Retractable Pickup Truck Cover Panel Nesting and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pickup truck box covers available in the market do not provide enclosed storage and result in increased aerodynamic drag, leading to higher fuel usage and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A retractable cover system for pickup truck boxes, comprising a first rail, a second rail, and a plurality of panels pivotally connected with a connecting structure that interconnects panels in a deployed configuration but not in a stowed configuration, along with an extruded seal for sealing and a mounting clamp for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pickup truck box cover is installed to provide enclosed storage, then security and weather protection are improved, but aerodynamic drag increases leading to higher fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system transitions from a static fixed cover to a dynamic retractable cover that can change its state between extended (providing enclosed storage) and retracted (reducing aerodynamic drag). The cover panels are connected via pivots allowing them to dynamically adjust position based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between enclosed storage and fuel efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If a retractable cover system is deployed to seal the pickup truck box, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is divided into multiple separate panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can independently pivot and retract. This segmentation allows the complex retraction function to be achieved through simpler individual panel movements rather than a single complex mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the aerodynamic benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panels are arranged in a nested configuration where they can fold into one another during retraction. The panels nest within the pickup truck box opening when retracted, minimizing the space required for storage and simplifying the overall structural footprint, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the cover panels are pivotally connected to allow retraction, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structures are pre-designed with reinforcing elements and rigid joint configurations that maintain structural integrity before retraction occurs. The panels are engineered with sufficient stiffness and the connection points are reinforced to ensure that structural strength is preserved during both extended and retracted states, eliminating the compromise between ease of operation and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable pickup truck box cover system includes a pivot joint with improved strength, durability, and manufacturability between panels of a panel assembly of the cover system. A sealing system between the panels and along ends of the panel assembly provides improved weather resistance to the cover system. A lateral support system provides resistance to binding loads when opening and closing the panel assembly. The lateral support system may also aid installation of the cover system. A ramp adjustment system allows fine tuning of the ramps that guide folding and unfolding of the panel assembly. An improved locking system and the pivot joints allow more compact storage of the panel assembly. The improved locking system includes lock rods that engage rails of the cover system. Connecting structures connect adjacent panel pairs when the cover system is deployed and do not connect the adjacent panels when the cover system is stowed. A seal of the sealing system includes angled and/or transvers ribs to support a bulb of the seal when pivotally scrubbing against the panels. The seal includes a plurality of interior portions that selectively compress and bulge between the panels. The seal includes a coating that may provide stiffness, wear resistance, hardness, and/or reduced friction. A clamping system allows installation of the cover system without drilling holes and includes built-in fixturing for locating clamps and thereby locating the cover system on the pickup truck box.