Mudguard Unit With Hollow Support Rod And Snap-Fit Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mudguard units for freight vehicles are difficult to assemble and disassemble, particularly when done manually, and require complex tools, which complicates maintenance operations, especially in situations where space is limited and specialized tools are not available, and there is a need to reduce manufacturing weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A mudguard unit featuring a hollow aluminum support rod with a snap-fit elastic head and a locking washer system that allows for quick attachment and detachment from the chassis, utilizing a threaded shank and nut for secure fixation, enabling single-operator assembly and disassembly without the need for internal wrenches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw or bolt fixation methods are used to attach mudguards to the chassis, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the assembly and disassembly operations become slow and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod is divided into distinct functional segments: a hollow body for tool access, an elastic head for snap-fit attachment to the mudguard, and a threaded portion for chassis fixation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick assembly while maintaining strong connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic head is pre-formed with locking fins that automatically engage with the mudguard's fixing seat during insertion. The threaded portion is pre-configured to receive a standard wrench. These preliminary preparations eliminate the need for complex assembly steps, allowing rapid attachment while ensuring reliable connection.
2Strength
If traditional bolt and locking washer systems are used, then the fixation is secure, but the disassembly requires specialized tools and multiple operators in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
A standard wrench serves as an intermediary tool that accesses the threaded portion through the hollow support rod body. This intermediary mechanism allows a single operator to apply sufficient torque for secure fixation while easily performing disassembly, even in the confined space between the wheel and mudguard.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic head with locking fins automatically engages with the fixing seat when the support rod is inserted, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the mudguard without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. The design serves itself by combining attachment and locking functions in one component.
3Strength
If solid metal support rods are used, then the structural integrity is high, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod uses a hollow cylindrical structure instead of solid metal, significantly reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity. The hollow body provides sufficient strength for supporting the mudguard and withstanding road forces, while the thin-walled construction minimizes material usage and overall weight of the mudguard unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rod combines different material properties by using a hollow aluminum or lightweight metal construction for the body, which provides adequate strength-to-weight ratio. This composite approach of hollow structure with strategic thickening at connection points achieves both weight reduction and structural integrity requirements.
4Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used, then the connection is reliable, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod merges multiple functions into a single component: structural support, tool access channel, and fixation mechanism. The elastic head combines attachment and locking functions, while the hollow body provides both structural integrity and wrench access. This merging eliminates multiple separate parts and assembly steps, increasing productivity while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow support rod body serves multiple purposes: it provides structural strength, creates a passage for wrench access to the threaded portion, and acts as a protective housing for the internal components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly and increasing manufacturing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly simplifies assembly and disassembly, reduces weight by using aluminum, enhances robustness with steel components, and eliminates the need for multiple operators, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic head (76), elastically deformable so as to achieve a positive coupling with the fixing seat (12)
Implementation Method 2
A bolt (28) is provided at the proximal end (24) having a head (32) and a threaded shank (36) for fixing into a hole (64) in the chassis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mudguard unit (4) comprising a mudguard (8) having the shape of an arc of a circle around a transversal axis (X-X), parallel to a thickness or depth of an associable vehicle wheel, the mudguard (8) having at least one fixing seat (12), hollow and parallel to said transversal axis (X-X), at least one support rod (16), parallel to said transversal axis (X-X), and at least partially housed in said fixing seat (12). The support rod (16) extends from a distal end (20), at which it is fixed to the mudguard (8), to a proximal end (24) at which it is fixed to the chassis of an associable vehicle, wherein, at the proximal end (24), a bolt (28) is provided having a head (32) and a threaded shank (36) for fixing into a hole in the chassis of an associable vehicle. A locking washer (40) is integrally associated to the head (32) of the bolt (32) having a circular body (44) provided with at least one appendage (48), which engages into a corresponding slot (52) on the proximal end (24) of the support rod (16) so as to join the bolt (28) and the proximal end (24) solidly to each other.