Tonneau Cover Cam Lock Prop-Rod Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonneau covers for trucks require multiple steps and limited locking options when stored in an upwardly angled orientation, making it cumbersome to secure and adjust the position.
Innovation Solution
A tonneau cover system with pivotally connected sections and a cam lock mechanism that allows for easy folding and adjustment, enabling the stack to be rotated between intermediate and upward positions, with a slidable member and link arm for secure longitudinal movement, and a cam lock mechanism for easy locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional prop-rods are used to retain the stacked panels in an upwardly angled position, then the tonneau cover can be stored above the truck box, but multiple steps and limited locking options are required making it cumbersome to secure and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism changes the locking parameter from discrete fixed positions to continuous adjustable positions along the rail. The cam follower engages with the cam surface to provide friction-based locking at any angle, eliminating the need for multiple discrete locking steps while simplifying the operation to a single locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the locking function from a complex multi-step mechanism and implements it through a simple cam-based friction lock. The cam lock mechanism separates the positioning function (continuous angle adjustment) from the securing function (friction-based locking), allowing independent optimization of each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stacked panels are rotated to an upwardly angled position extending above the cargo box, then access to the cargo box is improved, but the positioning and securing becomes more difficult with limited locking options
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed-position locking to dynamic continuous-position locking. The cam follower maintains constant friction engagement with the cam surface, providing reliable positioning at any angle between the horizontal and vertical extremes, rather than being limited to predetermined discrete positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary between the adjustable stack position and the locking mechanism. The cam follower translates the positional adjustment into a friction-based secure lock, mediating between the need for angle adaptability and the need for positioning reliability.
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 system allows for simple, one-step adjustment of the tonneau cover's angle and secure positioning, eliminating the need for multiple steps and complex locking mechanisms, providing easy access and protection for truck cargo.
Implementation Method 1
In the locked position, a wall of the side rail adjacent the open channel is frictionally sandwiched or clamped between the cam lock mechanism and the body, preventing longitudinal movement of the slidable member along the open channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover includes multiple panels pivotally connected together and foldable between a stacked arrangement and a deployed arrangement. Side rails are attachable to opposite sides of the cargo box and include ledges. The stack can be rotated between an intermediate position and an upward position in which the stack extends above the plane with the upper surface of at least one section disposed at an angle intersecting the plane. A slidable member can slide along a side rail and support a cam lock mechanism moveable between locked and unlocked positions. A link arm can be coupled between the slidable member and the stack to require movement of the slidable member longitudinally along the side rail in response to movement of the stack between the intermediate position and the upward position.