Polymeric Protection Element for Vehicle Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protection methods for vehicle body protrusions like side rear-view mirrors and handles are inadequate, as they either compromise aesthetics and aerodynamics or fail to provide comprehensive protection against impacts and scratches, especially in tight spaces or when maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A shock-resistant, UV-ray-resistant polymeric protection element with an adhesive surface and rounded contact surface, made from materials like polyurethane or PVC, designed to be easily applied, removable, and customizable, which can be shaped to fit various vehicle parts without altering their appearance, and functions as a vibration damper and aerodynamic appendage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If C-shaped rubber strips are fitted on door edges, then protection against door damage and adjacent vehicle damage is improved, but protection against impacts to mirrors, handles, and other body protrusions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is designed as a universal adhesive patch that can be applied to multiple different vehicle body parts including mirrors, handles, door edges, and bumpers. The single design serves multiple protective functions across different locations, replacing the need for location-specific protection devices.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective strips are mounted on vehicle body portions, then protection against impacts is improved, but aesthetic appearance and aerodynamics are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is made transparent or matching in color to the vehicle body, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the existing surface. This visual camouflage maintains the aesthetic appearance while providing impact protection. The material can also be customized to match specific vehicle colors.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection element uses a thin, flexible polymeric film that conforms to the contours of the vehicle body surface. This thin-film approach provides protection without adding significant bulk or altering the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective elements are applied to vehicle body protrusions, then protection against scratches and impacts is improved, but ease of removal without damage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is designed as a temporary, disposable protective layer that can be easily applied and removed. While it may show signs of wear from absorbing impacts, it can be peeled off without damaging the underlying vehicle body, and replacement is simple and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection element acts as an intermediary sacrificial layer between external hazards and the vehicle body. It absorbs impacts and scratches in place of the expensive vehicle body panels, and its temporary nature allows easy removal and replacement without permanent modification to the vehicle.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If custom protective devices are designed for specific vehicle parts, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into multiple identical or similar adhesive patches that can be applied to different locations. Each patch is a simple, standardized component that provides protection for its specific location, avoiding the need for complex custom-designed devices for each vehicle part.
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
Effectively protects vehicle protrusions from impacts and scratches while maintaining the vehicle's aesthetic and aerodynamic integrity, reducing noise, and deferring the need for body-shop repairs, with the ability to function both when stationary and in motion.
Implementation Method 1
The element comprises an adhesive surface and an opposite contact surface
Implementation Method 2
The element comprises a body made of a polymeric material, preferably shock-resistant
Implementation Method 3
an opposite contact surface that is preferably rounded
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A protection element for a vehicle body comprises a body (2) made of shock-resistant polymeric material and having a substantially planar extension, the protection element having an adhesive surface (3) and an abutment surface (4), opposite the adhesive surface (3), and defining a raised part of the surface whereon it is applied. The protection element is applicable on flat and/or convex and/or concave surfaces of a vehicle body, preferably on surfaces of side rear view mirrors, door handles, doors and bumpers.