Fender Design

FENDER DESIGN-

OBJECTIVE -

To design a front fender of a car by following the given master section as per the design considerations of OEM.

INTRODUCTION -

Fender is the american english term for the part of an automobile.

A car fender, also known as a wing or quarter panel, is a component of a vehicle's body that covers the wheel well and helps protect the vehicle's body from damage caused by road debris, collisions, or other impacts. Fenders are typically made of metal or plastic and are located on the sides of the car, above each wheel.

The primary function of a car fender is to prevent debris, water, and other substances from being thrown up by the rotating wheels and damaging the body or other vehicles on the road. Fenders also play a role in enhancing the aerodynamics of the vehicle and can contribute to its overall styling.

In the event of a collision, fenders are designed to absorb some of the impact and minimize damage to the vehicle's body and other vital components. They can be easily replaced if damaged, which is often necessary after accidents or collisions.

Fenders come in various shapes and sizes depending on the make and model of the vehicle. They can be smooth or feature additional design elements such as vents or flares for aesthetic purposes or to accommodate larger wheels and tires.

Overall, car fenders serve both functional and aesthetic purposes by protecting the vehicle and contributing to its overall appearance.

FENDER -

It is an aesthetic component/part of a car that frames the wheels. Prevention of sand, mud particles, and other road contaminants from being thrown into the engine compartment and also to the pedestrians by the rotating tires are the main purpose served by the fenders.

The front fenders are separate components whereas the rear fenders are integrated with the body sides.

TYPES OF FENDER -

1. FULL BUMPER TYPE-

These types of fenders were used in earlier models of vehicles. They contribute to the major increment of the steel weight by just covering the front headlights with respect to the bumper region. The problem associated with this kind of fender is there is a lot of wastage in the blank and every inch of a material is a cost to the industry

2. HALF BUMPER TYPE-

These fenders are mainly used for serving the purpose of cost-cutting and reducing enough proportions of the steel wait resulting in a reduction of the weight of the vehicle slightly. They can be economically manufactured, i.e by slightly increasing the blank size, we can produce two fenders at a time.

MOUNTING REGIONS ON FENDER -

There are 5 mounting regions on the fender , they are

• A- pillar mounting
• Body mounting
• Sill mounting
• Bumper mounting
• Drip mounting

Master Section -

DESIGN OF DRIP AREA MOUNTING -

• It is the important mounting unit of the fender . it is connected with the engine compartment , therefore the lot of design constraints are to be followed while designing the fender
• While designing the drip area we have to initially leave 200-300 mm for cowl top
• For placing the headlamp we have to leave at least 150 mm at the front while designing the fender
• Cowl top part consists pf wiper motor and its instruments
• Two darts are added on the longer side of the drip area in order to provide the stiffness and adds strength to the part . This helps the fender to not to vibrate and impact the forces outside of the fender during motion of the vehicle.
• Embossing are provided on the mounting to strengthen them during fastening.

DESIGN OF SILL MOUNTING AREA -

Sill is the panel directly below the bottom of the door supporting the floor and may be used to combine the floor and the body . The bottom end of the fender is mounted on the sill body for reinforcement of the fender panel , thus the sill mounting position is designed with holes and emboss . M5 fasteners are used to fix the fenders on the sill body.

DESIGN OF BUMPER MOUNTING AREA -

Bumper mounting area is used to fix the plastic bumper to the fender with the help of the fasteners.

DESIGN OF A-PILLAR MOUNTING AREA -

The A -pillar is the structural pillar that combines the body to the roof . this make the sides of the windshield rest . front fenders are fastened to the A -pillar to form a robust structure.

DESIGN OF BAFFLE MOUNTING AREA -

Baffle mounting or mudguard are clip fit type of mounting on the inner side of the fender arch over the Tyre. it protects the car engine compartment and pedestrians from causing injuries from chip out debris on the road when the car is in motion . they are mounted on the fender using a special type of locking clips which are made up of plastics.

APPLYING OF THICKNESS TO THE SURFACE -

The thickness of 0.75 mm inward on the final sewed surface of the fender to the sheet metal parameters

DIFFERENT VIEWS OF FENDER -

Purpose of Fender -

Cleanliness -

Protect the car, occupants and passers by from items, water, mud, snow, ice, thrown off the tires as you drive.

Safety -

Protects pedestrain from the wheel, e.g. its better to be it by a laterally moving fender than a rolling tire, keeps loose, streaming items from being wrapped up in a rolling wheel.

Aerodynamics -

Smooths the car profile so you don't get a lot of drag off the uncovered wheels. Some fenders are enclosed on the side for this.

General Appearance -

Looks better with fender, gives a finished look, looks more streamlined.

CONCLUSION -

Thus, all mounting areas for the fender designed from skin data and master section is done by following all design rules .