Segmented Rail-Locking Cover Edges for Repairable Surface Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface covering devices with continuous beads for locking longitudinal edges are prone to mechanical stress, UV exposure, and chemical degradation, making them difficult to repair and leading to premature replacement of the entire cover.
Innovation Solution
A covering device with projecting discrete elements along the longitudinal edges that can be locked into rails for deployment and easily replaced or repaired, featuring a locking system with discrete elements that have greater flexural rigidity than the cover material, allowing for secure locking and unlocking during deployment and withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a continuous bead is used for locking the longitudinal edges of the cover, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the entire cover must be replaced when the bead is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous bead is divided into discrete modular elements that can be independently replaced. Each element is a separate component attached to the cover at specific attachment points, allowing individual elements to be removed and replaced without affecting other elements or the entire cover assembly.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a continuous bead is used for locking, then the durability is improved through continuous support, but the loss of time increases due to complete cover replacement when repair is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into replaceable modular elements, enabling rapid replacement of only the damaged component rather than the entire cover assembly, thereby significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving the service life benefits of continuous support.
3Ease of repair
If discrete elements are used instead of a continuous bead, then the ease of repair is improved, but the locking strength may deteriorate due to gaps between elements
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete elements are designed with flexible connection mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to the cover and rail interface, maintaining continuous contact and locking strength despite the modular segmented structure. The elements can flex and conform to ensure consistent engagement along the entire length.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete elements are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms and locking features that ensure proper engagement with the rails before the cover is fully deployed, preventing gaps from compromising the locking strength during installation.
4Reliability
If the projecting element is made rigid for secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to higher flexural rigidity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid projecting elements are segmented into modular discrete components that can be manufactured independently using standardized processes, reducing the manufacturing complexity associated with producing large rigid structures while maintaining the required flexural rigidity for reliable locking.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for covering a surface includes (a) a covering, each longitudinal edge of which is provided with a projecting element; (b) a rotatably mounted drum suitable for rolling up or unrolling the covering, and movable in translation on rails placed on either side of the surface; (c) a system for continuously locking/unlocking the projecting element in the rails during the translation of the drum. The projecting element includes a multitude of discreet elements distributed along each longitudinal edge separated from one another by an average distance (d).