Cable Tonneau System with Segmented Panels for Pickup Truck Bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonneau covers for pickup trucks face limitations in range of motion, item size constraints, and cumbersome usage, particularly with hard covers and soft covers that require detachment for loading and reassembly.
Innovation Solution
A cable tonneau system with a frame assembly and pivotally connected links, allowing the cover to be easily transitioned between stowed and deployed positions without being permanently attached to the side rails, using cables and springs for tension and cross bows for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard tonneau cover is used with hinges and air struts, then the cover provides protection and structural integrity, but the range of motion is limited and items larger than the bed height cannot be stored
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple panels that can be independently positioned along the side rails. This segmentation allows the cover to be configured in different positions (fully closed, partially open, fully open) to accommodate items of various sizes while maintaining structural integrity through the panel construction and attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system transitions from a static, fixed-position hard cover to a dynamic system where panels can be moved along the side rails. The side rails with attachment features enable the panels to be repositioned dynamically, providing adaptability for different loading scenarios while maintaining strength when closed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a soft tonneau cover with fabric and cross bows is used, then the cover can be made from flexible materials, but it requires detachment and reassembly to place items in the bed
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple panels that can be independently positioned along the side rails. This allows the cover to be partially opened to accommodate items of various sizes without requiring complete detachment and reassembly, significantly improving ease of loading while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static soft cover requiring full reassembly to a dynamic system where panels can be independently repositioned along the side rails. This dynamic configuration allows for partial opening and easy loading/unloading operations.
3Reliability
If the cover is secured to the tail gate during vehicle travel, then damage to the cover is prevented, but the size of items that may be stored is limited to less than the height of the bed
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented panel design allows the cover to be securely positioned in different configurations. When fully closed and latched to the tail gate, it provides secure protection during travel. The segmentation enables the same system to accommodate larger items by positioning panels in partially open configurations, resolving the contradiction between security and capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic repositioning capability allows the cover to transition between a fully closed secure state for travel and partially open states for loading larger items. The side rail attachment system enables this dynamic adjustment, providing both security when needed and adaptability when loading.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a foldable frame with fabric attached to side rails is used, then the frame can be changed between stowed and deployed positions, but excessive wear occurs in the fabric around the hinge areas
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is extracted from fixed hinge points to distributed attachment features along the side rails. This removes the concentration of stress and wear at discrete hinge locations, distributing the mechanical load along the entire length of the side rails and significantly improving fabric durability while maintaining position changeability.
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
Enables flexible and efficient use of the truck bed by allowing larger items to be stored and easily loaded/unloaded, reducing wear on the fabric and providing a secure, aesthetically pleasing solution.
Implementation Method 1
using cables and springs for tension
Implementation Method 2
at least one bow portion having a plurality of links pivotally connected to the frame assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a cable tonneau system having at least one frame assembly selectively mounted to a vehicle, and at least one bow portion having a plurality of links pivotally connected to the frame assembly. Also included is a cover operatively connected to the frame assembly and the bow portion for concealing a storage area of the vehicle. The frame assembly and the plurality of links are operable to be pivoted between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cover is positioned to expose the storage area of the vehicle when the frame assembly and the plurality of links are in the stowed position. The cover conceals the storage area of the vehicle when the frame assembly and the plurality of links are in the deployed position.