Vehicle Light Mount With Indexed Rotation and Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for lights on vehicles lack efficient horizontal adjustability, often requiring high torque to overcome static friction and resulting in unintended rotation due to dynamic friction, and do not accommodate varying vehicle surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A two-part mounting system comprising a base and an adapter plate that allows horizontal rotation about a vertical axis, with a set pin mechanism for locking the adapter plate in discrete positions, and optional intermediate pads for vibration reduction and surface leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction fitting is used to allow horizontal rotation of the spotlight, then the spotlight can be turned horizontally by applying torque greater than the friction force, but vehicle vibration can overcome the friction causing the spotlight to move unintentionally, or the friction must be increased to prevent movement which then requires significant force to turn the spotlight
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two functional parts: a frictionless rotational mechanism for easy adjustment and a separate indexing/locking mechanism with discrete positions for stable positioning. The adapter plate rotates freely within the base body, and positioning is achieved through a pin engaging with indexed holes at predetermined angles, separating the adjustment and stabilization functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static friction-based holding mechanism to a dynamic indexing mechanism. The spotlight can be rotated freely during adjustment, then locked into discrete stable positions through the pin-hole engagement system, providing both ease of movement and reliable positioning without relying on friction.
2Reliability
If high static friction is used to keep the spotlight steady under vehicle vibration, then the spotlight remains stable, but it takes initially high amounts of torque to overcome static friction to turn the spotlight
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is segmented from the rotational function. Instead of using friction for both holding and enabling rotation, the system uses a pin-hole indexing mechanism for holding (providing vibration resistance) and a separate frictionless rotational interface for movement (requiring minimal torque for rotation).
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary element between the adapter plate and the base body. The pin engages with indexed holes to provide stable positioning and vibration resistance, while allowing the adapter plate to rotate freely between positions without overcoming static friction.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic friction is reduced to allow easy rotation of the spotlight, then the spotlight can be turned with less force, but the spotlight rotates a greater amount than desired once torque is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic free rotation during adjustment phase, then transitions to a static locked position through the indexing mechanism. The pin engages with holes at predetermined angular positions, ensuring precise positioning while maintaining ease of rotation during the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing mechanism provides periodic positioning at discrete angular intervals. The pin can engage with multiple holes spaced at specific angles around the rotation axis, allowing the spotlight to be positioned at predetermined orientations while maintaining smooth rotational movement between positions.
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 secure, precise, and repeatable horizontal adjustment of lights on vehicles, accommodating both horizontal and vertical surfaces without additional moving parts, while withstanding impacts and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
A set pin is provided which can be manipulated to extend into and out of the holes in the upper face of the cylindrical body of the base. When the set pin extends into one of the holes, it prevents further rotation of the adapter plate relative to the base, thereby holding the light or other object in a fixed orientation.
Implementation Method 2
optional intermediate pads for vibration reduction and surface leveling
Implementation Method 3
without having unnecessary additional moving parts within the mounting system... withstanding impacts and vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
Lights or other accessories can be mounted through a mount hole of an adapter plate which is pivotably supported upon a base. The base is attachable to an underlying structure, such as a motor vehicle, through bores passing through lateral wings thereof, or through bores in an angled flange thereof. The base includes a cylindrical body with an upper face. A central recess extends down into a center of the cylindrical body, located at a center of the upper face. The adapter plate includes a cylindrical extension which fits within the cylindrical recess. A series of holes surround the central recess in the upper face of the base. A set pin of the adapter plate is biased toward extending down from the adapter plate to reside within one of the holes in the upper face, to hold the adapter plate in one of multiple rotationally spaced positions.