Mascot Retraction Mechanism With Non-Circular Base and Auto Stow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascot retraction mechanisms for vehicles are limited by circular base designs, occupy excessive space, leave parts protruding for unsightly exposure and tampering risks, and require manual intervention for return to original position.
Innovation Solution
A non-circular mascot base design with a substantially circular edge that pivots to retract the mascot, utilizing a track-based mechanism for linear motion and a release mechanism to automatically stow the mascot, ensuring secure closure and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a circular base is used for the mascot, then the mascot can retract with equal sensitivity from all directions, but the design flexibility of the mascot is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a traditional circular base to a polygonal base shape. This allows the mascot to have varied and flexible designs while maintaining functional performance. The polygonal base with multiple flat surfaces provides different contact points for lateral forces, enabling the mascot to retract reliably regardless of the direction from which force is applied, thus resolving the contradiction between design flexibility and functional reliability.
2Volume of stationary object
If the retraction mechanism occupies space to the side of the space directly beneath the mascot, then the mechanism can function, but it occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the retraction mechanism directly beneath the mascot in the vertical space, rather than extending laterally. The polygonal base pivots on a vertical axis, allowing the retraction mechanism to occupy the vertical space under the mascot, thus reducing lateral space requirements and improving overall space utilization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If part of the mascot continues to protrude after retraction, then the retraction mechanism can function, but the protruding part is unsightly and exposes the mascot to tampering or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal base with its multiple flat surfaces allows for asymmetric retraction paths that can achieve complete retraction of the mascot. When a lateral force is applied to any face of the polygonal base, the base pivots on a vertical axis, enabling the mascot to fully retract into the vehicle without any parts protruding, thus eliminating tampering risk and improving aesthetics.
4Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required to return the mascot to its original position, then the retraction mechanism can be simple, but the operation is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic reversible pivoting mechanism where the polygonal base can pivot in either direction depending on the direction of lateral force applied. This dynamic capability allows the mascot to automatically return to its original position when subjected to lateral force from any direction, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving ease of operation.
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 allows for flexible base shapes, efficient space utilization, automatic retraction upon lateral force, and secure locking, reducing tampering risks while providing a visually appealing linear motion.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring arranged to bias the mascot base in a downward direction
Implementation Method 2
the mascot base is pivotally mounted relative to the support about a substantially circular edge
Data Source
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AI summary
A mascot retraction mechanism has a mascot base 10 with a non-circular outline shape which extends over and conceals a contact area with a substantially circular edge. A support 6 comprising a support surface 22 is biased into contact with the contact area of the mascot base permitting the mascot base to pivot relative to the support about the substantially circular edge. Such pivoting may operate a release mechanism causing retraction of a mascot.