Rotatable Clamp Towing Mirror Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing mirrors struggle to fit a wide variety of wing mirror designs due to increasing vehicle design complexity, making it difficult for drivers to achieve adequate rear and side visibility when towing wide loads.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a towing mirror apparatus with rotatable clamps that can be adjusted to fit different wing mirror shapes, utilizing a frame and movable clamping member with a guiding slot and element for secure attachment, allowing easy installation without specialist assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed clamp design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to various wing mirror designs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a rotatable component that allows dynamic adjustment of the clamping angle. This rotational degree of freedom enables the clamp to adapt to different wing mirror shapes and mounting positions without requiring multiple specialized clamp designs, thereby improving versatility while maintaining a single standardized clamp structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed as a universal mounting component that can accommodate various wing mirror designs through its rotatable feature. A single clamp design serves multiple functions by adjusting its orientation, eliminating the need for different clamp types for different mirror configurations and simplifying the overall device while enhancing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp is made secure and adjustable, then it fits various wing mirrors, but the installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable clamp component allows installers to easily adjust the clamping angle to match different wing mirror shapes during installation. This dynamic adjustment feature simplifies the installation process by enabling quick adaptation to various mirror configurations without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with pre-configured rotational capability and adjustment mechanisms that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of the adjustment mechanism allows for quick and easy on-site adaptation to different wing mirror shapes, reducing installation complexity and time requirements.
3Strength
If a single clamp is used, then the device is simple, but it provides insufficient secure fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamps into a single integrated clamp assembly that incorporates multiple clamping elements working together. This merged design provides the secure fastening capability of multiple clamps while maintaining the simplicity of a single unified component, avoiding the complexity of assembling and coordinating separate clamp units.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (10) comprises a mirror assembly (12), an arm (14) connected to the mirror assembly (12), and two clamps (18) connected to the arm (14) and for connecting to a vehicle wing mirror (40), each clamp (18) comprising a frame (26) and a movable clamping member (28). The frame (26) of each clamp (18) is rotatable about an axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the arm (14).