Adjustable Wheel Well Cover with Spring Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel well covers for motor vehicles lack adjustable designs that accommodate varying wheel angles, leading to inefficiencies in structural volume, vibration management, and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A wheel well cover comprising multiple ring sections that can be adjusted based on wheel angle, connected via a spring mechanism and guided by rails, with an aerodynamic spat to reduce air resistance and an actuator for smooth movement, allowing for adaptive geometry and reduced vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheel well cover is designed to be adjustable in a manner which is dependent on the wheel angle, then the adaptability to wheel geometry is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel well cover is divided into multiple ring sections that can move independently relative to each other. Each ring section is connected via connecting devices with springs, allowing the cover to segment and adapt to different wheel angles without requiring a completely complex adjustable mechanism. This segmentation enables localized adjustment while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel well cover transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where ring sections can move relative to each other based on wheel angle. The springs in the connecting devices provide dynamic response to wheel movement, automatically adjusting the cover position without complex actuators or control systems.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple ring sections are arranged to be movable at least partially into one another, then the structural volume is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Springs are incorporated into the connecting devices between ring sections to provide tolerance compensation. These springs act as cushioning elements that absorb dimensional variations and alignment errors during manufacturing, allowing the ring sections to be precisely positioned without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring sections are designed to be movable into one another in a nested arrangement, reducing the overall structural volume. This nesting configuration allows the cover to compact when not in use while maintaining the capability to expand and adapt to wheel angles when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If springs are used as connecting means between ring sections, then tolerance compensation is improved, but the vibration behavior may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The spring parameters (stiffness, damping characteristics, preload) are specifically selected and optimized to achieve the right balance between tolerance compensation and vibration control. By adjusting spring parameters, the system can compensate for manufacturing tolerances while minimizing unwanted vibrations and acoustic noise from the wheel well cover.
4Volume of moving object
If the ring sections extend in the lateral direction substantially in the wheel transverse direction, then the structural volume is reduced for straight ahead driving, but the aerodynamic properties may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel well cover is designed to dynamically adjust its configuration based on driving conditions. For straight ahead driving, the ring sections extend laterally to reduce volume. When turning or under aerodynamic load, the springs allow the sections to move and adapt, maintaining acceptable aerodynamic properties without requiring a completely different structural design.
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 provides a compact, vibration-reduced, and aerodynamically improved wheel well cover that adapts to wheel geometry, enhancing stability, aesthetics, and aerodynamics while maintaining functionality in various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting means has at least one spring, with the result that tolerance compensation between individual ring sections is provided in a simple way. Moreover, the vibration behavior of the wheel well cover can be influenced in a positive way by way of the selection of suitable springs.
Implementation Method 2
the vibration behavior of the wheel well cover can be influenced in a positive way by way of the selection of suitable springs. It is thus possible, in particular, to configure a spring as a compression spring, a torsion spring or a tension spring, in order to reduce or even to completely avoid an undesired acoustically and/or visually perceptible vibration of the wheel well cover
Implementation Method 3
In order to improve the aesthetic appearance of the wheel well cover according to the invention and/or its aerodynamic properties, in particular with regard to a reduction of the air resistance of the wheel well cover, it can be provided that the wheel well cover comprises a wheel spat which extends on the vehicle body outer side.
Data Source
AI summary
An optically and aerodynamically improved body for a motor vehicle has a wheel well cover with at least one wheel well for receiving a wheel. The wheel well cover is designed in such a way as to be adjustable by an adjusting mechanism in accordance with the wheel angle, and includes at least two ring portions which surround part of the wheel and which are arranged in such a way as to be movable at least partially into each other and at least partially relative to one another.