Fender Protector Reinforcing Beam Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fender protector structures for vehicles lack sufficient rigidity, particularly at the peripheral intermediate portion of the wheel arch, which compromises their ability to withstand lateral outer forces.

Innovation Solution

A fender protector structure with a reinforcing beam portion extending from the body panel to the fender panel, featuring a plurality of radially extending reinforcing beams and an inclined surface, along with a buffering body, to enhance rigidity and distribute loads effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixing points are formed only at the ends of the fender protector periphery, then the structure is simpler, but sufficient rigidity cannot be achieved at the peripheral intermediate portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of fixing pointsVSAvoidrigidity at peripheral intermediate portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing ribs are pre-formed as integral parts of the fender protector structure during manufacturing. The first reinforcing rib is formed at the outer end, the second reinforcing rib is formed at the lateral inner portion, and they are connected by an inclined reinforcing rib. This preliminary formation of reinforcing structures eliminates the need for additional fixing points at intermediate portions, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving sufficient rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2072379B1Fender Protector Structure
Publication Date: 2011.06.08 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2072379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2072379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2072379B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fender protector structure of a vehicle, includes a body structure including a body panel and a fender panel (1), the body structure defining a wheel well (29), a fender protector means connected to the body structure for covering an outer periphery of the wheel well, and a means (22,23,24,25) for reinforcing the fender protector (20) extending from the body panel to the fender panel, wherein the means for reinforcing includes a means (22,23) for fixing the fender protector (20) to the body panel.