US Patent 11390329 Mud flap retractors

A mud flap retraction system uses two artificial muscles that extend horizontally toward the mud flaps to an elbow, and then hang down alongside the mud flaps opposite the vehicle tire. Also provided is a source of compressed air or fluid, at least one valve for selectively inflating and deflating, the bladder(s), and an operator control inside the vehicle cabin that quickly and reliably raises (or lowers) the mud flaps at the operator's command. Inflation effectively raises the artificial muscles from a limp position (hanging with the mud flaps) to a stiff raised position (thereby raising the mud flaps rearwardly).