Multi-Suction Spot Mirror for Adjustable Viewing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirrors do not provide sufficient magnification for personal grooming tasks and are not conveniently attachable to vertical surfaces, especially in spaces with limited counter space, and do not accommodate age-related vision degradation.
Innovation Solution
A small, adjustable magnifying spot mirror with a circular frame and a lenticular-shaped support body, featuring multiple non-co-planar suction cups that allow for releasable attachment and adjustable orientation angles by forming hermetic seals with a flat surface, enabling easy re-orientation and re-fastening without removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a magnifying mirror is made small and attachable to a larger mirror, then it provides magnified images for personal grooming, but it lacks adjustable orientation angles to accommodate different user heights and viewing preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is segmented into multiple independent suction cups positioned at different locations and angles on the mirror back. This allows the mirror to be attached at various orientations by engaging different suction cups, providing adjustable orientation angles without requiring a complex mechanical adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point attachment to a multi-point spatial distribution of suction cups. By arranging suction cups in different spatial positions and orientations on the mirror back, the system adds orientational degrees of freedom, enabling the mirror to be attached at multiple angles relative to the larger mirror surface.
2Measurement precision
If a magnifying mirror is positioned closer to the face, then it provides sufficient magnification for personal grooming, but it requires counter space that is often at a premium in bathrooms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the magnifying mirror from the horizontal counter plane to the vertical surface of a larger mirror. This spatial transition utilizes the vertical dimension and the back surface of the larger mirror, eliminating the need for precious counter space while maintaining close proximity to the user's face for effective magnification.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnifying mirror is nested on the back surface of the larger mirror, similar to a doll within a doll. This nested arrangement allows the smaller magnifying mirror to utilize the space behind or on the larger mirror structure, effectively zeroing out the additional space requirement on the counter.
3Ease of manufacture
If a magnifying mirror is made inexpensive and readily attachable, then it is convenient for household use, but it may not provide stable attachment at various angles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex mechanical attachment mechanism, the invention segments the attachment function across multiple simple suction cups. Each suction cup is a simple, inexpensive component, but collectively they provide stable attachment at multiple orientations through distributed contact points on the mirror back.
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 mirror provides magnified images of selectable portions of the field viewable in a larger mirror, allowing for easy adjustment and re-attachment at various angles, enhancing personal grooming capabilities and accommodating different user heights and vision needs.
Implementation Method 1
multiple non-co-planar suction cups that allow for releasable attachment and adjustable orientation angles by forming hermetic seals with a flat surface
Implementation Method 2
pressing the planar surface of selected suction cups into flat compressive sealing contact with the flat support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A magnifying spot mirror releasably attachable to a flat surface includes a circular concave mirror plate mounted on the front surface of a lenticular-shaped support body which has a convex, arcuately curved rear surface from which protrude satellite suction cups that have circular bases which lie in a convex plane and are radially spaced equidistant from the center of the support body and an optional center suction cup. Applying finger pressure to the center of the mirror causes a pair of centrally located suction cups and/or the optional center cup to hermetically grip a flat surface with the mirror parallel to the surface. Pressing on the mirror at a location offset from the center exerts a tensional unsealing force on radially inwardly located suction cups, and compressional sealing forces on outer satellite suction cups, thus re-positioning the mirror at a different orientation angle.