Rigid-Strap Tarp Assembly for Stable Movable Cargo Hold Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tarps for movable cargo holds are difficult to install, prone to loosening in wind, and may not fully cover the cargo, leading to damage from elements and safety issues during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A tarp design featuring nylon straps with rivets and ratchet mechanisms that secure the tarp to the cargo hold using top and bottom hooks, ensuring quick installation and maintaining coverage even in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional tarp is used to cover a movable cargo hold, then the cargo can be protected from elements, but the tarp becomes loose or unfastened in wind during motion
Solution Approach 1:
The tarp system is divided into multiple segments: the tarp fabric itself, multiple nylon straps distributed across the tarp, rigid straps at the ends, and hooks for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the distributed nylon straps provide uniform tension, while the rigid end straps provide stable attachment points, collectively preventing the tarp from loosening in wind during motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tarp system incorporates dynamic elements including adjustable nylon straps that can be tensioned to accommodate different cargo configurations, and flexible tarp fabric that can adapt to various cargo hold shapes. The rigid straps provide structural stability while the overall system remains adaptable to different installation scenarios, maintaining reliability under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If additional hardware is added to secure the tarp to the cargo hold, then the tarp stays in place during motion, but the installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tarp system uses universal attachment components - hooks that can engage with various cargo hold structures, rivets that secure multiple layers (tarp, nylon straps, rigid straps) simultaneously, and standardized strap configurations. These multi-functional elements provide secure attachment across different vehicle types without requiring vehicle-specific custom hardware, maintaining reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated components: the rigid straps serve both as structural supports and as attachment points for hooks; the rivets simultaneously secure the tarp fabric, nylon straps, and rigid straps; and the hooks provide both attachment and tensioning functions. This merging reduces the total number of separate hardware pieces needed while maintaining secure attachment during motion.
3Productivity
If the tarp is installed quickly without proper securing, then installation time is reduced, but the tarp may not fully cover the cargo or may become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The tarp system is pre-configured with nylon straps attached at specific intervals across the tarp fabric, and rigid straps with hooks pre-attached at the ends. This preliminary arrangement of components allows the installer to simply tension and secure the pre-positioned elements rather than measuring and positioning each component during installation, achieving both quick installation and accurate cargo coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tarp system incorporates self-tensioning features through the nylon strap configuration and hook attachment mechanism. Once the tarp is stretched over the cargo and the hooks are engaged, the system automatically maintains proper tension and coverage through the mechanical properties of the straps and the geometry of the attachment points, reducing the need for continuous adjustment during and after installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tarp for a movable cargo hold has a tarp fabric comprising a proximal end and a distal end. At least three nylon straps extend across the tarp fabric. Each of the at least three nylon straps comprise a proximal end, a middle portion, and a distal end. A first set of at least two rigid straps covers the proximal end of the at least three nylon straps. A second set of at least two rigid straps covers the distal end of the at least three nylons straps. Openings on each of the at least two rigid straps, the proximal end and distal end of the tarp fabric, and the proximal and distal end of the at least three nylon straps receive rivets. The rivets distribute forces applied to each of the at least two rigid straps. The at least two rigid straps immobilize the tarp.