Rotating Frame Vehicle Cover with Hinged Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting vehicles from the elements, such as sun exposure, hail, and debris, require manual effort and often necessitate the construction of expensive covered garages, which is inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cover system with elongated rotatable round frames and hinged cover flaps that automatically unfold and fold back into a storage position, allowing for easy deployment and retraction, including a security bar and latch mechanism for safety, facilitating single-point operation and accommodating heavy debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cover systems are used, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is also reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system automatically deploys and operates without requiring manual manipulation of each flap. The rotation of the single round frame self-activates the hinged cover flaps to unfold and cover the vehicle, and similarly self-activates folding back into storage position, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cover flaps that would traditionally require individual manual operation are merged into a single integrated system. All cover flaps are connected through hinges to a common round frame, allowing them to be controlled simultaneously by rotating just one frame, combining multiple functions into a single operational mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy debris accumulates on the cover, then ease of operation deteriorates, but protection function is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is segmented into multiple independent cover flaps hinged to the round frame. When heavy debris accumulates making simultaneous manipulation difficult, the hinging allows each cover flap to be manipulated separately and individually, breaking down the difficult single action into easier sequential actions
Solution Approach 2:
The hinging connection between cover flaps and the round frame provides dynamic adaptability. The hinges can accommodate varying resistance forces when debris is present, allowing the system to transition from rigid simultaneous movement to flexible individual manipulation based on the actual load conditions
3Ease of operation
If multiple manipulation points are required, then ease of operation is reduced, but control precision is improved
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple manipulation points are merged into a single manipulation point. The round frame acts as a central control element where rotation at one location simultaneously controls all cover flaps, eliminating the need for multiple separate manipulation points while maintaining comprehensive control over the entire cover system
Solution Approach 2:
The single round frame serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural support for all cover flaps, the rotation mechanism for deploying and stowing the cover, and the single manipulation point for user control. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components into one universal element
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 sun damage, hail, and debris, reducing maintenance costs, conserving energy, and enabling vehicle protection anywhere without the need for an expensive garage, while being easy to use for individuals with mobility issues.
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.