Pickup Tonneau Cover Sections That Clear the Rearview Window
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonneau systems for pickup trucks often obstruct the rearview window when in the unfolded state and lack efficient mechanisms for easy removal and reinstallation, leading to inconvenience and potential blockage issues.
Innovation Solution
A tonneau system with a pivotally connected tonneau cover comprising multiple sections that can be stacked and expanded, secured to side rails via a pin and slot mechanism, allowing for easy removal and reinstallation by changing the pin's orientation between secure and release positions, and featuring a latch system for secure engagement and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tonneau cover is in the unfolded state to cover the cargo box, then the cargo box is protected and secured, but the rearview window is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover is divided into multiple sections (first tonneau section, second tonneau section, etc.) that can be independently folded and stacked. This segmentation allows the cover to be collapsed into a compact configuration that clears the rearview window while maintaining cargo protection capability when unfolded.
Solution Approach 2:
The tonneau cover incorporates hinge connections between sections and latch mechanisms that enable dynamic transformation between unfolded (covering) and folded (stacked) states. This dynamic capability allows the cover to adapt between providing full cargo protection and clearing the rearview window obstruction.
2Reliability
If the tonneau cover is securely attached to the side rails, then the cover remains stable and secured, but removal and reinstallation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user without requiring tools or complex operations. The simple latch design allows the user to quickly release and reengage the tonneau cover sections to the side rails, enabling tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tonneau cover sections are designed with individual latch connections to the side rails, allowing sections to be independently attached or detached. This segmented attachment system enables faster removal compared to a fully integrated connection system, as sections can be released sequentially rather than requiring complete system disassembly.
3Reliability
If the pin slot channel is closed to prevent pin removal, then the connection is secure, but the pin cannot be removed for stack detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The pin slot channel is designed with a dynamic opening mechanism that allows the slot to transition between closed (preventing accidental removal) and open (allowing intentional removal) states. This is achieved through movable walls or gates in the channel that can be actuated to permit pin extraction when needed while maintaining security during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin slot channel acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for secure connection and easy removal. The channel's design with controlled openings allows it to temporarily hold the pin securely during operation while providing a controlled path for pin removal when the tonneau cover needs to be detached from the side rails.
Data Source
AI summary
A tonneau system for use with a pickup truck. The tonneau system includes a frame and a tonneau cover having a plurality of tonneau sections moveable between a folded position and an unfolded position. The tonneau cover includes solar energy-receiving material secured to a top exposed surface of at least two of the tonneau sections. The solar energy-receiving material moves with their corresponding tonneau sections between the unfolded and folded positions. A battery, transformer, and/or electrical cabling system may be included within the circuit for power storage and conversion.