Tarp Connector System with Internal Channel Nesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tarp systems for securing flatbed truck loads require external guide rails and protruding attachments, which violate width regulations, reduce cargo space, and are vulnerable to damage or theft, lacking an efficient and secure method to connect multiple tarps to individual bows without external or internal protrusions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising bows with tarp connectors having channels for support poles and corner connectors, allowing tarps to be wrapped around and secured within the poles, eliminating external and internal protrusions and enabling secure attachment without guide rails, ensuring compliance with width regulations and maximizing cargo space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external guide rails and protruding attachments are used to secure tarps to bows, then the tarp can be attached to the bows, but the vehicle width exceeds legal regulations and cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tarp connector features a nested structure where the tarp is wrapped around a support pole that is inserted into a channel within the connector body. This nesting eliminates external protrusions while maintaining secure attachment, as the entire tarp connection system becomes contained within the bow's footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from external two-dimensional attachments (flaps on tarp exterior) to a three-dimensional internal containment system where the support pole and tarp are enclosed within the connector's channel, eliminating width-exceeding protrusions while maintaining attachment functionality.
2Reliability
If external guide rails and protruding attachments are used to secure tarps to bows, then the tarp can be attached to the bows, but cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the support pole and tarp within the connector's internal channel, the system eliminates internal protrusions that would otherwise encroach on cargo space. The connector's design allows the tarp to be contained within its structural boundaries, maximizing available cargo volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the protruding attachment elements from both the external and internal surfaces of the bow-tarp system. By relocating all attachment functionality to the connector's external interface only, the interior cargo area is freed from obstructing protrusions.
3Ease of manufacture
If flaps with Velcro or similar means are used to secure tarps to bows, then the tarp can be attached to the bows, but the flaps do not secure as well after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the adhesive-based mechanical system (Velcro) with a friction-based mechanical system. The support pole creates radial pressure against the tarp when inserted into the channel, generating friction forces that maintain secure attachment through repeated use without degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pole's cylindrical geometry creates uniform radial pressure distribution when inserted into the channel, ensuring consistent friction forces around the entire circumference. This curved geometry provides more reliable mechanical interlocking compared to flat flap attachments.
4Ease of operation
If tarp attachment means are placed on the exterior, then the tarp can be secured to the bows, but the attachment means are vulnerable to elements, theft, and vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the tarp and support pole within the connector's internal channel, the attachment system is protected from external environmental factors, theft, and vandalism. Only the connector's external interface remains exposed, while the critical tarp-securing components are concealed within the bow's structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's internal channel acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the vulnerable tarp attachment means and the external environment. This intermediate structure shields the functional components from harmful external factors while maintaining attachment effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention consists of a system for connecting tarps to a vehicle, comprising: a) bows for supporting tarps, the bows comprised of: i) one or more tarp connectors, each of the tarp connectors having a pair of channels for accepting a support pole and ii) one or more corner connectors adapted to receive an end of one of the tarp connectors; b) a plurality of tarps, each tarp secured to the tarp connectors by wrapping the tarp around the support pole and inserting the support pole into the channel of the tarp connector, wherein the bows are combined with the tarps to create an enclosed cargo area for the vehicle.