Refuse Vehicle Fender Mounting to Body Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicle designs face challenges in mounting fenders efficiently, particularly due to limited space for fender mounting brackets on vehicles with multiple wheelbase variants, leading to increased weight and reduced structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves mounting fenders directly to the body assembly rather than the chassis, providing a more direct load path and reducing the weight of mounting brackets, while also allowing for a more straightforward integration on vehicles with varying wheelbases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fenders are mounted to the chassis using traditional brackets, then the mounting is secure, but the weight of mounting brackets increases and structural integrity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fender mounting system from the traditional chassis-mounted configuration and relocates it to the body assembly. This separation removes the need for heavy chassis brackets while maintaining secure mounting through the body assembly's inherent structural capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the mounting approach from a horizontal chassis attachment to a vertical body assembly integration. This dimensional change allows the fender to be supported by the body assembly's vertical structure, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal bracket systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fender mounting brackets are used on vehicles with multiple wheelbase variants, then mounting is possible, but the available space for brackets is limited and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the refuse compartment, provides structural rigidity, and acts as the mounting platform for fenders. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and simplifies the overall structure across different wheelbase variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vehicle into distinct functional modules: the chassis for mobility, the body assembly for refuse containment and structural support, and the fender as a protective component. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies adaptation to different wheelbase configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a front axle assembly coupled to the chassis, a rear axle assembly coupled to the chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and a fender assembly. The front axle assembly includes a front axle and front tractive elements coupled to the front axle. The rear axle assembly includes a rear axle and rear tractive elements coupled to the rear axle. The body assembly includes a bottom panel with longitudinal frame members extending along opposing lateral sides of the bottom panel. The fender assembly includes a fender positioned proximate a respective one of the rear tractive elements, a support coupled to the bottom panel and/or a respective one of the longitudinal frame members of the body assembly, and a bracket extending from the support to the fender to couple the fender to the body assembly.