Mudguard Deflector Obstruction Element for Screw Passage Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mudguard deflector assemblies lack a mechanism to prevent accidental engagement of fixing screws in the passage hole, which can damage components like fuel tanks or pipes when the screwing method is not intended, particularly in vehicles with specific powertrain configurations.
Innovation Solution
A mudguard deflector assembly with an obstruction element that clamps onto the deflector, featuring parallel bearing surfaces and complementary retaining means to guide and maintain the obstruction element, which covers the passage orifice, preventing the passage of fixing screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a generic mudguard deflector assembly is designed with a passage opening for fastening elements to accommodate multiple vehicle models, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of damaging components (fuel tank, pipe) increases when screws are accidentally engaged in models where it is not intended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing an obstruction element that proactively blocks the passage opening before any harmful action (screw engagement) can occur. The obstruction element is positioned in advance to prevent the harmful effect of accidental screwing into components like fuel tanks or pipes, while still allowing the generic design to serve multiple vehicle models.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction element acts as an intermediary between the passage opening and the potential fastening element. It mediates by physically blocking the path of the screw, preventing direct contact with vulnerable components behind the mudguard, while still allowing the assembly to maintain its generic design for multiple vehicle applications.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an obstruction element is added to prevent accidental screw engagement, then damage risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mudguard deflector assembly into distinct functional elements: the main assembly and the separate obstruction element. This allows the obstruction function to be added as a modular component rather than redesigning the entire assembly, thereby limiting the increase in complexity to just the additional blocking element and its retention mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction element applies local quality by providing protection only at the specific location where it is needed (the passage opening), rather than modifying the entire mudguard assembly. The retention means are localized to specific engagement points on the deflector, allowing the rest of the assembly to remain simple and unchanged.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a mudguard deflector assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising a deflector and a mudguard having an orifice suitable for the passage of a fixation element, such as a fixation screw, and the deflector having a retaining means, the deflector assembly further comprising an attached obstruction element (10), configured to be attached by clipping onto the deflector, the obstruction element (10) comprising a first and a second parallel support surface suitable for sandwiching a deflector wall, the first support surface having a complementary retaining means suitable for cooperating with the means for retaining the deflector in order to guide and hold the obstruction element (10) in position on the deflector, one of the first and second support surfaces having an obstruction portion configured to obstruct the orifice of the mudguard by covering same so as to prevent a fixation element from passing through.