Vehicle Fender Locking Device with Safety Clip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for vehicle fenders, such as those used on trucks, are prone to uncoupling due to vibrations and impacts, and while safer options require more installation time, they compromise speed and efficiency in the first installation step and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring a locking device with a first portion that fits inside the fender and a second portion with snap hooks and longitudinal ribs that engage a tube integral to the vehicle frame, combined with a safety clip that secures the axial sliding, ensuring the fender remains anchored during impacts and vibrations without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If snap fastening means (snap hooks) are used for rapid locking/unlocking, then installation speed and ease of operation are improved, but reliability deteriorates because the snap device can go out from the tube after vibrations and impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into two separate portions: a first portion with prongs that engages the tube, and a second portion with snap hooks that secures the fender. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally - the prongs provide secure anchoring while the snap hooks enable rapid operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment or stop element acts as an intermediary between the two portions of the locking device. It prevents the portions from separating completely while allowing them to move relative to each other during installation and operation, ensuring the device remains functional under vibrations and impacts.
2Reliability
If safer locking devices are used to prevent uncoupling under vibrations, then reliability is improved, but installation time increases making them slower than rapid locking devices
Solution Approach 1:
The first portion of the locking device with prongs is pre-configured to engage with the tube, providing immediate secure anchoring. The second portion with snap hooks is designed to snap into place rapidly, combining preliminary secure engagement with quick installation.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the locking device into two portions with different functions, the patent achieves both rapid installation (through snap hooks) and high reliability (through prong engagement), eliminating the need to choose between speed and security.
3Device complexity
If a single locking device is used without additional safety components, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates as the fender can go out from the tube during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The two portions of the locking device are designed to work together as an integrated system within the single tube, with the abutment element connecting them. This merging provides enhanced reliability without requiring completely separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the locking function into two distinct portions that work in conjunction, providing redundant security against uncoupling while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular 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 system provides a rapid and secure fastening solution that resists vibrations and impacts, ensuring the fender remains securely attached while allowing for quick installation and maintenance without tools, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a safety clip (40, 41) configured to engage said holes (123, 22) provided on the device (1) and on the tube (2), thus fastening the axial sliding
Implementation Method 2
comprising at least a snap hook (122), configured to engage said hole (2)
Implementation Method 3
said first portion (11) being configured to be introduced inside the fender (30, 31) and being provided with at least a prong or wedge-shaped hook (112)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4
AI summary
System for fastening a fender to a frame of a vehicle, comprising a locking device (1) comprising and first (11) and a second portion (12) separated by an abutment or stop element (13), said first portion (11) being configured to be introduced inside the fender (30, 31) and being provided with at least a prong or wedge-shaped hook (112), said second portion (12) being configured to be introduced inside a tube (2) integral to the frame of the vehicle, and comprising at least a shaped hole (22) on its own outer surface, said second portion (12) comprising at least a snap hook (122), configured to engage said hole (2), and at least a hole (123) in such a position that, when the locking device (1) in introduced inside the tube (2), said hole (123) is at said hole (22) provided on said tube (2), characterized in that said system further comprises a safety clip (40, 41) configured to engage said holes (123, 22) provided on the device (1) and on the tube (2), thus fastening the axial sliding.