Mudguard Assembly With Integrated Recessed Mounting Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mudguard assemblies for agricultural vehicles are complex and costly to manufacture, require extensive supporting structures, and often necessitate different designs for each side of the vehicle, increasing production costs and component inventory.
Innovation Solution
A mudguard assembly featuring a main body member with a recessed mounting region and a telescopically adjustable support system, allowing for closer positioning to the wheel and improved structural rigidity, enabling simpler and more cost-effective design with symmetrical components for use on either side of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a complex supporting structure with a frame portion extending over a large area is used to provide structural support for the mudguard, then the mudguard can maintain its shape, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting region is integrated directly into the main body member as a raised formation with a recess, combining the support function with the mudguard body itself. This eliminates the need for a separate complex frame structure while maintaining shape stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from a separate complex frame structure and incorporated into the main body member through the raised mounting region with recess. This simplifies the overall structure by removing unnecessary components while retaining the essential support capability.
2Strength
If a complex supporting structure is used to hold the mudguard in position, then structural support is provided, but the spacing between the lower surface of the mudguard and the wheel increases, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting region is merged with the main body member, allowing the mudguard to be positioned closer to the wheel without requiring a separate support structure. This integration maintains both structural integrity and mudguard effectiveness in preventing spray.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different mudguards and supporting structures are required for each side of the vehicle, then each side can be optimized, but manufacturing costs and component inventory increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mudguard is designed with asymmetrical features including the positioning of the mounting region and the angled lateral section of the support, allowing a single design to fit both sides of the vehicle. The asymmetrical geometry enables proper positioning on either side while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mudguard assembly is designed as a universal component that can be used on either side of the vehicle. The mounting region with its specific geometry and the angled lateral section of the support enable the same component to function correctly on both left and right sides, reducing inventory requirements.
4Reliability
If the mudguard is positioned closer to the wheel to improve spray prevention, then effectiveness increases, but the supporting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the main body member through the raised mounting region with recess, enabling the mudguard to be positioned closer to the wheel. This integration provides structural support without requiring a separate complex supporting structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mudguard assembly (11) for a tractor includes a mudguard (12) with main body member (14) and a tubular support (13) for mounting the mudguard to a structural component of the vehicle. The main body member (14) is curved longitudinally so as to extend over a wheel of the vehicle and has mounting region (17) which defines a recess with a downwardly facing opening in which at least part of a mudguard mounting portion of the support is located. The mounting portion (17) is in the form of a raised channel formation which provides structural rigidity for the main body member. A separate cover (19) may be attachable over the mounting portion.