Resin Fender Structure With Tubular Restraint for Narrow Door Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resin fender panels exhibit higher thermal expansion coefficients compared to metal panels, making it difficult to reduce the gap between the fender panel and the door panel without causing interference during door opening and closing, which affects vehicle appearance and water adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A fender structure incorporating a tubular member, such as an air duct and protector, is integrated with the resin fender panel to restrain thermal deformation, aligning edges with the door panel and directing openings to avoid interference, while also managing water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the gap between the resin fender panel and the door panel is reduced to improve vehicle appearance, then the sophistication of vehicle appearance is improved, but thermal deformation of the resin fender panel causes interference with the door panel during door opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tubular member with a specific structure that changes the thermal behavior parameters of the resin fender panel. The tubular member acts as a thermal barrier and structural restraint, modifying how the resin panel responds to temperature changes, thereby reducing thermal deformation while maintaining the narrowed gap for aesthetic purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular member serves as an intermediary element between the resin fender panel and the door panel. It physically restrains the resin panel and provides a buffer zone that prevents direct interference between the thermally expanding fender panel and the door panel during thermal cycles
2Weight of moving object
If resin material is used for the fender panel to reduce vehicle weight, then the weight of the vehicle is reduced, but the higher coefficient of thermal expansion causes deformation and interference with the door panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by integrating the tubular member with the resin fender panel. This composite construction combines the lightweight properties of resin with the dimensional stability provided by the tubular member, achieving both weight reduction and thermal deformation control
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular member is strategically positioned at specific locations on the resin fender panel where thermal deformation is most problematic. This localized reinforcement provides dimensional stability precisely where needed without adding unnecessary weight to the entire fender assembly
3Shape
If the gap between the fender panel and door panel is narrowed for aesthetic purposes, then vehicle appearance is improved, but water swept up in the wheel house can adhere to the door panel
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents water swept up in the wheel house from reaching and adhering to the door panel. It creates a physical separation that blocks the harmful water adhesion effect while allowing the aesthetic gap reduction
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
The configuration suppresses thermal deformation of the resin fender panel, maintains a sophisticated vehicle appearance by minimizing gaps, and prevents water adhesion to the door panel.
Implementation Method 1
resin fender panels have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion as compared to metal fender panels
Data Source
AI summary
The fender structure includes a fender panel and a tubular member. The fender panel is made of resin. The tubular member is composed of an air duct and a protector. The fender panel is adjacent to the side door of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction. The tubular member is disposed inside the fender panel in the vehicle width direction. The tubular member extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The tubular member further comprises a downstream opening. The downstream opening is directed toward the side door. A tube end portion of the tubular member surrounding the downstream opening is coupled to an end portion of the fender panel on the side door side.