Quiet Vehicle License Plate Support with Integrated Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license plate fasteners for motor vehicles often result in rattling noises due to vibrations during driving or tailgate closure, and require separate installation steps and additional costs for spring and holder components.
Innovation Solution
A license plate attachment with protruding damping elements beyond the base plate surface to absorb vibrations, combined with spring elements arranged to prevent rattling, and manufactured using a low-cost process that integrates damping and spring components for effective noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a metallic spring is used to press the license plate against the holder edge, then rattling noises are reduced, but additional costs and separate installation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element and damping element into a single integrated component that is molded directly into the holder body. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of spring and holder, reducing assembly steps while maintaining the noise reduction function through the integrated elastic and damping elements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a metallic spring is used to press the license plate against the holder edge, then rattling noises are reduced, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element and damping element are merged into a single molded component integrated with the holder body, reducing the total part count and assembly complexity. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating separate components and their associated installation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using a metallic spring to an elastic element made of polymer material with appropriate elastic properties. This material parameter change maintains the necessary elastic function while potentially reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing
3Reliability
If the holder is mounted on a motor vehicle, then the license plate is secured, but rattling noises occur due to vibrations during driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping element as an intermediary between the holder base plate and the vehicle mounting surface. This damping element acts as a mediator that absorbs vibrations transmitted from the vehicle, preventing them from causing rattling noises while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is pre-integrated into the holder structure before mounting, providing beforehand cushioning against vibrations that will occur during vehicle operation. This preventive measure ensures that vibration-induced rattling is minimized from the outset
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 effectively dampens vibrations and prevents rattling noises, reducing installation complexity and costs while ensuring secure mounting on motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the base plate is provided with at least one damping element which protrudes beyond the surface of the base plate on the side opposite said license plate holder and thus dampens the holder against unwanted vibrations transmitted by said motor vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The car number is pressed against an edge by means of a metallic spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The clamp has a base plate that is fixed on a motor vehicle. The base plate has limiting frames (4, 8) that partially project and form an adapter (40). The base plate has a damping unit (20) that projects above a surface of the base plate on a side that is opposite to the adapter. A spring unit (30) is formed in the base plate, where the spring unit is arranged in such a manner that the spring unit causes a spring force against a rear side of the number plate and presses the number plate against the limiting frames. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a clamp.