Hinged Cable Coupler for Roll Tarp Rear Door Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roll tarp systems for vehicles and trailers with rear opening doors face challenges in seamlessly integrating the deployment of the roll tarp with the pivotal movement of the rear doors, often resulting in binding, twisting, or torqueing of cables during operation, especially when transitioning between open and closed positions.

Innovation Solution

A roll tarp system incorporating a cable coupler assembly with rotatably coupled hinge members and a flexible cable, allowing for pivotal movement of the rear door while maintaining the functionality of the tarp deployment, includes a manual drive shaft and various hinge arrangements (barrel, flush, pivot, or spring) to ensure smooth operation and manual override in case of power failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid cable connection is used between the rear arm and axle assembly, then the structural strength is improved, but the system becomes unable to accommodate pivotal movement of the rear door causing binding and twisting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connection strengthVSAvoidaccommodation of rear door movement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rigid cable connection with a flexible cable system that can dynamically adapt to the changing spatial relationship between the rear arm and axle assembly during rear door movement. The flexible cable maintains tension and structural integrity while accommodating the pivotal motion, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary flexible cable mechanism between the rigid rear arm and axle assembly. This intermediary element transfers the necessary mechanical force while allowing for the required movement freedom, preventing binding and twisting during door operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the cable coupler assembly is fixed to the axle assembly, then the tarp deployment control is improved, but the system prevents natural pivotal movement of the rear door causing binding and torqueing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarp deployment controlVSAvoidbinding and torqueing during door movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable coupler assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to rotate and adjust its position relative to the axle assembly during rear door movement. This dynamic design maintains effective tarp control while preventing binding and torqueing by accommodating the natural pivotal motion of the door.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the cable coupler assembly to change its angular position and orientation during door movement. This parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain control effectiveness while avoiding harmful binding and torqueing forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex hinge mechanism is used to allow rear door movement, then the adaptability to door movement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of rear door pivotal movementVSAvoidcable coupler assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable coupler assembly is segmented into multiple rotatable components that can independently move to accommodate rear door pivotal motion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex adaptability through simple, modular rotational joints rather than a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic rotational joints in the cable coupler assembly that automatically adjust to the rear door's pivotal movement. These dynamic elements provide the necessary adaptability through simple rotational freedom rather than complex constrained mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables smooth and efficient deployment and retraction of the roll tarp while allowing the rear door to open and close without binding or torqueing, ensuring reliable operation and easy manual operation in case of power failure.

Implementation Method 1

The hinge pin may be oriented vertically for a side-opening rear door or horizontally for an upward opening rear door

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3573853B1Hinged flexible cable coupler and roll tarp system

Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ROLL RITE LLC

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AI summary

A roll tarp system for a truck or trailer having a container with a rear door. The roll tarp system includes a roll tarp mounted to an axle assembly and a cable coupler assembly coupled to the axle assembly. A flexible cable connects the cable coupler assembly to a rear arm which is pivotally attached to the rear door. The cable coupler assembly includes first and second hinge members and is rotatably coupled to the axle assembly to permit unrolling and rolling up of the tarp and to permit opening of the rear door in a sideways or upward direction. The cable coupler assembly may include one or more apertures to permit access to a manual drive shaft which passes through the cable coupler assembly.