Solar Tonneau Cover Panels With Pivot Stacking for Pickup Beds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonneau systems for pickup trucks often lack flexibility in use, requiring multiple components and complex mechanisms for installation and removal, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A tonneau system with a pivotally connected tonneau cover that includes multiple tonneau sections, allowing for easy stacking and unfolding, and a frame with side rails that securely attach to the cargo box, featuring a latch system for easy removal and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tonneau cover system is designed to be securely attached to the pickup truck, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tonneau cover and frame into a single integrated system where the cover is directly attached to the frame members that also serve as mounting structures. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the tonneau cover, act as mounting rails for attachment to the pickup truck, and serve as pivot points for the cover's movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If a tonneau cover system uses multiple components and complex mechanisms for installation and removal, then secure attachment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover is divided into multiple panels that can be independently manipulated, and the frame is segmented into separate members that can be independently attached or detached. This segmentation allows for simpler, more manageable installation and removal operations compared to a single complex rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tonneau cover is designed with dynamic capabilities including pivoting motion at the frame members and adjustable panel configurations. These dynamic features allow the cover to be easily moved between installed and removed states while maintaining secure attachment when installed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tonneau sections are designed to be moveable between unfolded and folded states, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover panels are connected to the frame members through pivot connections that enable dynamic movement between unfolded (covering the cargo bed) and folded (stacked against the cab) positions. This dynamic design provides adaptability for different use scenarios without requiring complex locking or securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the tonneau cover panels nest together in a compact stacked configuration against the pickup truck cab. This nesting arrangement allows the multiple panels to be stored in a space-efficient manner while maintaining the capability to unfold into a full covering configuration when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A tonneau system for use with a pickup truck. The tonneau system includes a frame and a tonneau cover having a plurality of tonneau sections. The tonneau cover includes solar energy-receiving material secured to a top exposed surface of at least two of the tonneau sections, which are pivotally connected to each other. The solar energy-receiving material of one tonneau section is electrically coupled to the solar energy-receiving material of the other tonneau section. Optionally, the system may further include energy storage system electrically coupled to the solar energy-receiving material for storing and deploying power generated by the solar energy-receiving material.