Resilient Mesh Debris Retainment Assembly for Vehicle Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle retainment assemblies fail to effectively retain debris while allowing air to pass through, particularly in gaps between the tailgate and the bed of a dump truck, leading to inefficiencies in debris management.
Innovation Solution
A resilient mesh system coupled with rods and adjustable straps, utilizing magnets or hook and loop fasteners for secure attachment to the vehicle, allowing air passage while retaining debris by positioning the mesh over the gap and using flaps to cover voids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid cover is used to retain debris, then debris retention is improved, but air passage is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mesh material with porous structure that allows air to pass through while physically blocking debris. The mesh configuration creates interconnected voids that permit fluid (air) flow while the solid matrix intercepts and retains solid particles (debris), effectively resolving the contradiction between debris retention and air passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainment assembly combines multiple materials including mesh fabric, resilient cords, and rigid rods to create a composite structure. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve debris blocking function through the mesh, structural support through rods, and flexible positioning through resilient cords, while maintaining air permeability.
2Strength
If a rigid structure is used to cover the gap, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different gap sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates resilient cords that can stretch and compress, allowing the mesh assembly to dynamically adjust to varying gap dimensions. The resilient nature of these cords enables the structure to maintain its configuration while adapting to different tailgate positions and gap sizes, combining structural integrity with flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainment assembly is divided into discrete components including multiple rods, individual resilient cords, and mesh sections. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, enabling the overall structure to adapt to different gap configurations while maintaining local structural strength where needed.
3Reliability
If a complex attachment system is used to secure the mesh, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient cords serve dual functions: they provide structural support for the mesh while simultaneously acting as attachment elements that can be coupled to vehicle components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the inherent elasticity and tension of the resilient cords.
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 system effectively retains debris in the vehicle while allowing air to pass through, ensuring efficient debris management and secure attachment to the vehicle, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The mesh is configured to allow air to pass through the mesh and to retain debris in the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The first cord, the second cord, and the mesh are resilient
Data Source
AI summary
A debris retainment assembly for a vehicle includes a pair of rods, a first cord, a second cord, and a mesh. The first cord, the second cord, and the mesh are resilient. The first cord and the second cord are coupled to and extend between the rods. The mesh is coupled to and extends between the first cord, the second cord, and the rods. A plurality of first couplers is coupled to the first cord. Each of a plurality of second couplers is coupled to a respective rod. The first couplers and the second couplers are configured to couple to a tailgate and opposing sides of the vehicle, respectively, to position the mesh over a gap in the vehicle. The mesh is configured to allow air to pass through the mesh and to retain debris in the vehicle.