System for and method of suspending a mirror

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mirror mounting systems in manufacturing facilities often lack suitable structures for mounting safety mirrors at critical intersections, leading to potential blind spots and increased risk of collisions, while fixed mounts can obstruct traffic flow or be cost-prohibitive.

Innovation Solution

A suspended mirror system using flexible components and adjustable supports allows for controllable angular orientation of the reflective surface, enabling strategic placement and adjustment of the mirror's image range without requiring additional floor space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fixed mounting structures are used for mirrors, then mounting stability is improved, but traffic flow is obstructed and installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidtraffic flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror mounting system transitions from traditional floor-level or wall-mounted fixed structures to an overhead suspended configuration. By moving the mounting plane from horizontal (floor) or vertical (wall) to overhead suspension, the system eliminates obstruction of traffic flow while maintaining mirror stability through the suspended support structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible components including chains, cables, or belts as primary support elements, and flexible positioning mechanisms with movable connections that allow angular adjustment. These flexible elements provide both structural support and adaptability for mirror orientation without requiring rigid floor-mounted bases that would obstruct traffic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If dedicated rigid support structures are installed, then mirror mounting reliability is improved, but facility space is reduced and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidfacility space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system relocates mirror mounting from floor level or wall surfaces to overhead suspension, utilizing previously underutilized vertical space above the facility. This dimensional transition eliminates the need for floor-mounted bases that would consume valuable facility space while maintaining reliable mirror support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspended support structure serves multiple functions: it provides reliable mirror mounting, optimizes reflective image ranges by enabling angular adjustment, and eliminates the need for dedicated floor space. The flexible positioning mechanism allows a single mounting location to serve multiple viewing angles and traffic patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed angular mounting is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different locations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidlocation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror mounting system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through flexible components that enable angular adjustment. The mirror can be positioned at different angles relative to the vertical axis using movable connections between rigid and flexible elements, allowing adaptation to various facility layouts and traffic patterns while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing of individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If mirrors are not installed due to lack of mounting structures, then cost is reduced, but safety risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation costVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The overhead suspension system utilizes the facility's existing overhead structure for mirror mounting, eliminating the need for separate dedicated support structures. This self-service approach to mounting reduces installation cost while enabling mirror deployment at critical intersections to prevent collisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By transitioning to overhead suspension mounting, the system enables mirror installation at locations previously unsuitable for traditional floor or wall mounting. This dimensional change allows cost-effective deployment of safety mirrors at critical intersections without requiring expensive dedicated support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12520958B2System for and method of suspending a mirror

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 SE KURE CONTROLS INC

AI summary

A suspended mirror system and a method of suspending a mirror. The mirror system has: a frame; a convex reflective surface on the frame; and a support system connecting between a mounting base and the frame and configured so that the frame is suspended in an operative position below a part of the mounting base. The support system has at least one elongate flexible component in a depending relationship with the part of the mounting base and under tension from a weight of the frame.