Number Plate Holder with Elastomeric Damping and Self-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing number plate holders inadequately dampen vibrations and shocks from vehicles, often have bulky rims that interfere with vehicle mounts, and require keys for easy decoupling and recoupling.
Innovation Solution
A number plate holder with a perimetric rim and central plate portion featuring elastomeric damping elements around the rim, allowing for efficient vibration damping and shock absorption, and a locking mechanism for quick plate attachment and detachment without keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thicker or reinforced perimetric rim is used to protect the number plate holder from shocks, then the protection against shocks is improved, but the dimensions of the number plate holder may interfere with the vehicle seat where it is to be mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shock protection function into two separate components: a thin perimetric rim for structural integrity and mounting compatibility, and separate damping elements positioned at the central portion for shock absorption. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the rim remains thin for vehicle seat compatibility while the damping elements provide the necessary shock protection without adding to the rim's dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces damping elements as intermediary components between the number plate holder and the shocks/vibrations. These damping elements act as mediators that absorb and dissipate shock energy, protecting the number plate holder without requiring the perimetric rim itself to be thicker or more robust, thereby maintaining compatibility with vehicle seat dimensions.
2Reliability
If known fasteners with locks are used to fix the number plate to the number plate holder, then the security of the number plate is improved, but the ease of decoupling and subsequent coupling is worsened due to the requirement of a key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service locking mechanism where the number plate itself serves as the locking element. The number plate has protruding elements that engage with corresponding recesses in the number plate holder, creating a secure connection without requiring external keys or complex locking mechanisms. This allows the number plate to lock itself into position while remaining easily removable by simply disengaging the protruding elements.
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 holder effectively reduces vibrations and shocks, allows easy installation without interfering with vehicle dimensions, and enables quick plate removal and reattachment, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
damping elements, suitable for reducing noise and clicking due to vibrations and shocks transmitted to the number plate by the number plate holder
Implementation Method 2
efficient vibration damping and shock absorption
Data Source
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AI summary
A number plate holder (1) is described that is suitable for being coupled to a number plate (2) comprising a perimetric rim (3), formed by an upper first edge (30), a lower second edge (31) and two lateral third edges (32, 33); a central plate portion (4) delimited by the perimetric rim (3) and comprising a first face (4a) adapted to be coupled to the number plate (2) and a second face (4b), opposite to the first face (4a), adapted to be coupled to a vehicle; and a damping element (6); the damping element (6) comprising, in turn, a first portion (60a) and a second portion (60b), arranged respectively on the first and second faces (4a, 4b), at the central portion (4) and a third portion (60), arranged around the perimetric rim (3).