Offset Fender Bracket for Frame Clearance and Corrosion Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fender mounting systems face limitations in versatility and aesthetics, as they often require specific alignment with vehicle frames, can interfere with other components, and expose fasteners to debris and corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A fender bracket with an offset mounting flange and hidden fasteners, allowing for easy installation and removal, and designed to clear vehicle frame components, ensuring compatibility with various frame designs and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fender mounting systems are used, then the fender can be securely attached to the vehicle frame, but the system requires specific alignment with the vehicle frame and interferes with other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various frame designsVSAvoidalignment requirements and component interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fender bracket introduces an offset dimension by extending perpendicular to the vehicle frame rather than aligning directly with it. This offset mounting flange allows the bracket to clear other frame components while maintaining secure attachment, effectively adding a spatial dimension to resolve the alignment conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a bracket body for attachment to the vehicle frame, an offset mounting flange for fender attachment, and hidden fasteners. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the offset flange specifically designed to clear frame components while the bracket body maintains secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional mounting systems with exposed fasteners are used, then the fender can be securely fastened, but the fasteners are exposed to debris and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from debris and corrosionVSAvoidfastener configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket body serves as an intermediary structure that hides the fasteners from exposure to debris. The fasteners are positioned between the bracket body and the offset mounting flange, where they are protected from wheel debris and corrosion while still providing secure attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If traditional mounting systems are used, then the fender can be attached to the vehicle frame, but the system lacks aesthetic appeal due to exposed fasteners and bulky brackets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidbracket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fasteners are extracted from visible positions and concealed within the bracket structure. The offset mounting flange is designed so that fasteners are positioned between the bracket body and flange, making them invisible from external views while maintaining secure attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11597445B2Fender mounting accessories

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 PINNACLE HEAVY DUTY LLC

AI summary

Fender mounting accessories are described herein. Fender mounting accessories can include a fender bracket and a fender attachment mechanism. A fender bracket can include a fender bracket and an extension member including an offset mounting flange for coupling with a fender attachment mechanism. A fender attachment mechanism can include an inner flange for coupling to the fender bracket and attachment locations for coupling to a fender.