Adjustable Vehicular Fender Extension for Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fender extensions are inadequate in protecting vehicles from debris thrown by rotating tires, especially in heavy debris areas, and may not comply with local regulations for larger off-road tires, while also being aesthetically unappealing and minimally effective.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fender extension system comprising a wheel-well casing with a guiderail and an extending member supported by a linear actuator, allowing the fender to move between retracted and extended positions to protect the vehicle from debris and comply with regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If permanently mounted fender extensions are used, then vehicle protection from debris is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fender extension is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend outward when debris protection is needed and retract when not needed. The linear actuator enables the extension to dynamically adjust its position, providing protection during off-road conditions while maintaining a clean appearance during normal driving.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger off-road tires are used, then vehicle capability in heavy debris areas is improved, but compliance with local regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable fender extension allows the vehicle to dynamically adapt to different tire sizes. When larger off-road tires are installed, the extension can be positioned outward to enclose the tires within the body work, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining the capability to use larger tires for off-road performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fender extensions extend outward from wheel-well, then debris protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a linear actuator, which provides a more straightforward and reliable mechanism for extending and retracting the fender. The actuator directly drives the extension motion, eliminating the need for complex cables, linkages, or pivot mechanisms that would increase device complexity.
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 system effectively protects the vehicle from debris and ensures compliance with regulations by extending to cover larger tires, while being aesthetically more appealing due to its adjustable nature.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator operable to move the extending member between a first position wherein the extending member is contained within the wheel-well casing, and a second position wherein the outside edge of the extending member is distal from the outside edge of the wheel-well casing
Implementation Method 2
an extending member slideably supported by the guiderail
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing a vehicular fender extension comprise a wheel-well casing having a top surface, a bottom surface, an inside edge and an outside edge, the wheel-well casing being adapted to fit within a vehicular wheel-well, a guiderail located at the outside edge of the wheel-well casing, and an extending member slideably supported by the guiderail, the extending member having a top surface, a bottom surface, an inside edge and an outside edge, extending between first and second ends. The apparatus further comprises at least one actuator operable to move the extending member between a first position wherein the extending member is contained within the wheel-well casing, and a second position wherein the outside edge of the extending member is distal from the outside edge of the wheel-well casing.