Adhesive Cargo Bed Membrane for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for sealing truck or trailer beds, such as plastic tarps and custom fitted hard shell tonneau covers, fail to provide a reliable seal against weather and dust, are expensive, and limit cargo flexibility, while soft tonneau covers wear poorly and do not adequately protect contents.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, adhesive-coated membrane that can be easily attached and removed from a truck or trailer bed, offering a waterproof or breathable seal, with optional opacity for privacy, and featuring removable sections for access and recyclable materials, improving gas mileage through enhanced aerodynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plastic tarps are used to cover the truck bed, then the cost is low and cargo flexibility is maintained, but the seal against weather and dust is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal qualityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible membrane made of thin film material that can conform to the truck bed shape while providing a reliable seal. The membrane is coated with adhesive on one side to ensure proper attachment and sealing, combining the flexibility of soft covers with the seal quality of more rigid solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cover system uses composite construction combining the membrane material with an adhesive coating layer. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for cargo accommodation and the sealing capability to protect against weather and dust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If custom fitted hard shell tonneau covers are used, then the seal quality and protection are improved, but the cost increases and cargo flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal qualityVSAvoidcargo flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane cover is designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than rigid. It can be stretched and shaped to accommodate different cargo configurations, allowing the seal to maintain its effectiveness while adapting to various loading scenarios and cargo types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows for parameter changes in the membrane configuration - it can be stretched, shaped, and positioned differently to accommodate various cargo sizes and types, while maintaining the sealing function through the adhesive coating and membrane design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If permanent tonneau covers are installed, then the aesthetic appearance and protection are improved, but the loading and unloading process is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection qualityVSAvoidloading convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane cover is designed as a segmented or sectioned system that can be easily manipulated, folded, and positioned during loading and unloading operations. The adhesive application areas are strategically placed to allow for easy installation and removal without damaging the truck bed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive coating is applied in advance to the membrane during manufacturing, allowing for quick installation by simply positioning and pressing the membrane onto the truck bed. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex installation procedures and facilitates easy loading/unloading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If soft tonneau covers are used, then the cost is reduced and loading convenience is maintained, but the wear resistance and seal quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading convenienceVSAvoidseal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a specially designed flexible membrane with adhesive coating that maintains the ease of operation of soft covers while significantly improving seal quality. The membrane material and adhesive formulation are engineered to resist wear and environmental degradation while maintaining flexibility for easy loading and unloading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The membrane provides a reliable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solution for sealing truck beds, protecting contents from weather and theft, while allowing for flexible cargo loading and unloading, and improving fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag.

Implementation Method 1

a first side of the membrane with an adhesive layer thereon is positioned proximate to a first receiving surface proximate to the cargo bed; affixing a first portion of the membrane to the first receiving surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10457125B2Methods and apparatus for temporary cargo bed cover

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 DELCHARCO MICHAEL

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for sealing a cargo bed, such as a cargo bed included on a pickup truck or a utility trailer. In particular the present invention provides for a removable and disposable sealing membrane or overlay adhesively attached to a cargo bed for containing contents within the cargo bed and also repelling elements of an ambient environment from entering the cargo bed of the truck or trailer.