Molded Cover With Segmented Pocket For Vehicle Feature Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation vehicle covers often limit access to functional features like gas caps and cleats while providing inadequate protection, especially when misaligned.
Innovation Solution
A molded cover with a pocket system that includes a body with a complementary upper and lower portion, featuring a coupling mechanism to transition between open and closed positions, allowing access while maintaining protection through a movable molded pocket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a canvas or fabric cover is used to protect functional features, then protection from the elements is provided, but access to functional features is limited and protection becomes inadequate when misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple functional zones: protected enclosed areas for functional features and uncovered access areas that allow direct interaction with features like cleats and winches. This segmentation enables the cover to provide protection where needed while maintaining accessibility where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration between protected and accessible states. This enables the cover to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing protection when features are not in use and allowing access when they are needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover encases functional features to protect them, then protection is provided, but the cover may misalign when installed and provide inadequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than requiring the entire cover to be precisely aligned, the design segments protection into specific molded pockets and enclosed zones that are self-aligning or tolerant to misalignment. Each protected feature has its own dedicated enclosure that maintains protection even if the overall cover position varies.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover employs different structural qualities in different locations: rigid molded pockets with precise geometries for features requiring accurate alignment, and more flexible or open areas for features where exact positioning is less critical. This local differentiation ensures adequate protection without requiring uniform high-precision installation throughout.
3Ease of operation
If a molded pocket with coupling mechanism is used, then access to features is enabled while maintaining protection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism merges the functions of protection and access control into a single integrated system. The molded pocket structure combines the protective enclosure with the access mechanism, eliminating the need for separate protective covers and access devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the molded pocket, enables controlled access to features, and maintains protection when closed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A molded pocket of a cover for a transportation vehicle is provided including a body having a complementary upper portion and lower portion configured to define a cavity. A feature of the transportation vehicle is received within the cavity. The lower portion of the body is affixed to the cover. A coupling mechanism is configured to selectively couple at least a part of the upper portion and the lower portion of the body to transform the body between an open position and a closed position.