License Plate Holder with Elastic Snap-in Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label carriers require complex attachment and detachment methods, often necessitating tools, and struggle to securely hold rigid identification plates without deformation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of elastically resilient latching elements that deform to secure and release identification plates, allowing simple tool-free attachment and detachment, and a bearing surface with guide rails for stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid identification plates are used, then durability and readability are improved, but attachment and detachment become difficult without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to change its state between locked and unlocked positions. When the identification plate is inserted, the latching element automatically transitions to a locked position where it engages with the plate. For detachment, the latching element can be manually moved to an unlocked position, releasing the plate. This dynamic state change enables both secure holding and easy release of rigid plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. The element can be deformed elastically to move between engaged and disengaged states. During attachment, the element is compressed or bent to allow plate insertion, then springs back to lock the plate. For detachment, the element is again deformed to release the plate, enabling tool-free operation with rigid plates.
2Ease of operation
If identification plates are deformed for attachment, then simple tool-free attachment is achieved, but the plate integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deforming the identification plate to achieve attachment, the invention inverts the approach by deforming the latching element itself. The latching element is made elastically deformable and is the component that changes shape to enable plate insertion and retention. The rigid identification plate maintains its integrity while the flexible latching element adapts its form to secure the plate.
3Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used, then secure holding is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from a complex multi-component system and concentrates it into a single integrated latching element. This element combines the functions of securing, releasing, and positioning the identification plate. By taking out the essential fastening requirement and fulfilling it through one elastically deformable component rather than multiple rigid parts, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining reliable retention.
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 easy, tool-free attachment and secure holding of identification plates, including rigid ones, without deformation, ensuring reliable placement and removal without compromising the plate's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically resilient latching element arranged on the carrier body, which is elastically deformable when the identification plate is arranged on the label carrier and, in the position arranged on the label carrier, secures the identification plate on the carrier body against movement along the insertion direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5B
Figure 6A~6B
AI summary
A plate holder (1) for holding a license plate (2) comprises a holder base (10) and two guide rails (11, 12), arranged on the holder base (10) and extending in parallel to each other, a license plate (2) being slidable between said rails along an insertion direction (E) to arrange the plate on the plate holder (1). The license plate (2) is held between the guide rails (11, 12) in a position arranged on the plate holder (1). In addition, at least one resilient snap-in element (13, 14) is provided and is arranged on the holder base (10). Said snap-in element can be elastically deformed when the license plate (2) is arranged on the plate holder (1) and locks the license plate (2) in position on the holder base (10) against the movement along the insertion direction (E) when it is in the position arranged on the plate holder (1). The invention provides a plate holder which allows a simple placement of a registration plate on the plate holder and also a simple, possibly tool-free removal of the registration plate from the plate holder.