Removable Fairing Locking Assembly for Tool-Free Roadside Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fairings on vehicles, such as large semi-trucks and trailers, are difficult to remove without tools, posing safety risks and accessibility issues during maintenance or roadside repairs due to complex release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fairing assembly with a locking mechanism that includes a bracket, lever, and latch, allowing the fairing to be easily removed and tilted relative to the support without tools, using a ball detent system for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current fairings with complicated release mechanisms are used, then the fairing is securely attached to the vehicle, but the fairing cannot be easily removed without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a latch member with a ball detent for engagement, a lever member for actuation, and a bracket member with a notch for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, enabling tool-free removal while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through lever actuation. The ball detent engages with the bracket notch in the locked state, and the lever rotation dynamically disengages this connection, allowing the fairing to be easily removed without tools while maintaining security during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If current fairings with fixed mounting are used, then the fairing provides stable aerodynamic coverage, but the fairing cannot be tilted or accessed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed stable state to a dynamic adjustable state. The ball detent and notch mechanism provides stable engagement during operation, but allows controlled tilting and removal when the lever is actuated, enabling maintenance access while preserving aerodynamic coverage during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the lever actuation system. The lever rotation automatically disengages the ball detent from the bracket notch, allowing the fairing to be tilted and removed for maintenance without requiring external tools or complex procedures, while maintaining stable attachment during normal vehicle operation.
3Loss of time
If current fairings require tool usage for removal are used, then the fairing is securely mounted, but the removal process is time-consuming and dangerous on the roadside
Solution Approach 1:
The removal process is segmented into simple sequential steps: rotate the lever, the ball detent disengages from the bracket notch, and the fairing can be removed. This eliminates the need for tools and complex procedures, reducing both time and safety risks during roadside removal while maintaining secure mounting during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed for self-service removal through the lever actuation system. The lever rotation automatically triggers the disengagement mechanism, allowing quick and safe removal without tools. This reduces the time required for removal and eliminates safety hazards associated with tool usage on the roadside, while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fairing assembly for a vehicle and methods for mounting and removing portions of the fairing assembly are provided. The fairing assembly may be easily removed while a user is on the roadside. The fairing assembly may include a fairing, a lock, and a support coupled to a vehicle. The lock may be removably coupled to the support to allow for mounting and removal of the fairing when the lock is in an unlocked configuration. The support may include a plurality of mounting positions. The fairing and lock may be slid between mounting positions in the unlocked configuration. In a locked configuration, the lock may be engaged in a particular mounting position.