Tonneau Cover Clamp Assembly Using Bow Slide Rotation Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tonneau cover latches and clamp assemblies are inefficient and require additional components, leading to increased manufacturing costs, weight, and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly for securing a tonneau cover to a vehicle, comprising a bow hanger, bow slide, handle, and cam follower, which reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly by using a bow slide that slides along the bow hanger, preventing rotation and securely attaching the tonneau cover to the vehicle's side rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional latches and clamp assemblies are used, then the tonneau cover can be secured to the vehicle, but the number of parts increases, manufacturing costs increase, weight increases, and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional components (latch mechanism, clamp assembly, mounting brackets) into an integrated clamp assembly where the bow hanger, bow slide, handle, and cam follower function as a unified system. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining secure attachment capability through the coordinated interaction of the integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: the bow hanger provides structural support and attachment points, the bow slide enables movement and positioning, the handle provides user interaction, and the cam follower delivers the clamping action. This multi-functionality allows a single assembly to replace multiple separate components, reducing part count while ensuring reliable securing of the tonneau cover.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional clamp assemblies with multiple components are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging traditional separate components into an integrated clamp assembly, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs associated with producing and managing multiple separate components.
3Productivity
If traditional latches with additional components are used, then the tonneau cover can be secured, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated clamp assembly consolidates multiple assembly steps into a single unit installation. Instead of assembling separate latches, clamps, and mounting brackets, the pre-integrated design allows for faster installation while maintaining the secure attachment function through the coordinated design of its internal components.
4Device complexity
If a simplified clamp assembly with fewer parts is used, then manufacturing costs and assembly time decrease, but the secure attachment capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters and material properties of the integrated components to ensure adequate attachment strength. The bow hanger's structural design, the cam follower's leverage mechanics, and the overall force distribution are engineered to provide secure attachment despite the reduced part count.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a clamp assembly for attaching a tonneau cover to a vehicle. The clamp assembly can include a bow hanger comprising a main body extending between first and second ends and a protrusion extending away from the main body and along a portion of a length thereof. The clamp assembly can have a bow slide comprising a head configured to surround and move along the bow hanger. The clamp assembly can have a slot configured to receive the protrusion of the bow hanger, wherein engagement between the protrusion and the slot of the bow slide prevents the bow slide from rotating around the bow hanger. In some embodiments, the clamp assembly includes a handle coupled to the bow slide and a cam follower. The cam follower can engage rails of the handle which can be disposed either internally or externally of the handle.