Fender Flare Mounting Plate Strut Gap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle fender flares are limited by the geometry of the wheel well, particularly the rounded ridge, which restricts the installation of larger or differently shaped aftermarket fender flares, and do not effectively manage water drainage or provide adequate support for larger fender designs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a mounting plate portion with angled and flat sections, supported by strut plates that extend outwardly or above the wheel well, creating a gap to accommodate the wheel well's curvature, allowing for larger fender flare installation and improved water drainage, while using materials like steel, aluminum, or plastic for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fender flares are used that directly attach to the wheel well, then installation is simple, but the wheel well's rounded ridge restricts the size and shape of the fender flare
Solution Approach 1:
The fender flare assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting plate that attaches to the wheel well, and a fender portion that is supported by strut plates. This segmentation allows the mounting structure to be adapted to the wheel well geometry while the fender portion can be designed in various sizes and shapes without being constrained by the wheel well's rounded ridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut plates extend outwardly or above the mounting plate portion, creating a three-dimensional support structure that bridges the gap between the wheel well and the fender portion. This dimensional approach allows the fender flare to overcome the wheel well's geometric limitations by utilizing vertical and lateral space rather than being constrained to the wheel well's surface plane.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fender flares are designed to fit tightly against the wheel well, then appearance is improved, but water drainage is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The gap created between the mounting plate and fender portion acts as an intermediary drainage channel. This intentional space allows water to flow through the assembly, preventing water accumulation and improving drainage without requiring the fender flare to be contoured tightly against the wheel well.
3Area of moving object
If larger aftermarket fender flares are installed to accommodate bigger wheels, then wheel accommodation is improved, but support and stability become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The strut plates are pre-positioned to extend outwardly or above the mounting plate portion, establishing a support framework before the fender portion is attached. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that larger fender flares receive adequate support from the outset, maintaining stability and strength regardless of the fender flare size.
Data Source
AI summary
A fender flare has a mounting plate portion, a fender portion, and a plurality of strut plates. The mounting plate portion is configured to be mounted to a wheel well of a vehicle body. The plurality of strut plates support the fender portion relative to the mounting plate portion. A step assembly and modular bumper assemblies are also disclosed.