Tiltable Cargo Bed Cover Structure for Utility Vehicle Dumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing utility vehicles lack an efficient and easily attachable cargo bed cover system that can protect cargo from environmental elements and interference during tilting operations.

Innovation Solution

A utility vehicle design featuring a rollover protective structure (ROPS) with a cargo bed located rearward, supported by attachable and tiltable support frames that hold a cargo bed cover, allowing easy attachment and tilting to prevent interference during dumping, and equipped with a lock to suppress rattling and removable support frames for convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cargo bed cover system is added to protect cargo, then cargo protection from environmental elements is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo bed cover system is divided into separate components: a cover body, support frames, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the cover to be easily attached and removed while providing comprehensive protection when installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frames serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the cover, enable easy attachment to the cargo bed, and allow the cover to be tilted during dumping operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed cargo bed cover structure is used, then cargo protection is improved, but ease of operation during tilting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo protectionVSAvoidtilting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support frames are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to tilt along with the cargo bed during dumping operations. This dynamic design prevents interference between the cover and the tilting mechanism while maintaining cargo protection when the bed is in its normal position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support frames are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms that automatically engage with the cargo bed structure. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the cover is properly positioned before tilting occurs, preventing interference during the dumping operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If support frames are made removable for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment convenienceVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into discrete attachment points and corresponding engagement mechanisms on the support frames. This allows the frames to be easily attached and removed while ensuring secure connection when installed, balancing convenience with reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanisms are designed to self-lock or self-secure when the support frames are installed, reducing the need for additional fastening operations. This self-service feature maintains reliability while preserving ease of attachment and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240409052A1Utility vehicle, trailer, and cargo bed cover structure
Publication Date: 2024.12.12 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD
  • US20240409052A1 patent drawing
  • US20240409052A1 patent drawing
  • US20240409052A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A utility vehicle includes: a rollover protective structure (ROPS) that defines a riding space; a cargo bed that is located rearward of the ROPS; and a support frame to support a cargo bed cover that covers the cargo bed.