Fender Flare Diagonal Troughs and Retractable Mud Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fender flares fail to effectively manage water spray and mud debris thrown by rotating tires, leading to vehicle contamination and reduced aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A fender flare design featuring diagonally oriented troughs and gutters to direct water inward and a retractable mud flap to minimize water spray and debris impact, with integrated LED lights for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional fender flare is used, then the wheel and tire combination can be accommodated, but water spray and mud debris still contaminate the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The fender flare is segmented into multiple functional zones: an interior portion with diagonally oriented troughs for water drainage, a top area with gutters for debris channeling, and a retractable mud flap. Each segment performs a specific function to manage different types of contaminants, allowing the system to effectively reduce water spray and mud debris contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fender flare includes drainage features, then water management improves, but the aesthetic appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage features are strategically positioned in specific local areas where they are most effective: troughs are placed in the interior portion facing the wheel well to catch water at its source, while gutters are positioned in the top area to channel debris. This localized placement ensures optimal water management performance while minimizing the visual impact on the overall aesthetic appearance of the fender flare.
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 design significantly reduces water spray and mud debris impact on the vehicle, enhancing protection and appearance while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
Implementation Method 1
A retractable mud flap may be pivotally secured to the fender flare to minimize the impact of water spray and debris thrown by the rotating tire.
Implementation Method 2
The exterior portion of the fender flare may include lights to enhance the visibility of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A fender flare includes a side portion and an inner portion. The inner portion includes troughs at a front area of the inner portion.