Vehicle Fender Recess for Snow Chain Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mudguards for commercial vehicles face challenges in accommodating maximum tire sizes with snow chains while complying with ECE-R54 guidelines, as they require complex and time-consuming manual length adjustments to create sufficient space.
Innovation Solution
The mudguard design incorporates a depression in the wall section and spray protection mat, achieved through material deformation and curvature, allowing for maximum tire sizes with snow chains without the need for manual length variability, thereby minimizing space requirements and adhering to ECE-R54 guidelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the mudguard is designed in multiple parts with manual length adjustment function, then sufficient space for tire with snow chain is achieved, but device complexity increases and manual extension is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mudguard is divided into multiple wall sections (front wall section, upper wall section, rear wall section) that can be independently configured. The recess in the rear wall section creates additional space without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms, effectively segmenting the space management function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the mudguard length in the horizontal dimension through manual adjustment, the invention creates a recess (depression) in the rear wall section that utilizes the vertical and depth dimensions. This allows the tire with snow chain to occupy the recessed space without requiring the mudguard to be physically longer or adjustable.
2Volume of moving object
If the rear wall section is moved rearward to create space, then tire with snow chain fits, but manual adjustment is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the rear wall section is pre-formed during manufacturing, creating the necessary space for the tire with snow chain before the vehicle is even assembled. This eliminates the need for manual extension or adjustment at the time of snow chain installation, saving time and effort.
3Reliability
If maximum tire size with snow chain is accommodated, then ECE-R54 compliance is achieved, but fender space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is localized to the rear wall section and is spatially limited within that section, affecting only the specific area needed for snow chain accommodation. This local modification allows the fender to maintain its standard size and shape in other areas while providing the necessary space compliance locally where the tire with snow chain requires it.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fender (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one wall section (2) for at least partially covering a vehicle wheel and/or a splash guard mat (3) on an inner side of the at least one wall section (2). The fender (1) is characterized in particular by the fact that the at least one wall section (2) and/or the splash guard mat (3) is extended by a recess (2.1, 3.1) so that the vehicle can preferably be driven with and without a snow chain fitted to the vehicle wheel.