Drive Chain Element Curved Projections Reduce Friction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art roll top covers for truck beds are not fully weather resistant, suffer from significant frictional forces during operation, and produce undesirable noise due to slat movement and vibration.

Innovation Solution

A drive chain element with a hinge arrangement and pin configuration that minimizes friction and vibration, featuring elongate bodies with curved and flattened projections for reduced contact surface area and improved sealing, and integral hinge elements for secure slat assembly engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional drive chain elements are used, then the roll top cover can be operated, but significant frictional forces are produced between the slat assembly and side rail making closing and opening difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidfrictional forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The drive chain element incorporates a curved projection on its lower surface that engages with a corresponding curved track in the side rail. This curved geometry replaces traditional flat or linear contact surfaces, allowing the drive chain element to roll or glide smoothly along the arc-shaped path during retraction and extension, significantly reducing frictional forces and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive chain element acts as an intermediary component between the slat assembly and the side rail. It transfers motion and force while incorporating low-friction surfaces and curved engagement features that mediate the interaction between the moving slat assembly and the stationary side rail, reducing direct frictional contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If traditional drive chain elements are used, then the roll top cover can be operated, but movement or vibration of the slats produces undesirable noise during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidslat stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The curved projection and corresponding curved track create a guided rolling or gliding motion path for the slat assembly. This curved engagement stabilizes the slats during movement, preventing lateral vibration and instability, while the smooth curved surfaces reduce noise by eliminating abrupt contact and impact sounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful vibration and movement of slats into a controlled, stable motion along the curved track. The curved geometry transforms erratic vibrations into smooth, predictable movement, and the friction reduction converts what could be noisy sliding into quiet rolling or gliding action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If traditional drive chain elements are used, then the roll top cover can be operated, but the roll top cover is not fully weather resistant and impervious to moisture and dust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather resistanceVSAvoidmoisture and dust ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive chain element incorporates a seal member or sealing feature that creates a barrier between the interior and exterior of the roll top cover. This sealing mechanism, combined with the curved engagement surfaces, prevents moisture and dust from penetrating along the interface between the drive chain and side rail, enhancing weather resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The curved projection and track design creates a continuous, smooth interface that eliminates gaps and crevices where moisture and dust could accumulate. The curved geometry allows for better sealing contact between components, preventing environmental contaminants from infiltrating the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11440386B2Drive chain element

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 OAKMOORE

AI summary

A drive chain element for operably connecting a slat of a roll top cover to a drive rail enables more efficient roll top cover operation. The drive chain element includes: an elongate body that defines a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, an inner side of the elongate body configured for engaging an end portion of the slat; first and second hinge elements disposed at the respective first and second ends of the body, the first and second hinge elements configured to define a hinge arrangement between adjacent drive chain elements that facilitates relative pivotal movement therebetween; and first and second pins disposed in a spaced arrangement along an outer side of the body and extending outwardly therefrom; wherein the first and second pins are configured for operably contacting a drive system during operation of the roll top cover.