Fender Mounting Assembly Pivoting Support Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing fender mounting arrangements on agricultural tractors restrict steering angles due to fender interference with the vehicle frame, limit the placement of suspension components, and increase the risk of debris damage, as they are not designed to accommodate extreme steering movements effectively.

Innovation Solution

A fender mounting assembly where the support arm is fixed relative to the wheel carrier, allowing the fender to pivot with respect to the wheel and support arm, with a biasing mechanism to maintain alignment and an inclined pivot axis to maintain separation from the wheel, enabling closer positioning of suspension components and improved debris protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the support arm is fixed to the wheel carrier to maintain constant positional relationship, then the fender maintains stable alignment with the tyre, but the steering angle is restricted due to fender striking the vehicle frame at extreme angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefender alignment stabilityVSAvoidsteering angle range

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent pivot mechanisms: the support arm pivots relative to the wheel carrier to maintain alignment stability, while the fender pivots relative to the support arm to accommodate steering angle variations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fender mounting assembly transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic pivoting connection. The fender is mounted on a pivoting support that allows it to rotate relative to the support arm, enabling the system to adapt to changing steering angles while maintaining proper alignment during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the support arm is positioned far from the wheel to accommodate pivoting movement, then the fender can pivot freely, but the placement of suspension components is limited and track width is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefender pivoting freedomVSAvoidsuspension component placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting function is segmented between two levels: the support arm's pivot relative to the wheel carrier, and the fender's pivot relative to the support arm. This allows the support arm to be positioned close to the wheel for compact suspension design, while the fender's additional pivot provides the necessary pivoting freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a second rotational degree of freedom by allowing the fender to pivot on the support arm in addition to the support arm's pivot on the wheel carrier. This dimensional addition enables compact positioning while maintaining full pivoting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the support arm uses a vertical pivot axis for ease of construction, then manufacturing is simplified, but the separation between support arm and tyre is minimal at full steering lock increasing debris damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport arm construction simplicityVSAvoiddebris impact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fender mounting introduces a dynamic pivoting capability that allows the fender to adjust its position relative to the support arm during steering. At full steering lock, the fender can pivot to maintain adequate separation from the tyre, reducing debris impact risk while the support arm itself remains simple with vertical pivot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting fender mounting preemptively creates clearance between the fender and tyre at extreme steering angles before debris impact can occur. The spring mechanism预先 prepares the system to maintain safe separation distances during full steering lock conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP2607212B1Fender mounting assembly for utility vehicles

Publication Date: 2015.06.17 AGCO SA (FR)

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AI summary

A utility vehicle (10) such as an agricultural tractor comprises a steerable wheel (12) secured to a wheel carrier (30) which is mounted to a vehicle frame (18). The wheel is steerable through a range of steering angles about a substantially vertical steering axis. A fender (24) is mounted above the wheel on a support arm (40). The support arm is fixed relative to the wheel carrier (30) so as to pivot with the wheel during steering through the whole of said range. The fender (24) is pivotally mounted to the support arm (40) at a pivoting mount located above the wheel. The fender is forced to pivot with respect to the wheel and support arm when the fender engages the vehicle frame (18).