Vehicle Adapter Panel for Mounting Protection on Aero Extremities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with aerodynamic features at their extremities often have vulnerable areas that are easily damaged due to their proximity to obstacles or road surfaces, and these areas typically lack a suitable horizontal return for mounting protective accessories.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mounting adapter that creates a larger horizontal return on vehicles with small or no horizontal return, allowing for the installation of protective accessories and reinforcing vulnerable areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If aerodynamic features are placed at vehicle extremities to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but vulnerability to damage from debris and road surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting adapter as an intermediary component between the vehicle body and protective accessories. This adapter provides a mounting interface that allows protective plates to be installed on aerodynamic features without modifying the original aerodynamic design, thus protecting vulnerable areas while maintaining aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system is segmented into multiple components: the mounting adapter attached to the vehicle body, and separate protective accessories that can be mounted on the adapter. This segmentation allows the aerodynamic features to remain intact while adding protection through modular components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional protective plates are mounted directly on vehicle surfaces, then protection is provided, but mounting is impossible or impractical on surfaces with small or nonexistent horizontal returns
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting adapter is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various vehicle surfaces regardless of horizontal return dimensions. The adapter includes mounting surfaces and attachment mechanisms that can be configured for different installation scenarios, making it adaptable to both surfaces with and without horizontal returns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying solely on horizontal return for mounting to utilizing vertical mounting surfaces and alternative attachment geometries. The adapter creates new mounting dimensions by extending protection elements vertically or at angles, rather than requiring horizontal protrusions
3Ease of manufacture
If manufacturers reduce or eliminate horizontal returns to save costs and simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to mount protective accessories is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting adapter serves as an intermediary solution that adds mounting capability without requiring modifications to the vehicle manufacturing process. By attaching the adapter to existing vehicle surfaces, protective accessories can be mounted even when horizontal returns are minimized or eliminated in the original design
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter panel for establishing a horizontal return and optional mount for accessories to a vehicle without a horizontal return. The adapter panel substantially conforming to a portion of a vehicle. The adapter panel solidly mounted to the underside of a vehicle, forming a surface upon which accessories can be mounted, or, alternatively having a lower surface having a reduced surface area in order to limit force applied to the panel and the vehicle. The panel further having an edge portion disposed along a perimeter, between the upper and lower surface, optionally securing the panel to the vehicle and deflecting obstacles, and one or more mounting points for removably attaching the protection panel to a portion of the exterior of a vehicle.