Pickup Truck Bed Cover Lock Bolt Structure for Low-Cost Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pickup truck covers have high replacement costs due to a one-piece lock bolt fixing structure that is easily damaged, and they lack versatility in adapting to different models.

Innovation Solution

A split lock bolt fixing structure comprising a lock bolt fixing block and an insertion block, with replaceable components, and a car cover frame connected via clamp assemblies that can adapt to different cargo hoppers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a one-piece lock bolt fixing structure is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the replacement cost is high when damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidreplacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The lock bolt fixing structure is divided into multiple independent components: a fixing block, an insertion block, and a lock bolt. The insertion block is designed as a separate replaceable component that can be independently replaced when damaged, rather than replacing the entire one-piece structure. This segmentation allows cost-effective maintenance while keeping the overall structure relatively simple for manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed locking structure is used, then the structure is stable, but it is inconvenient to open and close frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidopening and closing convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock bolt is designed as a movable component that can be inserted into and removed from the insertion block. The insertion block contains positioning grooves that guide the lock bolt's movement. This dynamic design allows the structure to transition between locked and unlocked states easily, providing both stability when locked and operational convenience when opening/closing is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a universal locking structure is used, then the application scope is narrow, but adapting to different models increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel adaptabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock bolt fixing structure is designed with standardized interfaces and dimensions that can accommodate different vehicle models. The fixing block can be mounted on various positions, and the insertion block works with different lock bolt configurations. This universal design allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions across different truck models without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250206114A1Solar pickup truck bed cover with lock bolt structure

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 SHAO YUNXIA

AI summary

The invention discloses a locking bolt fixing structure, which comprises a locking bolt fixing block and an insertion block. The locking bolt fixing block is provided with an insertion groove; there are two insertion grooves. The insertion block is designed to fit the insertion grooves and is used to restrict the locking bolt. The invention also discloses a car cover with a locking bolt fixing structure, which comprises a front bar, a locking bolt fixing structure, a rear bar, a side rail, a clamp assembly, and leather. The front bar, side rail, and rear bar together form the car cover frame. The car cover frame is connected to the car body via the clamp assembly, and the leather is attached to the car cover frame.