Tensioning and Lock Device for Uniform Tarp Cover Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tarpaulin cover systems struggle to maintain uniform tension across the entire cover, particularly in the side and top portions, leading to inefficiencies in wind resistance, material fatigue, and operational difficulties due to heavy or bulky tensioning devices that require significant effort to install and operate.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, compact tarp tensioning and locking device featuring a base and an extending mechanism with a pivotally connected actuator, capable of applying tension uniformly across the cover through a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means, allowing for easy installation and efficient tensioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If heavy or bulky tensioning devices are used to achieve sufficient tension, then the required tensioning force can be applied, but the devices require significant effort to install and operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensioning forceVSAvoidinstallation and operation effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning device incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow for dynamic operation. The upper and lower tensioning members can be independently positioned and adjusted, enabling operators to apply tension efficiently without requiring excessive physical effort during installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical tensioning systems with a more efficient arrangement of tensioning members that leverage the structural geometry and distributed force application. This substitution reduces the overall weight and operational complexity while maintaining the necessary tensioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If tension is applied only at the lower ends of the bow, then installation is simpler, but uniform tension across the entire cover cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiduniform tension distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds vertical dimensionality to the tensioning system by introducing an upper tensioning member that applies force at a higher elevation. This multi-level approach maintains the simplicity of the lower tensioning member installation while adding the necessary upper force application point to achieve uniform tension distribution across the entire tarp cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8235447B2Tensioning and lock device

Publication Date: 2012.08.07 SHUR CO CANADA ULC

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a tensioning and lock device for achieving a sufficient amount of tension throughout a tarp cover. The present invention is particularly well suited for retractable, tarp cover systems used in the trucking industry, but is also useful in other applications and in other fields. The tensioning and lock device comprises a base and an extending mechanism comprising an actuator. The actuator may be of the hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical variation and can be either manually or automatically powered. The present tensioning device is lightweight, compact, easy to install and accomplishes its function in a minimal amount of time.