Movable Fairing Mounting Assembly for Multi-Direction Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle panel mounting systems do not allow for efficient access to areas behind panels, such as fairings, as they are not designed to pivot or swing in multiple directions, limiting access to components like batteries and air/gas tanks.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that includes a panel and a stationary part with interconnected support members, latches, and an actuator, allowing the panel to pivot or swing in two perpendicular directions (forward and lateral, or rearward and lateral) by forming a parallel motion linkage with interchangeable pivot axes, enabling access by switching between fixed and movable pivots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fixed mounting system is used for the panel, then structural integrity is maintained, but access to areas behind the panel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic system with movable pivots. The panel can swing between a closed position (secured) and an open position (access granted) by rotating about the movable pivots, allowing the mounting system to adapt between structural integrity and accessibility modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the pivots - fixed pivots remain stationary while movable pivots can change position when the panel swings. This parameter change enables the panel to move from a fixed mounted state to a swung-open state, providing access to areas behind the panel while maintaining structural integrity when closed
2Ease of operation
If the panel is designed to swing in one direction only, then simplicity is maintained, but access to multiple areas behind the panel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both fixed and movable pivots that work together. The combination allows the single panel to access multiple areas behind it by swinging in different directions, making the mounting system versatile without requiring separate mounting mechanisms for each access direction
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into fixed pivots and movable pivots with distinct functions. The fixed pivots provide stable mounting points while the movable pivots enable multi-directional swinging, allowing access to multiple areas behind the panel through coordinated action of the segmented pivot components
3Reliability
If latches are added to secure the panel in open positions, then structural integrity during operation is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the panel reaches the desired open position and to self-lock, maintaining structural integrity without requiring continuous external control. The latch serves itself by using the panel's position to trigger engagement, reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable securing
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to a moveable panel, such as a fairing, of a vehicle, such as a semi-truck. For a number of reasons, it may be desirable to gain access to the area behind the fairing, for example, to access batteries, air/gas tanks, auxiliary power units, and/or other components that are mounted to the vehicle frame. In order to move the fairing with respect to the vehicle frame, one or more examples of a mounting system are provided that enables the fairing to pivot/swing away from the vehicle frame in a first direction (e.g., forward toward the front wheel). In some embodiments, the fairing may also pivot/swing away from the frame in a second direction (e.g., rearward toward the rear wheels) opposite the first direction. This multiple pivoting/swinging movement of the fairing enables access to different locations behind the fairing.