Mud Flap Tab Capturing Wheel Liner Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mud flaps for vehicles require drilling holes into the fender fold, leading to corrosion issues and potentially voiding the OEM corrosion warranty, and existing solutions for attaching mud flaps without drilling have been unsatisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A mud flap design featuring a tab that captures the wheel well's free edge and uses a rotating clamping fastener to secure the mud flap to the fender fold without requiring additional holes, ensuring a secure attachment without compromising the vehicle's corrosion protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If through-fasteners are used to affix the mud flap to the vehicle, then firm affixation of the mud flap is achieved, but holes must be drilled into the fender fold which creates corrosion problems and may void the OEM corrosion warranty
Solution Approach 1:
A tab component is introduced as an intermediary element between the mud flap and the vehicle body. The tab has a channel that receives and captures the free end of the wheel liner, creating a mechanical interlock without requiring holes in the fender fold. This intermediary structure enables firm attachment while preserving the integrity of the original vehicle panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: the mud flap body, the tab with channel for capturing the wheel liner, and the fastener system. This segmentation allows the tab to provide structural attachment points without compromising the fender fold, while fasteners provide adjustable securing force.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mud flaps are designed for aftermarket installation, then vehicle owners can attach them themselves, but drilling holes into the fender fold is required which creates corrosion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The tab with its channel structure serves as a mediator that enables DIY installation without corrosion risk. The wheel liner's free end is captured in the tab's channel, creating a pre-prepared attachment point that requires no drilling into the fender fold, making the installation process both simple and corrosion-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab is pre-formed with a channel during manufacturing that is specifically designed to receive and capture the wheel liner's free end. This preliminary preparation of the attachment mechanism eliminates the need for on-site drilling and simplifies the installation process for the end user.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a tab with channel is used to capture the wheel liner free end, then affixation points are provided without drilling holes, but the tab structure adds complexity to the mud flap design
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is integrally molded with the mud flap body as a single piece, combining two components into one. This integration eliminates the need for separate attachment of the tab and reduces the number of parts, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the corrosion-free attachment benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mud flap, creates attachment points by capturing the wheel liner, and eliminates the need for drilling into the fender fold. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, offsetting the apparent complexity with functional consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mud flap is provided with an integrally molded upstanding tab which captures a free edge of a wheel liner or similar wheel well-forming vehicle body element. The upstanding tab may be combined with OEM screw holes or clamping members to affix the mud flap to the vehicle wheel well.