Framed cover with one-way hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible covers made from flaccid materials are difficult to install and remove, prone to damage, and lack support, leading to issues with securing and storing due to their flaccid nature, which results in them being displaced by wind and causing unwanted wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A framed cover with one-way hinges, featuring a rigid tubular frame and flange retainers, allows for easy installation and removal by maintaining a planar state for covering and folding for storage, with the frame's weight and design preventing snagging and wind displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible cover is made from flaccid material, then it can be easily manufactured and adapted to different shapes, but it lacks structural support and is easily displaced by wind
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a rigid frame structure and a flexible cover material, where the frame provides structural support and stability while the flexible material provides adaptability to different shapes and sizes of objects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines rigid frame material (such as metal or plastic tubing) with flexible cover material (such as fabric or vinyl) to create a composite structure that exhibits both structural stability and shape adaptability
2Shape
If a flexible cover is made from flaccid material, then it can conform to fitted sections, but it becomes difficult to install and remove without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the rigid frame from the flexible cover allows the frame to provide structural guidance during installation while the flexible cover can be easily slipped over the frame, reducing the risk of damage during installation and removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame is assembled into the desired shape configuration before the flexible cover is attached, providing a pre-formed structure that guides the installation process and eliminates the need to manually shape the flexible material during installation
3Ease of operation
If a flexible cover is completely flexible, then it can be easily stored, but it cannot be secured after installation and is susceptible to wind displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame provides structural stability and wind resistance when the cover is installed, while the flexible cover material can be easily folded and stored when removed, achieving both securing capability and ease of storage
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame provides localized structural support at critical areas to prevent wind displacement and securing issues, while the rest of the cover remains flexible for easy storage
4Ease of operation
If a flexible cover is pulled down from one side, then it can be positioned on that side, but it becomes too tight or out of position on the other side requiring iterative adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is pre-assembled into the correct shape and size configuration before the flexible cover is attached, ensuring that the cover will fit properly all around the object from the beginning and eliminating the need for iterative adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A framed cover with one-way hinges is disclosed. A rigid tubular frame that is built into the cover's opening makes it possible to find the opening, lift the cover evenly, place the cover over the item, rotate the cover to the proper position and drop the cover in an even manner and without snagging. In addition, the tubular frame can be made to fold so that the cover can be stowed away for storage in a controlled manner, and by folding the tubular frame on a larger size cover it makes it easier for the user to control the covers weight because its center of gravity is held closer to the user's body until it is properly positioned and opened on top of the item to be covered.