Splash Guard Flow-Breaking Barrier Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current splash guards for heavy vehicles do not effectively absorb the energy of liquid thrown up by rolling tires, especially in conditions with wet road surfaces, and may not meet certification requirements for energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A splash guard with a flow-breaking barrier featuring a geometric sequence of higher and lower columns, designed with a single dimensional parameter A, which absorbs more than 70% of the energy of the liquid thrown up by the tires and contains liquids thrown to the side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional splash guards are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the energy absorption of liquid thrown up by tyres is insufficient (less than 70%)
Solution Approach 1:
The splash guard is divided into multiple functional sections: a flow-breaking barrier with alternating high and low columns, curved profiles at lateral ends, and a quick coupling system. Each segment performs a specific function in the energy absorption process, with the columnar structures creating turbulent flow patterns that dissipate liquid energy progressively.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates three-dimensional columnar structures with varying heights arranged in a specific pattern, adding vertical dimensionality to the flow-breaking mechanism. The curved profiles at lateral ends also introduce dimensional complexity to contain liquids thrown to the side, transforming a potentially two-dimensional flat guard into a multi-dimensional energy dissipation system.
2Loss of energy
If a flow-breaking barrier with complex geometry is added to absorb 70% energy, then energy absorption improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design specifies particular dimensional relationships between the columnar structures (alternating high and low columns with defined spacing and height ratios) to optimize energy absorption. By establishing specific geometric parameters and ratios rather than arbitrary dimensions, the design achieves predictable flow-breaking performance while maintaining manufacturability through standardized proportions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If curved profiles are added to contain liquids thrown to the side, then containment effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved profiles are integrated directly into the splash guard structure as continuous elements rather than separate attachments. The flow-breaking barrier and curved containment profiles form a unified structural system, eliminating the need for additional fastening components or separate containment devices, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If quick coupling mechanism is implemented for easy mounting, then ease of operation improves, but reliability of connection may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling mechanism utilizes elastic profiles with hooks that automatically engage with corresponding structures on the mudguard during installation. The elastic nature of the profiles provides self-aligning and self-latching functionality, where the deformation and recovery of the elastic material creates a secure mechanical interlock without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly procedures.
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 splash guard effectively absorbs over 70% of the energy of the liquid thrown up by tires, meets certification requirements, and prevents water spray and object ejection, enhancing road safety and vehicle cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
resilient profiles and hooks placed at one end of the splash guard, which engage elastically and by simple manual manipulation can be attached to the corresponding parts of the mudguard
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a splash guard for heavy vehicles mudguards, covered in its internal part by a prominent flow-breaking barrier formed of a determined and ordered sequence of short and tall columns, said splash guard consisting of an external flat bulkhead and provided at its lateral ends with curved profiles and a slightly undulating flap to be inserted, the geometrical dimensions of the curved profiles and the dimensions of the short and tall columns being expressed as a function of a single dimensional parameter.