Flexible Tonneau Cover Assembly with Spring-Biased Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tonneau covers for vehicles often extend into the cargo space and have issues with sealing the cargo box from water, making them problematic for installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tonneau cover assembly with side rails, sliding elements, and a front rail system that includes a latch mechanism and spring biasing, allowing for easy installation and removal without tools, while maintaining a watertight seal through gap seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a frame structure is used to support the tonneau cover, then the cover can be structurally stable, but the frame extends into the cargo space reducing usable volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional frame structure entirely, extracting the supporting function and replacing it with side rails mounted on the vehicle body edges. This eliminates the frame's intrusion into cargo space while maintaining cover stability through the rail-mounted sliding mechanism.
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to prevent opening from exterior, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is merged with the sliding element assembly, combining the locking function with the existing structural components. The latch integrates with the side rail and sliding element, creating a unified mechanism that provides security without adding separate complex systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If gap seals are added to prevent water intrusion, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible gap seals that conform to the spaces between the tonneau cover and vehicle body. These thin film seals effectively block water intrusion while maintaining simplicity through their flexible, adaptive nature rather than rigid complex structures.
4Ease of operation
If a sliding element mechanism is used for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding element mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, allowing easy installation through intuitive sliding motion. The spring-loaded design automatically engages with the side rails, providing self-service installation without requiring complex alignment or additional tools.
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
The assembly allows for a seamless installation and removal process by a single person without tools, ensuring the cargo box remains sealed and watertight across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring located between the first sliding element and the first spring block in the first side rail
Implementation Method 2
a spring biasing the latch base and sloped engagement surface laterally outward from the front rail
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible tonneau cover assembly includes a pair of side rails positioned on the side wall of a cargo box of a vehicle. A first element is received in the first side rail having a projection extending laterally inward from the first side rail. A second element is received in the second side rail having a laterally inward facing latch receptacle. A front rail includes a first end having an opening for receiving the projection of the first sliding element and a second end having a latch receivable by the latch receptacle of the second sliding element. The tonneau cover is removable by rolling it up, disengaging the latch from the laterally inward facing latch receptacle, lifting the second end of the front rail from the second element, and removing the first end of the front rail from the projection of the first element.