Quick Release Clamp for Tonneau Covers Using Cam Action
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonneau cover clamping systems require tools for installation and removal, increasing installation time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A quick release clamp system comprising a first and second clamp member, a clamp handle, a cylindrical plug, and a shaft, allowing manual operation between engaged and disengaged configurations without tools, utilizing a cam action mechanism for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded fasteners and wrenches are used to tighten clamp members together, then the clamp provides secure attachment, but installation time increases and tool requirement adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a static threaded fastener system to a dynamic cam-based system where the clamp members can be quickly moved between engaged and disengaged states through lever motion, eliminating the time-consuming threading and tightening process while maintaining secure attachment when engaged
2Reliability
If threaded fasteners and wrenches are used to tighten clamp members together, then the clamp provides secure attachment, but device complexity increases due to tool requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The external tool (wrench) is extracted from the system and replaced with an integrated lever handle that is part of the clamp assembly itself, allowing the user to directly operate the cam mechanism without requiring separate tools, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment security
3Loss of time
If manual cam action mechanism is used for quick release, then installation time decreases and tool-free operation is enabled, but clamp force may be insufficient compared to threaded fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism utilizes curved surfaces and rounded geometries to concentrate and multiply the applied lever force, generating sufficient clamp force through mechanical advantage despite the manual operation, thereby achieving both quick installation and adequate holding force
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
Enables tool-free attachment and detachment of tonneau covers, reducing installation time, providing vertical and height adjustments, and retaining these adjustments with a spring-loaded mechanism for improved usability.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a cam action mechanism for secure attachment and detachment
Implementation Method 2
retaining these adjustments with a spring-loaded mechanism for improved usability
Implementation Method 3
the clamp members are urged together to force a portion of the tonneau cover into frictional engagement with a side of the pickup cargo box
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release clamp including a first clamp member, a second clamp member, and a clamp handle. The first clamp member has a first gripping surface. The second clamp member has a second gripping surface. The clamp handle has a partially curved outer surface that is defined by a central clamp axis. The cylindrical plug is defined by a central plug axis that is offset from the central clamp axis. The shaft operably attaches the first clamp member and the cylindrical plug.