Multipart Vehicle Apron With Predetermined Breaking Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle aprons, often made of plastic, are prone to complete replacement even for localized damage, leading to financial and environmental disadvantages due to their inability to be easily repaired after accidents.
Innovation Solution
A multipart apron design featuring connected partial aprons with predetermined breaking points, allowing for selective damage isolation and easy replacement of damaged components, utilizing material weakening points and additive production methods like 3-D printing for efficient repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the apron is made as a single piece, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the repairability deteriorates as the entire apron must be replaced even for localized damage
Solution Approach 1:
The apron is divided into multiple separable partial aprons (first partial apron, second partial apron, etc.) that can be independently replaced. The connecting elements allow each partial apron to be detached and reattached, enabling localized repair without replacing the entire apron structure.
2Strength
If the apron is made from plastic material, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the durability deteriorates as the apron quickly breaks when damaged in an accident
Solution Approach 1:
Predetermined breaking points with structural weakenings are intentionally designed in the partial aprons at locations where damage is most likely to occur. These pre-defined weak points ensure that the apron breaks in a controlled manner at specific locations rather than randomly, facilitating easier and more predictable replacement of damaged sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The apron structure has non-uniform properties: the partial aprons have varying wall thicknesses and structural strengths at different locations. The predetermined breaking points feature localized structural weakenings (reduced wall thickness) that create specific failure points, while other areas maintain full strength for normal operation.
3Reliability
If the entire apron is replaced, then the reliability is restored, but the financial and environmental loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apron is divided into multiple separable partial aprons (first partial apron, second partial apron, etc.) that can be independently replaced. The connecting elements allow each partial apron to be detached and reattached, enabling localized repair without replacing the entire apron structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the damaged partial apron is replaced while the undamaged partial aprons are retained and reused. This selective replacement minimizes material waste and reduces the frequency of manufacturing new apron components.
4Ease of repair
If the apron is designed with connecting elements, then the replaceability of partial aprons is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apron is divided into multiple separable partial aprons (first partial apron, second partial apron, etc.) that can be independently replaced. The connecting elements allow each partial apron to be detached and reattached, enabling localized repair without replacing the entire apron structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partial aprons are designed as inexpensive, easily replaceable components. Rather than designing for permanent durability, the system accepts that partial aprons will be replaced periodically, making the connecting elements and replacement process simple and cost-effective.
Data Source
AI summary
An apron for a vehicle is formed of a plurality of partial aprons. In order to prevent damage to the apron requiring a complete replacement of the apron, the novel apron has a plurality of partial aprons, wherein at least one of the partial aprons has a predetermined breaking point that is configured to break earlier than the other partial apron in case of mechanical stress.