Hidden-Type Hinge for Foldable Tonneau Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable tonneau cover hinges for pick-up trucks face issues with water leakage and installation offset due to the interference of pivot axes and seal sheets, leading to compromised waterproof reliability and ideal folding angles.
Innovation Solution
A hidden-type hinge structure is integrated within the frame members, accompanied by a waterproof flexible strip that extends along the entire length of adjacent frame members, minimizing space occupation and enhancing waterproof reliability, while a foam core between rigid cover plates improves structural strength and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge with pivot axis is used, then the folding function is achieved, but the pivot axis occupies space in the gap between frame members and interferes with seal sheet installation, causing installation offset and water leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pivot function from the traditional hinge structure by removing the external pivot axis. Instead, the pivot function is integrated within the frame members themselves through embedded pivot holes and pivot pins that are concealed inside the frame structure. This extraction eliminates the space-occupying external pivot axis while maintaining the folding function, thereby resolving the conflict between ease of operation and waterproof reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by placing the pivot mechanism inside the frame members. The pivot pins are nested within pivot holes that are embedded in the frame members, and the hinge components are nested within the overall frame structure. This nesting approach allows the pivot function to be hidden within the frame members, eliminating interference with seal sheet installation and improving waterproof reliability while maintaining the folding operation.
2Reliability
If seal sheet is covered on the external side of hinge, then waterproof function is enhanced, but the seal sheet irregularly twists between frame members during folding, preventing ideal folding angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hinge structure from the external position and integrates it within the frame members. By removing the external hinge that would interfere with the seal sheet, the seal sheet can now be continuously installed along the entire length of adjacent frame members without obstruction. This extraction eliminates the twisting problem during folding while maintaining waterproof function through continuous seal coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the hinge externally and covering it with seal sheet (traditional approach), the patent inverts the sequence by first integrating the hinge within the frame members and then installing the seal sheet continuously along the frame members. This inversion allows the seal sheet to be installed without interruption by hinge components, preventing twisting and maintaining both waterproof function and ideal folding angle.
3Ease of operation
If seal sheet is covered on the internal side of hinge, then folding is enabled, but the seal sheet generates pull force during folding due to insufficient curve length, preventing ideal folding angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hinge mechanism from the external position and integrates it within the frame members. This extraction eliminates the need for the seal sheet to wrap around external hinge components, thereby eliminating the pull force generation during folding. The seal sheet can now be installed continuously along the frame members with sufficient curve length, enabling both folding function and ideal folding angle precision.
4Ease of operation
If pivot axis is installed at fulcrum position between frame members, then folding pivot function is achieved, but it occupies space in the gap and interferes with seal sheet installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pivot axis from the gap between frame members and relocates it inside the frame members through embedded pivot holes. This extraction eliminates the space occupation in the gap and removes interference with seal sheet installation and operation. The pivot function is maintained through the embedded pivot pins within the frame members, simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the pivot axis from a one-dimensional external component in the gap to a three-dimensional embedded structure within the frame members. By moving the pivot function into the volume of the frame members rather than placing it in the gap space, the design eliminates spatial interference and simplifies installation while maintaining the pivot function.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable tonneau cover is disclosed and has two frame sections and at least one hidden-type hinge. Two frame members of two adjacent frame sections are correspondingly formed with two embedded holes. The hidden-type hinge is pivotally connected between the adjacent frame members. When the frame sections are horizontally extended relative to each other, the hidden-type hinge is substantially received in the embedded holes. When the frame sections are rotated or folded relative to each other, the hidden-type hinge is partially exposed out of the embedded holes. Thus, the occupied space of the hidden-type hinge and the gap between the adjacent frame sections can be minimized. The waterproof flexible strip can be continuously extended along the entire length of the two adjacent frame members without being interfered with by the hidden-type hinge substantially hidden within frame members, so as to enhance the waterproof reliability thereof.