Tonneau Cover Bracket Removable Mounting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tonneau cover devices cannot be completely removed from the vehicle, limiting the effective use of storage space, especially when storing goods in the luggage compartment.

Innovation Solution

A tonneau cover device with a tonneau cover bracket featuring a columnar portion and handle, allowing the tonneau cover to be rotated and removed from the vehicle by gripping the columnar portion with a tailgate bracket's gripping claw, enabling independent mounting and dismounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tonneau cover is fixed to the vehicle using conventional methods (cord attachment), then the tonneau cover remains securely mounted, but the storage space cannot be effectively used and the tonneau cover cannot be completely removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovability of tonneau coverVSAvoidstorage space availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tonneau cover system is divided into separable components: the tonneau cover itself and the vehicle mounting structure. The cord attachment is replaced with a bracket system that allows the cover to be completely detached from the vehicle, enabling both secure mounting and complete removal for versatile use of storage space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a fixed permanent attachment to a dynamic removable connection. The bracket assembly with columnar portion and gripping claw provides a secure mounted state while allowing complete removal when needed, adapting the system between fixed and removable states based on user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If the tonneau cover is removed from the vehicle, then storage space is optimized, but the tonneau cover requires secure mounting when attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space availabilityVSAvoidmounting security

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tonneau cover bracket assembly nests within the vehicle structure when mounted. The columnar portion of the bracket fits into the gripping claw of the tailgate bracket, creating a nested configuration that provides secure mounting while maintaining ease of removal for storage space optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a removable mounting system is implemented, then the tonneau cover can be completely removed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovability of tonneau coverVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly serves multiple functions: it provides secure mounting when attached, enables complete removal for storage space use, and includes a handle portion for easy operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for mounting and removal, managing complexity through integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11661012B2Tonneau cover device

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

The invntion provides a tonneau cover device. The tonneau cover device includes a tonneau cover installed on the rear portion of the vehicle and a tonneau cover bracket attached to the rear end portion of the tonneau cover, and the tonneau cover bracket extends in the width direction of the vehicle. A columnar portion serving as a rotation axis of the tonneau cover and a handle portion arranged in front of the columnar portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and extending downward are included.