Modular Wind Fairings With Interchangeable Collars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind fairings have a one-piece design that is not adaptable to different vehicle makes, models, and years, requiring a unique design for each vehicle, which increases inventory costs and space requirements, and lacks storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A modular, two-piece wind fairing system with interchangeable roof cab collars and upper sections, allowing for customization to fit various vehicle configurations without the need for extensive retooling, and incorporating an internal shelf for additional storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a one-piece wind fairing design is used, then the fairing can be mounted to a specific vehicle, but it cannot be adapted to different vehicle makes, models, and years
Solution Approach 1:
The wind fairing is divided into multiple modular sections including a roof cab collar portion and a fairing portion that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows different collar portions to be configured for various vehicle makes, models, and years while using a common fairing portion, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall design complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal components that can serve multiple vehicle types. The common fairing portion can be paired with different roof cab collar portions to fit various vehicle configurations, making the system multi-functional and adaptable across different vehicle platforms
2Reliability
If a unique one-piece wind fairing is designed for each vehicle, then it can fit the specific vehicle, but inventory costs and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wind fairing into interchangeable modular sections, the inventory requirement transitions from storing many complete unique fairings to storing a limited set of collar portions and a common fairing portion. This maintains fitting accuracy through proper module selection while dramatically reducing the total quantity of inventory needed
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed to nest or assemble together, with the roof cab collar portion fitting onto or integrating with the fairing portion. This nesting approach allows a small number of modular components to combine and form multiple complete fairing configurations, reducing inventory space requirements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional wind fairings are designed, then they can reduce air resistance, but they provide no storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated structure: the wind fairing's aerodynamic function and a storage compartment function. The modular design allows the fairing to maintain its drag-reducing shape while incorporating an internal or attached storage space, thereby eliminating the trade-off between aerodynamic performance and storage utility
Data Source
AI summary
A fairing includes a first part including a wall having and a top flange extending from the wall. A second part of the fairing includes a body and a bottom flange extending from the body. The bottom flange is configured to engage the top flange to couple the second part to the first part.