Tension Bow Locking Mechanism for Flexible Cover Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible cover systems for open-topped containers face issues with wind and vibration, causing the tarp to lift and bounce, leading to wear and potential expulsion of contents, and existing solutions require manual intervention or complex mechanical components.

Innovation Solution

A cover system with a bail member and tensioning bow member that includes a locking mechanism, such as magnetic, friction, or ratchet engagement, to secure the tensioning bow member against movement relative to the bail member, using torsion springs to apply tension and resist wind and vibration forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible tarpaulin is used to cover the container, then the cover can be easily stowed and deployed, but the tarp is susceptible to wind and vibration forces that cause it to lift and bounce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of stowing and deploying coverVSAvoidresistance to wind and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible tarpaulin cover that can be easily stowed and deployed, while incorporating a tensioning bow member with locking mechanism to maintain the flexibility benefit while addressing the reliability issue against wind and vibration forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic tensioning system where the tensioning bow member can be adjusted and locked at different positions along the bail member, allowing the system to adapt to varying wind and vibration conditions while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the tensioning bow member is positioned only by its weight, then the system is simple, but road vibration and shock cause the bail member and tensioning bow member to bounce on the container body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of positioning mechanismVSAvoidstability against vibration and shock

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the tensioning bow member to the bail member, eliminating the need for manual intervention while providing stable positioning against vibration and shock forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism pre-establishes a secure connection between the tensioning bow member and bail member before vibration and shock forces act on the system, preventing bouncing and instability rather than correcting it after occurrence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the tensioning bow member, then stability against wind and vibration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of tensioning bow memberVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a magnetic locking mechanism that replaces complex mechanical fastening systems, using magnetic attraction to securely hold the tensioning bow member in position while maintaining simplicity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 locking mechanism effectively secures the tarp against wind and vibration, reducing wear and ensuring the contents remain in place without the need for manual intervention or complex components, enhancing the longevity of the cover system.

Implementation Method 1

The locking mechanism may include a magnetic engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic engagement: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The system includes a torsion spring pack that is biased to rotate the bail member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 3

the locking element includes a friction engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction engagement: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8267461B2Tension bow locking device for a flexible cover system

Publication Date: 2012.09.18 AERO IND INC

AI summary

A cover system for covering an open top of an open-topped container with a flexible cover comprises a bail member having a first end pivotally connected to the container and an opposite second end connected to an end of the flexible cover, a tensioning bow member including an end portion pivotally connected to the bail member and an opposite end configured for bearing against the flexible cover, and a mechanism between the bail member and tensioning bow member including first and second members configured to cooperate to lock the tensioning bow member against movement relative to the bail member.