Narrowed Truck Hood Modification for Auto Hauler Rack Fitment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard width of truck hoods and fenders often prevents them from being used with certain auto hauler racks due to the hood's inability to flip forward, as the fenders contact the forward support posts, limiting the compatibility of truck models with rack systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and components for modifying truck hoods and fenders by narrowing them using a cutting template and attaching fender panels, allowing the hood to be articulated without contacting the support posts, thereby accommodating standard auto hauler racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hood is modified to be narrower, then the hood can pivot forward and fit between support posts, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to cutting and panel attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The fender is divided into multiple sections: the original fender body and detachable fender panels. This segmentation allows the fender to be modified by removing portions and attaching replacement panels, enabling width adjustment while maintaining structural integrity and facilitating the modification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides cutting templates that are prepared in advance with precise markings indicating where to cut the fender. This preliminary preparation of cutting guides simplifies the modification process by providing pre-planned cutting paths, reducing on-site complexity and ensuring accurate dimensions.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard width hoods are used, then manufacturing remains simple and cost-effective, but the hood cannot pivot forward due to contact with support posts
Solution Approach 1:
The modification is applied locally to specific portions of the fender rather than redesigning the entire hood. By targeting only the outer edges of the fender for cutting and panel attachment, the patent maintains the simplicity of standard hood manufacturing while enabling the pivoting function where needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom rack configurations are manufactured for specific truck models, then fitment compatibility is achieved, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single standard rack configuration to be compatible with multiple truck models by allowing the hood/fender to be modified to accommodate the fixed rack width. This reverses the traditional approach of customizing racks for each truck model, creating a universal rack design that works with various vehicles through adjustable fender panels.
Data Source
AI summary
Modified vehicle hoods and methods of modifying truck hoods are provided herein. The modified vehicle hoods are narrowed in width compared to the original truck hood. The modified width of the modified hood may be less than the horizontal width between the forward support posts of a hauler rack, allowing the modified hood to be opened without contacting the support posts. Methods of modifying truck hoods include marking each of the pair of fenders of the vehicle with cut lines, cutting the pair of fenders to remove excess hood material, and then attaching a pair of fender panels to the pair of cut vehicle fenders.