Truck Cargo Bed Tarpaulin Flap for Full Coverage Without Encumbrance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering apparatuses for tipper semi-trailers are cumbersome, limiting the space available for unloading materials due to the encumbrance of support elements during the folded configuration of the tarpaulin, which hinders efficient loading operations.
Innovation Solution
A covering apparatus with a succession of arches and an extendible flap mechanism that allows the tarpaulin to be efficiently unfolded and expanded, minimizing overall dimensions in the rest configuration to facilitate loading, while ensuring adaptability to different cargo bed designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support element is mounted cantilevered on the last support arch to cover the portion of the cargo bed behind the hinge, then the cargo bed can be fully covered, but the encumbrance during folded configuration heavily limits the space available for unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the end portion of the tarpaulin movable between folded and unfolded configurations. The extendible flap mechanism allows the tarpaulin to dynamically adapt its shape: during folded configuration, the end portion is retracted to minimize encumbrance; during unfolded configuration, it extends to provide complete coverage. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between coverage completeness and loading space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tarpaulin into a main body and an extendible flap (end portion). This segmentation allows the end portion to be independently controlled and positioned. The flap can be folded back during loading operations to clear the workspace, then extended to cover the rear portion of the cargo bed behind the hinge, thus resolving the spatial conflict.
2Reliability
If the end portion of the covering tarpaulin is extended to cover the rear portion of the cargo bed, then complete coverage is achieved, but the overall dimensions in folded configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the nesting principle by folding the end portion of the tarpaulin back onto itself or onto the main body during the folded configuration. The extendible flap is designed to nest within the overall structure, minimizing the volume occupied when not in use. This allows the tarpaulin to achieve complete coverage when unfolded while maintaining a compact folded state that does not heavily limit loading space.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support element is used to cover the rear portion, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different cargo bed designs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed support elements with a dynamic extendible flap mechanism that can adjust its position and configuration. This dynamic system can adapt to different cargo bed designs by extending or retracting as needed, while maintaining structural stability when deployed through the tarpaulin's tension and the mechanism's locking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendible flap mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural support when extended, allows complete coverage of various cargo bed configurations, and can be folded to clear loading spaces. This multi-functionality enables a single apparatus design to adapt to different cargo bed designs while maintaining stability and coverage effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A covering apparatus (1) for the cargo bed of a truck comprises a covering tarpaulin (2) and a device for unfolding (3) the tarpaulin (2). The apparatus (1) comprises an extendible flap (5) operatively associated with an end portion (200) of the tarpaulin (2) to switch it reversibly from the partial covering configuration to a full covering configuration. The extendible flap (5) comprises a pair of extendible members (6) hinged to respective ends of the last arch (402) of the unfolding device (3). Each extendible member (6) comprises a rotating arm (7) and a translating arm (8) telescopically coupled to the rotating arm (7). The extendible member (6) comprises flexible transmission means (11) having a first portion, constrained to said rotating arm (7), and a second portion, constrained to the penultimate arch (403), so that reaching of the end-of-travel position by the last arch (402) causes a rotation of the rotating arm (7) from the inactive configuration to an operational configuration.