Vehicle Fender Radial Brace Inversion for Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fenders on wheeled vehicles create drag due to the space between the fender and the wheel, as they act like 'air scoops' when the vehicle is in motion, and minimizing this space is limited by the braces connecting the fenders to suspension elements.
Innovation Solution
A fender design with an arcuate body and braces where the second end of the brace is connected to the wheel support structure closer to the rotation axis than the first end, with a fender side portion and cover to optimize the placement and reduce drag by positioning the braces and fender side portion radially inward, thus minimizing the gap between the fender and wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the space between the fender and the wheel is diminished to reduce drag, then aerodynamic resistance is reduced, but the fender cannot be properly connected to the wheel support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the brace connection points from the inner surface of the fender to the outer surface, utilizing the third dimension (radial depth) to resolve the conflict. By moving the brace attachment location radially outward, the fender can be positioned closer to the wheel while maintaining adequate brace length and structural integrity, thus reducing drag without compromising connection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a cover as an intermediary element that conceals the brace and its connection points. This allows the brace to be positioned optimally for structural support while maintaining aesthetic appearance by hiding the mechanical connection elements from view, resolving the conflict between functional requirements and design appearance.
2Loss of energy
If the fender is positioned closer to the wheel to reduce drag, then aerodynamic resistance is reduced, but the brace becomes apparent and affects appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The cover serves as an intermediary element that conceals the brace and connection hardware. It is positioned between the observer and the mechanical components, aesthetically masking the structural elements while allowing the fender to maintain its optimal position close to the wheel for reduced drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is strategically positioned only where needed to conceal the brace connection points, rather than covering the entire fender. This localized approach maintains the aesthetic appearance in critical areas while preserving the functional design and minimal gap between fender and wheel in other areas.
3Strength
If the brace is positioned on the inner surface of the fender to connect to suspension elements, then structural connection is achieved, but the minimal space between fender and wheel is increased creating drag
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the radial dimension of brace placement by moving connection points from the inner surface to the outer surface of the fender. This dimensional shift allows the brace to maintain its structural function while enabling the fender to be positioned closer to the wheel, thereby reducing the aerodynamic gap and associated drag.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the brace on the conventional inner surface of the fender, the invention inverts the approach by placing the brace connection points on the outer surface. This reversal of the typical arrangement allows the fender body to extend closer to the wheel while the brace connects from the opposite side, resolving the drag issue.
Data Source
AI summary
A fender for a wheeled vehicle has an arcuate fender body and a brace. The fender body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is adapted to face a wheel of the vehicle. The brace has a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed on and connected to the outer surface of the fender body. The second end is adapted to connect to the vehicle. The second end is spaced from the fender body and is disposed radially inward of the first end. A wheeled vehicle having the fender disposed on a wheel thereof is also described.