Hybrid Tonneau Cover Using Layer Jamming Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tonneau covers for pick-up trucks either lack the flexibility to easily access the cargo storage space or compromise on security and fuel efficiency, as they are either rigid or flexible but not adaptable.
Innovation Solution
A tonneau cover with a layer jamming material that adjusts stiffness via a negative pressure pump and control unit, allowing the panel, rail, or support bar to switch between high and low stiffness configurations, providing a secure, fuel-efficient, and easily accessible solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid panel is used for the tonneau cover, then security and fuel efficiency are improved, but ease of access to cargo storage space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover panel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The panel can change its stiffness state between rigid and flexible configurations, allowing it to provide security when rigid and ease of access when flexible. This is achieved through the reconfigurable framework that can alter its structural properties on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the panel is changed by modifying the stiffness parameter. The panel's stiffness can be adjusted between high (rigid) and low (flexible) states, enabling it to satisfy conflicting requirements of security and ease of access by changing its mechanical properties rather than being fixed in one state.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible panel is used for the tonneau cover, then ease of access to cargo storage space is improved, but security and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover panel transitions from a static flexible structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The panel can change its stiffness state between flexible and rigid configurations, allowing it to provide ease of access when flexible and security when rigid. This reverses the previous scenario by starting with flexibility and enabling transition to rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the panel is changed by modifying the stiffness parameter. The panel's stiffness can be adjusted between low (flexible) and high (rigid) states, enabling it to satisfy conflicting requirements of ease of access and security by changing its mechanical properties rather than being fixed in one state.
3Loss of energy
If a rigid tonneau cover is used, then fuel efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover transitions from a permanently rigid structure to a dynamically reconfigurable one. The cover can maintain a rigid state for improved fuel efficiency during periods when security and aerodynamics are priorities, and transition to a flexible state when user access needs arise, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness parameter of the tonneau cover is made variable rather than fixed. By adjusting the stiffness between high and low states, the cover can optimize fuel efficiency through aerodynamic performance when rigid, and provide user convenience when flexible, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible tonneau cover is used, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but fuel efficiency and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover transitions from a permanently flexible structure to a dynamically reconfigurable one. The cover can transition to a rigid state when fuel efficiency and security are priorities, and remain or return to a flexible state when user access needs arise, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness parameter of the tonneau cover is made variable rather than fixed. By adjusting the stiffness between low (flexible) and high (rigid) states, the cover can provide adaptability for user needs while minimizing fuel efficiency losses by maintaining rigidity during periods when aerodynamic performance is critical.
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 tonneau cover offers enhanced security and fuel efficiency when rigid, while allowing easy access and storage by transitioning to a flexible state, addressing the limitations of existing tonneau covers.
Implementation Method 1
A negative pressure pump selectively communicates a negative pressure between the negative pressure pump and the at least one layer jamming member
Implementation Method 2
The layer jamming material includes a plurality of friction layers positioned one atop another to form a stack of friction layers. The first confining pressure generates a first friction force between the plurality of friction layers to provide the first stiffness. The second confining pressure generates a second friction force between the plurality of friction layers to provide the second stiffness
Data Source
AI summary
A tonneau cover for a cargo bed of a truck includes a rail system, and a panel secured to the rail system. At least a portion of the rail system or the panel is a layer jamming member having a layer jamming material operable to exhibit a first stiffness in response to a first confining pressure and a second stiffness in response to a second confining pressure. The layer jamming member may include all or a portion of the panel to provide specific regions of the cover, and/or may include portions of the rail system.