Rearview Mirror Flag Mount With Tension Strap and Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flag systems for vehicles often create gaps in windows, leading to increased noise and moisture intrusion, and can cause permanent damage to the window seal. Additionally, they can fall free when the window is opened, especially at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle mirror mounted flag system that attaches to the external rearview mirror using upper and lower clips with a length-adjustable strap, featuring cooperating hook and loop material for secure attachment and easy removal, without touching any windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flag system is attached to the side window using a clip, then the flag is easily installed and visible, but the window cannot close and seal properly, creating gaps that increase noise and allow moisture intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flag attachment system from the window area and relocates it to the roof of the vehicle. The flag base is mounted on the roof surface away from the window, eliminating the interference with window closure while maintaining flag visibility and attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the attachment location from a two-dimensional window surface to the three-dimensional roof surface of the vehicle. This spatial relocation in another dimension allows the flag to be securely mounted without interfering with the window's closing and sealing operation.
2Reliability
If the flag base is pressed into the window frame for extended periods, then the flag remains firmly in place, but the seal may develop permanent or semi-permanent depressions causing imperfect sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flag base from the window frame area and relocates it to the roof surface. This extraction eliminates the continuous pressure that the base exerted on the window seal, preventing permanent depressions while maintaining secure flag attachment through alternative mounting methods on the roof.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the roof surface as an intermediary mounting location between the flag and the vehicle structure. This intermediary location provides a secure attachment point that does not involve direct pressure on the window seal, thereby preventing seal damage while maintaining flag retention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flag system is attached to the window, then it provides short-term messaging, but the flag can fall free when the window is opened, especially at higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flag attachment system from the window area and relocates it to the roof of the vehicle. This relocation eliminates the vulnerability of the flag falling free when the window is opened, as the flag is now secured to the roof structure rather than being press-fitted into the window frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aerodynamic forces as a counterbalancing mechanism. The flag base on the roof is designed to utilize aerodynamic downforce at higher speeds to press the flag more firmly against the roof surface, creating a self-reinforcing retention system that strengthens attachment under dynamic conditions rather than compromising it.
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 flag system provides a secure, noise-free, and moisture-proof attachment to the vehicle, remaining firmly in place even at highway speeds, without causing damage to the window seal and preventing flag loss when the window is opened.
Implementation Method 1
A strap has a first end, a second end that has a first section of cooperating hook and loop material thereon, and a medial portion therebetween, the medial portion having a second section of cooperating hook and loop material thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A flag system removably attaches to a rearview mirror of a vehicle. The system uses a pair of clips that each hook, via a hook portion, to a rearward facing edge of the mirror housing, one clip hooked to the upper edge of the housing, the other clip hooked to the lower edge of the housing. A flag extends upwardly from the upper clip. A strap connects the two clips and passes along the forward-facing outer surface of the mirror housing. The strap is pulled taut and secured in the taut position, thereby securing the flag system to the mirror housing. The flag may be secured to a post which is attached to the upper clip. Strap sizing can be achieved using a pair of cooperating hook and loop sections, one section at an end of the strap, the other section located medially along the strap.