Vehicle Wheel-Spray Housing With Adjustable Segmented Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively reduce lateral and rearward wheel-spray from heavy vehicles, increase aerodynamic drag, and provide customizable installation and protection for wheel-sets, especially on wet road surfaces, and lack a secure locking mechanism and easy installation/removal features.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensionally adjustable housing superstructure with a support infrastructure that can be anchored to the vehicle framework without drilling or welding, featuring a locking mechanism with a counter-threaded bolt and pin system, and a replaceable protective shield for reducing wheel-spray and aerodynamic drag, while allowing for easy installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a housing is provided to screen the wheel-set to reduce wheel-spray, then wheel-spray reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels) that can be separately assembled and adjusted. Each panel is independently configurable to screen different aspects of the wheel-set, allowing the complex shielding function to be achieved through modular components rather than a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing superstructure incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the panels to be moved to different positions both before and after installation. This dynamic adjustability enables the housing to be customized for different wheel-set configurations and road conditions, resolving the complexity by providing adaptability rather than a fixed complex design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing superstructure is made adjustable to customize positioning, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms are pre-configured into the housing structure during manufacturing, with adjustment features built into the panel designs and mounting systems. This preliminary preparation allows field adjustments to be made easily without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms to be added during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms serve multiple functions: they enable positioning customization, facilitate installation and removal, and allow for maintenance access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the housing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through a cam-lock or similar automatic locking feature that engages when the housing panels are assembled. This self-service approach provides reliable security without requiring complex external locking systems or multiple fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the assembly process itself, where the act of assembling the housing panels automatically engages the locking mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking steps and reduces the number of discrete locking components required.
4Ease of operation
If the housing is designed for easy installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into removable panels that can be independently detached from the main structure. This segmentation allows the housing to be easily disassembled for installation and removal while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the assembled unit through robust panel connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing incorporates reversible mounting mechanisms that transition from a secure locked state during operation to an easily removable state during maintenance. This dynamic mounting system provides both strong structural attachment when installed and easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is essentially an apparatus and method for reducing the wheel-spray and the aerodynamic drag of a wheel-set of a vehicle having a framework with preexisting holes, the apparatus comprising a three-dimensionally adjustable support infrastructure anchored to the framework without the need for drilling or welding the support infrastructure to the framework; a three-dimensionally adjustable housing superstructure having a housing having an obtuse-angled forward side and an obtuse-angled rearward side for screening the wheel-set, with the housing affixed between a box-sleeve and a stand-on plate with a plurality of U-bolt fasteners, wherein the box-sleeve defines an interior chamber for receiving a girder; and two attenuation rings inserted along both external ends of the girder to dilute vibration from the vehicle to the housing; and a fastening means comprising a locking cap having domed arches and a transplanar bore, a counter-threaded locking bolt, and a locking pin. A tightening wrench may be used for tightening, and/or loosening the locking cap over a girder lateral terminus. A protective replaceable shield and connectors are also provided to protect and renew the housing side wall exterior surface.