License Plate Bracket with Suction Fasteners and Channel Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license plate brackets fail to securely and conveniently display license plates on windshields or rear windows, leading to potential accidents and aesthetic concerns when temporary installations are required, especially in states with dual display laws.
Innovation Solution
A license plate bracket with a frame and channel design that includes fasteners like suction cups and friction-fit apertures for secure attachment to vehicle surfaces, along with cutouts and protrusions for securement and visibility of identifying information, allowing easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a license plate is propped against the windshield without a secure mounting mechanism, then the license plate can be displayed on the vehicle, but the license plate may fall or slide about the dashboard during acceleration or direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple functional components: a frame structure, a channel for holding the license plate, and multiple fasteners distributed at corners. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the frame provides structure, the channel secures the plate, and fasteners provide attachment - resolving the contradiction by enabling secure mounting without complex integration
Solution Approach 2:
The license plate is nested within the channel of the bracket frame, which itself is mounted to the windshield via fasteners. This nested arrangement ensures the license plate is contained and secured within the structured framework, preventing it from falling or sliding while maintaining ease of installation through the hierarchical nesting structure
2Reliability
If a second license plate is affixed to the front bumper, then the vehicle complies with dual display laws, but the aesthetics of the vehicle are altered in an undesirable way
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket acts as an intermediary device that enables license plate display on the windshield without directly modifying the vehicle's bumper or body. This mediator approach allows compliance with dual display laws while preserving the original vehicle aesthetics, as the bracket is a separate, removable component rather than a permanent body modification
3Reliability
If a license plate bracket is designed with multiple fasteners and securement features, then the license plate is securely mounted to the windshield, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is segmented into modular components - the frame, channel, and multiple fasteners - that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by allowing users to choose appropriate fastener types (suction cups, adhesive, mechanical) based on their needs, rather than requiring a complex integrated solution
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates universal features that serve multiple functions: the frame provides both structural support and mounting surfaces, the channel both holds and secures the license plate, and the fasteners can be selected from multiple types to work with different windshield surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function
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 solution provides a secure, convenient, and aesthetically appealing way to display license plates on vehicle windows, reducing the risk of accidents and simplifying compliance with dual display laws by ensuring the plate remains visible and secure during travel.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of fasteners comprise suction cups having a cup portion and a stem extending therefrom
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of apertures taper from a first end thereof towards a second end thereof, such that the first end comprises a larger diameter than the second end, wherein the first end is dimensioned to receive the stem therein, and the second end is dimensioned to secure the stem via friction fit
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of tabs are spring-biased towards the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A license plate bracket. The license plate bracket includes a frame having a front wall, a rear wall, and a sidewall extending therebetween, defining a channel therein. An opening is disposed along an upper side of the frame providing access to the channel. A first cutout is disposed in the front wall, the first cutout placed such that it can expose identifying information of a license plate disposed within the channel. A plurality of fasteners are affixed to the front wall at each corner thereof, the plurality of fasteners able to removable secure the frame to a support surface.