped portion for coupling to the license plate holder support, and the inner teeth for additional mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified coupling system.
2Reliability
If a coupling element with multiple features (inner teeth, cavity, flat flaps) is used, then the stability and reliability of the coupling is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element utilizes elastic material properties to achieve its functional form. The elastic U-shaped portions are designed with specific dimensional parameters (width, height, thickness) that allow them to deform and envelop the relieved edges. The material parameter (elasticity) is key to achieving both the complex shape and the coupling function, simplifying manufacturing compared to rigid alternative designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element employs flexible elastic portions that can deform to envelop and secure the tag and license plate holder support. This flexibility allows the coupling element to adapt to the relieved edge geometry without requiring complex rigid mechanical structures, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through simpler forming processes.
3Reliability
If the coupling element envelops the relieved rear side edges, then the coupling effectiveness and stability is improved, but the rear thickness of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing coupling effectiveness through additional thickness in the rear direction, the invention utilizes the lateral dimension by having the U-shaped portions envelop the relieved rear side edges horizontally. The coupling action occurs primarily in the lateral and vertical directions within the plane of the tag and support, rather than extending significantly in the rear thickness direction. This dimensional approach maintains a slim profile while achieving reliable coupling.
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 quick and effective coupling of decorative tags to license plate holder supports without interfering with the license plate attachment, providing stability and preventing rotation or lateral movement, while maintaining a slim profile.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coupling element having at least one elastic 'U'-shaped portion suitable for enveloping and coupling said portions of side edge in relief of said tag and of said license plate holder support
Implementation Method 2
said coupling element can provide a plurality of inner teeth at one or both inner sides of the inner channel formed by said at least one 'U'-shaped portion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a kit (10) for coupling to a license plate holder support (3) a tag (2), said license plate holder support (3) having at least one portion of rear side edge (31) in relief, said kit (10) being characterised by the fact that it comprises a tag (2) comprising at least one portion of rear side edge (21) in relief, and by the fact that it comprises at least one coupling element (1) having at least one elastic "U"-shaped portion (11) suitable for enveloping and coupling said portions of side edge (21, 31) in relief of said tag (2) and of said license plate holder support (3) when they are arranged side-by-side. The present invention also relates to a coupling element (1) of said kit (10).