License Plate Locking Bar with Resilient Cover

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing incidence of theft and unauthorized removal of vehicle license plates poses a challenge, as existing solutions like distinctive screw heads are not sufficient to prevent removal and require lengthy procedures for replacement.

Innovation Solution

A locking bar mechanism comprising two hollow bodies with protrusions and a non-retractable cover made of resilient material, which connects to the license plate holder, preventing unauthorized access and removal by using a resilient cover that is difficult to lift or remove.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional screws or screw heads are used to hold the license plate, then the installation is simple, but the license plate can be easily removed by unauthorized persons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unauthorized removalVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar is divided into multiple hollow bodies (first hollow body, second hollow body, third hollow body) that can be assembled separately and then combined to form the complete locking mechanism. Each hollow body can be independently installed and secured, providing modular assembly while maintaining overall structural integrity and theft prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism employs nested hollow bodies where the first hollow body contains the second hollow body, and the third hollow body interacts with them through protrusions and recesses. This nested configuration creates a complex interlocking structure that prevents unauthorized removal while maintaining a compact overall form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a locking bar mechanism with multiple hollow bodies is used, then theft prevention is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar is segmented into multiple hollow bodies that can be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be produced independently with simpler tooling and processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the complex functional structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow bodies serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, create the locking mechanism through their interlocking geometry, and offer protection for internal components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a resilient cover is used to cover the hollow bodies, then protection against environmental exposure is improved, but the ease of operation for installation and removal decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental protectionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A resilient (flexible) cover is used to enclose the hollow bodies, providing protection against environmental factors such as moisture and corrosion. The flexibility of the cover allows it to be installed over the assembled hollow body structure without requiring disassembly, maintaining ease of installation while providing comprehensive environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient cover is combined with the locking bar mechanism as an integrated protective enclosure. The cover is designed to fit over the hollow bodies and secure to the license plate mounting structure, merging the protective function with the existing mounting system rather than requiring separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 prevents theft of license plates by making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to remove the plates, while being durable enough to withstand environmental exposure and easy to install, thus reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Implementation Method 1

a cover (4) made of a resilient material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10086779B2Locking bar mechanism for license plates
Publication Date: 2018.10.02 HERNANDEZ DE LUNA RICARDO
  • US10086779B2 patent drawing
  • US10086779B2 patent drawing
  • US10086779B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A license plate locking system is provided that will prevent theft of a license plate. The license plate locking system of the present invention comprises a locking bar, wherein said locking bar comprises a two hollow bodies. Each hollow body provide access to a plate holder device, such as a screw, wherein said plate holder device is positioned inside said hollow body and covered by non-removable cover with resilient properties rendering the screws inaccessible. This prevents the removal of the registration tags or license plate by unauthorized persons.