Attachable Flame Simulating Apparatus for Vehicle Trailer Hitches
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved attachable flame simulating apparatuses that can enhance the visual appeal of vehicles by creating a realistic flame effect, addressing the impersonal nature of vehicle exteriors and providing a unique way to personalize vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An attachable flame simulating apparatus with a coupling appendage that fits a receiver-type trailer hitch, a housing containing light sources and a projection surface, and an air deflection system to create a realistic flame effect, powered by various energy sources and integrated with vehicle systems for responsive lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flame simulating apparatus is attached to a vehicle, then the visual appeal and personalization of the vehicle is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components including coupling appendage, housing, light sources, and air deflection system
Solution Approach 1:
The flame simulating apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a coupling appendage for attachment, a housing containing light sources, and a projection surface with air deflection system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled, managing complexity while achieving the desired visual effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as the housing that contains and protects the light sources, and the projection surface that mediates between the light sources and the external environment. These intermediary elements simplify the overall design by organizing functions into distinct layers.
2Manufacturing precision
If light sources and air deflection system are integrated in the housing, then a realistic flame effect is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a separate module that contains both the light sources and air deflection system, allowing these components to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision while easing the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the light sources, directs airflow through its structure, and provides structural support for the entire apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the realistic flame effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling appendage is designed to fit various receiver-type trailer hitches, then the adaptability of the apparatus increases, but the device complexity increases due to removable attachment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling appendage is designed with a universal interface that can attach to various receiver-type trailer hitches (Class I, II, III, IV, V). This universal design achieves high adaptability while keeping the attachment mechanism relatively simple, as it uses standard hitch receiver geometry rather than custom complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling appendage incorporates a removable attachment mechanism that allows the apparatus to be dynamically installed and removed from different vehicles. This dynamic capability provides versatility while maintaining simplicity through a straightforward insert-and-lock design rather than permanent complex fastening systems.
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 apparatus effectively simulates a flame appearance on vehicles, enhancing their visual appeal and personalization, with adjustable lighting and airflow to create a realistic effect, suitable for various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
the housing comprising one or more light sources
Implementation Method 2
the housing further comprises a fan
Data Source
AI summary
An attachable flame simulating apparatus includes a coupling appendage, having a distal end and a proximal end, a housing adjacent the proximal end of the coupling appendage, the housing comprising one or more light sources, and a projection surface extending from the housing. Furthermore, the distal end of the coupling appendage is removably attachable to a vehicle.