Expandable Cover Mechanism with Integral Ribs for Vehicle Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage covers for vehicles and conveyances, such as fabric tarps, are inadequate in providing comprehensive protection against the elements, are inconvenient to deploy, and lack structural integrity, while proposed solid structures are expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A versatile cover mechanism featuring a support frame and an expandable cover with integral ribs, which can be folded for storage and quickly deployed to form a self-supporting structure, using grappling members like hooks and wheels for easy deployment and secure attachment to a stable surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fabric cover or tarp is used to protect a vehicle, then some protection from the elements is provided, but the cover does not provide comprehensive protection, allows moisture to seep through, and lacks structural protection
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple panels that can be assembled together to form a complete enclosure around the vehicle. This segmentation allows the cover to provide comprehensive protection while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover uses a composite structure combining a waterproof outer layer with an insulating inner layer. This composite material approach provides both moisture protection and thermal insulation, addressing multiple protection needs simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a fabric cover is used, then the vehicle can be covered, but the cover requires ropes or cables to secure, taking extra time and several steps to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The cover incorporates zippers and Velcro fasteners that allow dynamic adjustment and quick fastening/unfastening. This replaces static rope-based securing with flexible, rapid-closure mechanisms that significantly reduce deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design includes self-aligning panels and self-closing fasteners that automatically position and secure themselves during assembly, reducing the need for manual adjustment and multiple securing steps.
3Strength
If a solid structure with a roof is used to provide better protection, then structural protection is improved, but the structure becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover uses flexible waterproof fabric panels reinforced with structural frames at key points. This approach provides structural protection where needed while maintaining flexibility and avoiding the complexity of a fully rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support is segmented into separate frame components that attach to the fabric panels at specific locations. This provides structural integrity without requiring a complex integrated rigid framework throughout the entire cover.
4Shape
If a fabric cover closely follows the contours of the vehicle, then the cover fits the vehicle shape, but it provides no structural protection to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The cover uses flexible waterproof fabric panels reinforced with structural frames at key points. This approach provides structural protection where needed while maintaining flexibility and avoiding the complexity of a fully rigid structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover mechanism comprises a support frame with base supports and a multi-part expandable cover engaged with the base supports by grappling members or other means. The expandable cover may have a pliable exterior cover and a set of integral ribs, the expandable cover being foldable when not deployed and being expandable to form a self-supporting structure when deployed. The base supports may provide a sliding track for the grappling members to facilitate expansion of the cover. The base supports may be adapted to rest on the ground or buoyant so that the cover can be used with watercraft. The expandable cover may be deployed by pivoting it from a folded position to an upright position, sliding the cover along the base support tracks, and pivoting the cover from the front of the base supports downwards, forming an enclosure thereby.