Vehicle Protective Panel With Living Hinge for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle protective panels require the entire panel to be removed for maintenance access, increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A protective panel with an upper and lower section joined by a living hinge, allowing for independent movement between open and closed positions, enabling access to headlights and light assemblies without removing the entire panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire protective panel is removed for maintenance access, then access to headlights and light assemblies is achieved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective panel is divided into two separate panels: a upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel can be removed independently to access headlights and light assemblies, while the lower panel remains in place. This segmentation allows maintenance access without removing the entire protective panel structure, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
2Ease of operation
If two separate panels are used inside the fender, then maintenance access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper panel and lower panel are joined together using a living hinge, creating a unified protective panel assembly that functions as a single unit during normal operation. The living hinge allows the panels to move relative to each other while maintaining structural integrity, simplifying the overall structure compared to completely separate panels while still enabling independent removal of the upper panel for maintenance.
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
Facilitates maintenance by allowing access to individual components without dismounting the entire panel, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining protection from external elements.
Implementation Method 1
The upper panel is joined to the lower panel by a living hinge so that at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel is movable between and open position and a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a vehicle with a protective panel. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a frame to which components of the vehicle are attached. At least one fender is attached to the frame. An opening is located on the at least one fender. At least one of a headlight and a light assembly is disposed at the opening. A suspension system is attached to the frame, and the suspension system comprises at least one wheel disposed adjacent the opening. A protective panel is attached to the at least one fender and is located adjacent the at least one wheel and the opening. The protective panel includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel is joined to the lower panel by a living hinge so that at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel is movable between and open position and a closed position.