Pivoting Pinch Latch Shoes for Compact Tonneau Cover Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tonneau cover latch assemblies require significant space between folded or rolled cover sections to accommodate extending latch handles, leading to a less compact stowed position.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pivotable latch shoes with spring bias, which retract into the cover when not in use, reducing the space needed between cover sections and allowing for a more compact folding or rolling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional latch handles are used that extend from the cover sections, then the latch assembly can securely hold the cover sections, but significant space is required between folded or rolled cover sections to accommodate the extending latch handles
Solution Approach 1:
The latch shoe is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between an extended position for latching and a retracted position for storage. This dynamic configuration enables the latch to adapt its shape and position based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security (extended position) and minimizing space (retracted position).
Solution Approach 2:
The latch shoe pivots to retract into a cavity within the cover section, nesting the latch mechanism within the existing structure. This nesting approach allows the latch handle to be stored within the cover itself, eliminating the need for additional external space while maintaining the latching function when needed.
2Ease of operation
If latch handles extend from the cover sections, then the latch assembly can be operated to secure the cover, but the stowed position becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The latch shoe transitions from a static extended handle to a dynamic pivotable component that can assume both an operational extended position and a stowed retracted position. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize for ease of operation when latching is needed, while optimizing for compactness when stowed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch shoe pivots to move from an external extension into an internal cavity, utilizing the third dimension (depth within the cover section) to store the latch mechanism. This dimensional transition allows the latch to be operated when extended, then moved into the cover's internal space, improving compactness without sacrificing operational accessibility.
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
This design results in a thinner, more compact tonneau cover when stowed, as the latch shoes pivot into cavities within the cover, minimizing the space required between sections, enhancing storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first shoe is spring biased about a first pin to its extended use position and the second shoe is spring biased about a second pin to its extended use position
Data Source
AI summary
A tonneau cover for use on a cargo box of a pick-up truck is provided. The tonneau cover may include at least one panel and a latching assembly located on the at least one panel. The latching assembly selectively secures and releases the at least one panel. The latching assembly includes at least one shoe. The at least one shoe is configured for moving at least a portion of the latching assembly to release the at least one panel. The at least one shoe is movable between an extended use position and a retracted stowed position with respect to the at least one panel. And the at least one shoe is spring biased to its extended use position.