Rolling Tarpaulin Cover With Horizontal Tension Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tarp enclosure systems for trucks and trailers face issues with rear and front tensioning mechanisms that are cumbersome, inefficient, and occupy valuable space, while single piece tarps are difficult to manage and maintain, and segmented systems suffer from water leakage and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A rolling tarpaulin cover system with improved tensioning mechanisms that distribute tension evenly, are compact, and allow for easy operation, combined with a single piece tarp design that connects at two points per connector to enhance water-tightness and maintenance, eliminating gaps and condensation issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rear tensioning mechanisms (vertical post with tensioning straps) are used, then the tarp cover can be stretched taut, but the mechanism occupies valuable cargo space and requires operator to climb on vehicle bumper for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanism transitions from a vertical post configuration to a horizontal brace configuration that extends along the side of the truck bed. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve the same tensioning function while occupying space along the length of the truck bed rather than vertically, thereby preserving cargo space and allowing ground-level operation.
2Strength
If conventional cam locking mechanism is used, then the rear bow can be locked in position and tarp can be tensioned, but the mechanism concentrates tension to the bottom portion of the tarp system placing undue load on support wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning force is redistributed from a concentrated vertical force at the bottom to a distributed horizontal force along the side of the truck bed. The brace extends from the rear bow forward along the side, creating a lever arm that distributes the tensioning load across multiple attachment points and reduces the concentration of force on the support wheels.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If single piece tarp design is used, then water-tightness is improved, but the tarp becomes difficult to manipulate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The single piece tarp is divided into multiple sections that can be independently manipulated. Each section is connected to the bows and can be handled separately during installation, adjustment, and maintenance operations, while still maintaining the overall water-tight enclosure when assembled.
4Ease of operation
If segmented tarp system with connectors is used, then ease of manipulation and replacement is improved, but water leakage and aesthetic issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tarp sections are merged into a unified single piece construction that eliminates the gaps and connection points between separate sections. This merging approach maintains the ease of manipulation through sectional design while preventing water leakage by removing the interfaces where leakage typically occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable tarpaulin cover system includes a tarp cover, plural spaced substantially U-shaped bows supporting and connected to the tarp cover, movable carriages operably connected to lower ends of each bow, a tensioning mechanism which moves an end one of said bows toward an endmost position thereof to tension the tarp cover in an expanded position of the cover, and a tension distributing mechanism which distributes the tension of the tarp cover between the end bow and another of said bows adjacent to said end bow. The tension distributing mechanism includes a collapsible brace interconnected between the end and adjacent bows.