Movable Fairing Mounting Assembly for Two-Direction Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle panel mounting systems do not allow for efficient movement of panels, such as fairings, in multiple directions, limiting access to areas behind the panels for maintenance and inspection.
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 via interchangeable pairs of fixed and moving pivots, enabling access by selecting different operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fixed mounting system is used for the panel, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the access to areas behind the panel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic system that allows the panel to swing between a closed position (for structural integrity) and an open position (for access). The support members and pivots enable controlled movement while maintaining connection between the panel and vehicle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: support members for structural connection, pivots for rotation, and latches for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling both structural integrity and access capability.
2Ease of operation
If the panel is allowed to move freely in multiple directions, then the access to areas behind the panel is improved, but the structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides controlled movement through defined pivot points rather than free movement. The panel can swing to access positions while remaining structurally connected to the vehicle frame through the support members, maintaining reliability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism provides pre-positioning and stabilization of the panel in specific locations (closed, open, intermediate positions). This ensures the panel is securely held in place during operation, preventing unintended movement that could compromise structural integrity.
3Productivity
If a mounting system with multiple movement directions is implemented, then the productivity for maintenance and inspection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables access for maintenance and inspection, allows parallel movement in two directions, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality improves productivity by consolidating several requirements into a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components (support members, pivots, latches) that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This modularity reduces overall system complexity while enabling the sophisticated multi-directional movement capability needed for efficient maintenance access.
4Ease of operation
If the panel is kept in a fixed position, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the ease of operation for access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transforms the fixed panel configuration into a dynamic one with controlled degrees of freedom. The panel can swing in two perpendicular directions to access different areas behind it, significantly improving ease of operation for maintenance and inspection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members and pivots act as intermediaries between the fixed vehicle frame and the movable panel. These intermediary components enable the panel to move for access while maintaining its structural connection to the frame, resolving the contradiction between fixed positioning and operational flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2
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.