Rotatable Frame Vehicle Cover with Automatic Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle covers require manual effort and are not easily deployable, especially for vehicles without covered garages, and do not effectively protect against environmental elements like sun, hail, and debris.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cover system with rotatable round frames and hinged cover flaps that automatically unfold and fold back into a storage position, allowing for easy deployment and secure storage, with a mechanism for handling heavy debris and a security latch for safety during motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual vehicle covers are used, then protection against environmental elements is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual effort and movement around the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system automatically deploys and retracts without requiring manual manipulation. The rotation of the single round frame causes the cover flaps to automatically unfold and cover the vehicle, and automatically fold back into storage position, making the system self-operating once initiated.
Solution Approach 2:
The single round frame mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports multiple cover flaps for different vehicle surfaces (roof, sides, hoods, windows), provides automatic deployment, enables easy retrieval, and incorporates security features, replacing multiple separate manual cover systems.
2Extent of automation
If cover flaps are hinged tightly to frames, then automatic manipulation is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates when heavy debris accumulates on the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The hinging mechanism transitions from a static tight connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The hinge allows the cover flaps to be manipulated one by one when debris is heavy, and can be tightened when debris is light to enable automatic manipulation, adapting to different operational conditions.
3Ease of operation
If multiple handles are provided at different corners of the vehicle, then ease of operation is improved for different users, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control handles at different corners are merged into a single handle on one round frame. The rotation of this single frame simultaneously manipulates all cover flaps, providing centralized control that maintains ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If cover flaps are left loose during storage, then ease of operation is improved for manipulation, but reliability deteriorates due to dangerous flailing during vehicle motion
Solution Approach 1:
The security bar and latch mechanism automatically engage to secure the cover flaps in their storage position before the vehicle is put into motion, preventing dangerous flailing. This preliminary securing action ensures safety without affecting the ease of folding during deployment and storage.
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 provides comprehensive protection from environmental elements, reduces maintenance costs, conserves energy, and allows for easy and convenient operation, enabling vehicle protection anywhere without the need for an expensive garage.
Implementation Method 1
The hinging, which can also be spring hinge type, is such that it can be loose to allow each cover flap to be manipulated one by one
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an improved cover for a vehicle, which includes a frame and a hinge, so that the cover can be unfolded to substantially cover the vehicle and folds back into a storage position.