Roll-up Tonneau Cover with Adjustable Receiver Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cover assemblies face challenges in securely fixing soft materials to compartments and adjusting the tightness of the cover, which affects storage, carrying, and rainproof functionality.

Innovation Solution

A roll-up assembly with a cover assembly comprising side rails, bumpers, and a movable receiver system that allows for adjustable tightness and secure fixation, featuring a slideway, adjustment screw, and lock hook mechanism for easy installation and rainproof sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a soft cover material is used, then flexibility and ease of storage are improved, but the ability to securely fix the cover to the compartment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidfixation security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional components: a rigid cover assembly (side rails, bumpers, adjustment mechanism) and a flexible cover material. The rigid structure provides secure fixation while the flexible material provides adaptability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rigid cover assembly and the flexible cover material. It includes a movable receiver that can be positioned at different locations along the side rails, mediating the connection between the rigid structure and the flexible material to achieve both secure fixation and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed tightness structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to adjust cover tightness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidtightness adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism transforms a static structure into a dynamic one. The movable receiver can be repositioned along the side rails to change the tightness of the cover, allowing the same structure to adapt to different user needs while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If a rigid cover assembly is used, then structural strength is improved, but ease of storage and carrying deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstorage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the rigid structural components (side rails, bumpers, adjustment mechanism) from the flexible cover material. This segmentation allows the rigid assembly to provide necessary structural strength while the flexible material can be easily folded and stored, potentially inside the compartment when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a fixed receiver position is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust cover position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidposition adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned along the side rails. This dynamic design enables position adjustment of the cover while maintaining relatively simple mechanism through the use of a slideable receiver with engagement features that can be easily moved and locked into position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables convenient storage and carrying, secure fixation, and effective rainproofing by allowing for adjustable tightness and reducing wear between the compartment and cover.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustment screw passes through the adjustment base and the adjustment knob, an end part of the adjustment screw is snap-fixed into a groove on the receiver; when the adjustment knob is turned, the adjustment screw produces a displacement and drives the receiver to slide within the slideway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a lock hook passing through the inner side of the first side rail and being fixed with the inner side of the first side rail by a screw, a nut and an elastic mechanism for locking the first side rail and the rear bumper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9776562B2Roll-up tonneau cover having a tensioning mechanism and a sideways latch

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 RUGGED LINER INC

AI summary

A roll-up cover assembly includes a cover assembly comprising first and second side rails and front and rear bumpers, as well as a cover, wherein a lower portion of an inner side of the first side rail is provided with a slideway, an adjustment base, an adjustment screw, an adjustment knob, a receiver; the adjustment base is fixed inside the first side rail and can not be moved; the adjustment base is provided with the adjustment knob thereon, the adjustment screw passes through the adjustment base and the adjustment knob, and an end part of the adjustment screw is snap-fixed into a groove on the receiver; the receiver is a separated-type structure, wherein both of the upper and lower portions are fixed onto the slideway, and when the adjustment knob is turned, the adjustment screw produces a displacement and drives the receiver to slide within the slideway.