Elastomeric Sewable Flange for Wear-Free Cover Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing large weather-resistant covers on vehicles or watercraft face challenges in durable and damage-free engagement of supports, particularly in the center where access is difficult and rigid hardware can cause wear and increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A single, elastomeric, molded hardware component with a snap flange and internal/external ribs that allows for easy installation and load distribution, eliminating the need for multiple components and reducing wear on the cover material, featuring a sewing flange for alignment and a snap flange for secure fixation during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanically fastened rigid hardware components are used to secure supports to the covering, then the support can be securely fastened, but the rigid hardware causes wear on the flexible covering material and creates multiple components that increase manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate hardware components (boss, reinforcement, fastening elements) into a single integrated elastomeric support receiver that is molded as one piece. This eliminates the need for multiple discrete parts while maintaining the structural integrity and securing strength required for supporting large covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid (metal or hard plastic) to elastomeric (flexible rubber-like material). This material transformation allows the support receiver to be both strong enough to secure supports and flexible enough to avoid causing wear on the covering material, resolving the contradiction between securing strength and component simplicity.
2Strength
If mechanically fastened hardware components are used, then supports can be securely attached, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support receiver is pre-formed as a complete, ready-to-install unit with all fastening features already integrated. The elastomeric material allows the covering to be stretched over the receiver in one action, eliminating the need for complex multi-step mechanical fastening operations during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material property enables simple stretch-and-fit installation without requiring tools, screws, or complex fastening mechanisms. The material's elasticity allows it to deform during installation and then maintain the attached state, dramatically reducing installation time while preserving attachment strength.
3Strength
If rigid hardware components are used to mechanically fasten supports, then secure attachment is achieved, but wear points are created on the fabric when not aligned and local reinforcing is required
Solution Approach 1:
Changing the material from rigid to elastomeric eliminates wear points on the covering. The flexible elastomeric surface conforms to the fabric and moves with it, preventing the abrasion and stress concentration that occur with rigid hardware. This material parameter change removes the need for local reinforcing while maintaining fastening strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric support receiver acts as a flexible interface between the rigid support and the fabric covering. This flexible intermediate layer distributes loads evenly and moves with the fabric, preventing wear and eliminating the need for additional reinforcement at the attachment points.
4Strength
If multiple separate hardware components are used for mechanical fastening, then secure attachment is possible, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boss, reinforcement structure, and fastening features into a single molded elastomeric component. This integration eliminates the need for assembling multiple separate parts, simplifying the manufacturing process to a single molding operation while maintaining all the securing capabilities of the original multi-component design.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible support receiver comprising a base, a sewing flange, and a snap fit flange. The base is configured to receive one or more support poles or other support device. A first sewing flange and a second sewing flange are radially disposed around the perimeter of the base. The support receiver may contain vented openings. A sewing fixture aids to position hardware with a circular sewing flange such that a sewing machine places a circular stitch line relative to the central axis of the hardware.