Foldable Motor Vehicle Fender With Pin-Shaped Rotatable Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fender designs for motor vehicles, especially on larger motorcycles with integrated luggage systems and electronic components, restrict access to the rear wheel, requiring costly and time-consuming disassembly for maintenance, and are heavy and costly due to traditional hinge mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fender design with two rotatable sections connected by pin-shaped elements, allowing for easy access and mounting by folding, eliminating the need for a heavy hinge and reducing weight and material costs, while integrating the connection elements discreetly for an aerodynamic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional heavy hinge mechanisms are used to enable fender folding, then the fender can provide easier wheel access, but the fender weight and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fender is divided into multiple sections (first fender section and second fender section) that can be independently positioned. The second section is rotatably connected to the first section, allowing it to be folded away from the wheel area to improve access without requiring a heavy continuous hinge structure spanning the entire fender.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between fender sections is achieved by extracting only the essential rotational function and implementing it through simple pin-shaped connection elements rather than a complete heavy-duty hinge mechanism. This removes unnecessary structural mass while preserving the folding capability.
2Strength
If traditional steel axle hinges are used for fender folding, then sufficient strength is achieved, but aerodynamic shape and aesthetic appearance are greatly impaired
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a visible traditional hinge mechanism, the patent uses pin-shaped connection elements that are integrated into the fender structure. These pins can be positioned and designed to be aerodynamically inconspicuous, copying the essential rotational function while maintaining the smooth external contours of the fender.
3Reliability
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used for fender folding, then reliable rotation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential rotational connection function from a complete hinge mechanism and implements it through simple pin-shaped connection elements. This eliminates the need for complex mounting devices, adjustment mechanisms, and heavy structural components while maintaining reliable rotation between the fender sections.
4Loss of time
If the second fender section is made rotatable for easier wheel access, then mounting time is reduced, but the fender structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fender is segmented into rotatable sections connected by simple pin elements, allowing the second section to be folded away during wheel mounting operations. This segmentation provides quick access without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple fastening points that would increase structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fender for a motor vehicle has at least a first fender section and a second fender section. The second fender section is rotatably connected to the first fender section so as to be able to rotate at least between an operational position and an open position. The rotatable connection between the second fender section and the first fender section is provided by two pin-shaped connecting elements.