Commercial Vehicle Fender with Integrated Wheel Chock Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing commercial vehicles lack a standardized location for wheel chocks that can accommodate different sizes and equipment, leading to variability in mounting locations depending on vehicle type and size.

Innovation Solution

A fender design with an integrated storage space on the outside curvature, accommodating a wheel chock, which can be accessed from above or the side, and featuring a captive retention system and damping elements to prevent rattling, with optional hinged closure to prevent moisture ingress and corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wheel chocks are mounted on different locations depending on vehicle type and size, then mounting flexibility is improved, but standardization and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidstandardization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fender is designed with a universal storage space that can accommodate wheel chocks of different sizes and configurations. The storage space is integrated into the fender structure itself, creating a standardized mounting location that works across different vehicle types and sizes, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations for different vehicle configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a storage space is integrated into the fender, then standardized location for wheel chocks is achieved, but fender complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardized locationVSAvoidfender structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage space for wheel chocks is merged with the fender structure, creating an integrated design where the storage compartment becomes part of the fender itself. This combines two functions (mud protection and chock storage) into a single structural element, achieving standardization without requiring separate mounting brackets or additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fender is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional mud protection and standardized wheel chock storage. The storage space is configured to accommodate various wheel chock sizes and types, making the fender a universal mounting solution across different vehicle configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the storage space is open for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from moisture and corrosion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidmoisture ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage space features a dynamically adjustable closure system that can be opened for access and closed for protection. The closure lid or door can be positioned in different states (open/closed) depending on whether the wheel chock needs to be accessed or protected from environmental factors, providing both accessibility and corrosion protection as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2397392B1Wing for a commercial vehicle

Publication Date: 2015.02.18 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

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AI summary

Mudguard (4) for a commercial vehicle, which terminates in downwardly directed legs (5; 6) with a curve (22) adapted to the tire shape. On the outside (8) of the curve (22) a storage space (20) with an opening (23) is arranged for receiving a wheel chock (11; 15; 16).