Mascot Retraction Mechanism With Non-Circular Pivot Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascot retraction mechanisms for vehicles are limited by the need for a circular base, occupy excessive space, leave part of the mascot protruding, and require manual intervention for return, making them inconvenient and susceptible to tampering.
Innovation Solution
A mascot retraction mechanism featuring a non-circular base that pivots relative to a support, allowing for equal sensitivity to lateral forces from any direction, with a track-based system for linear motion and automatic retraction, and a latch mechanism for secure deployment and stowage, enhancing aesthetics and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circular base is used for the mascot, then the mechanism can be responsive to lateral forces from all directions with equal sensitivity, but the design of the mascot is limited and the base occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the base shape from a traditional circular form to a polygonal shape (such as hexagonal or rectangular). This asymmetric polygonal base provides sufficient lateral force sensitivity in all directions while enabling greater design flexibility for the mascot figure itself, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mascot is allowed to fully retract into the radiator shell, then aesthetics are improved and tampering risk is reduced, but the retraction mechanism occupies additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by designing the retraction mechanism to operate within the existing radiator shell structure. The mascot base with polygonal outline nests within a corresponding aperture in the radiator shell, allowing full retraction without requiring additional external space. The mechanism utilizes the available internal volume of the radiator assembly efficiently.
3Device complexity
If manual intervention is required to return the mascot to its original position, then the mechanism is simpler, but convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating an automatic return mechanism that uses a spring-loaded rod and biasing spring system. When the mascot is tilted by lateral force, the mechanism automatically triggers retraction, and the spring automatically returns the mascot to its upright deployed position without requiring manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.
4Volume of stationary object
If part of the mascot protrudes from the radiator shell after retraction, then the retraction mechanism occupies less space, but the protruding mascot is unsightly and exposed to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by ensuring the mascot base with its polygonal outline fully retracts within the radiator shell aperture when in the retracted position. The biasing spring and support mechanism are designed to provide sufficient force to complete the full retraction motion, eliminating any protruding portions. This excessive action of full retraction resolves the contradiction by prioritizing aesthetics and security over minimal mechanism space.
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 mechanism allows for full retraction of the mascot, reduces exposure and tampering risks, and provides automatic operation, improving convenience and aesthetics by using a non-circular base design and track-based movement.
Implementation Method 1
a support comprising a support surface and an arrangement for resiliently biasing the contact area of the mascot base into contact with the support surface permitting the mascot base to pivot relative to the support about the substantially circular edge
Data Source
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.