Fender Fastening Device Using Plastic Insert for Truck Frame

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for fastening fenders to truck frames without cylindrical housings struggle to provide a rapid and safe fixation method, as they lack suitable mechanisms for fenders without integral tube configurations.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device comprising a plastic insert with snap hooks and wedge hooks that engages with the truck frame's hollow tube, combined with fastening means that secure the fender using bolts and nuts, allowing for rapid coupling and decoupling while preventing axial sliding and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cylindrical housing is provided for receiving a tube integral to the frame, then the fender can be securely fastened to the frame, but the device complexity increases and cannot be applied to fenders without such housings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to different fender modelsVSAvoidstructural complexity of fastening system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is divided into separate functional components: a plastic insert with snap hooks for tube engagement, a fastening means with abutting surfaces for axial positioning, and wedge hooks for rotational locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall system and enabling adaptability to different fender configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device is designed to be universally applicable to both fenders with and without cylindrical housings. The plastic insert with snap hooks can engage with the tube regardless of whether a housing is present, and the fastening means provides both axial positioning and rotational locking functions through integrated abutting surfaces and wedge hooks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional fastening methods are used for fenders without cylindrical housings, then the device complexity remains low, but the fixing speed and safety are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing speedVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic insert is pre-configured with snap hooks that automatically engage with the tube when the fastening device is installed. The abutting surfaces are pre-positioned to provide immediate axial positioning, and the wedge hooks are ready to lock rotational movement. This preliminary configuration enables rapid fixation without complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The snap hooks automatically engage with the tube upon insertion, providing self-aligning and self-securing functionality. The wedge hooks automatically lock the rotational position when the fastening means is tightened, eliminating the need for additional alignment or adjustment operations by the installer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If blocking means are used to limit axial sliding in the tube, then the fender positioning is secure, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial positioning stabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of blocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking function is merged with the fastening means by integrating abutting surfaces directly into the structure that also provides rotational locking through wedge hooks. This combination eliminates the need for separate blocking mechanisms while achieving both axial positioning and rotational security in a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If multiple fastening points are used to prevent rotation, then the rotational stability is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge hooks automatically engage with corresponding features on the fastening means to lock the rotational position. This self-locking mechanism provides reliable rotational stability without requiring multiple separate fastening operations or complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3680152B1Fast locking / unlocking device for constraining a fender to a frame
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 DOMAR
  • EP3680152B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3680152B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3680152B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Device (1) for fastening a fender to a hollow tube (30) integral to a frame of a heavy vehicle, comprising: - a plastic insert (20) configured to be introduced in said hollow tube (30) integral to the frame of a vehicle, - a first fastening means configured to be fastened both to said insert (20) and the fender (40), and a second fastening means configured to be fastened to the fender (40) and comprising a through hole for said tube (30).