Tonneau Cover Panel Hinge Mechanism for Cargo Bed Accessibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Current tonneau cover designs for vehicle cargo beds lack improved accessibility and effective water management, limiting user convenience and protection from elements.

Innovation Solution

A tonneau cover system with pivotally coupled panels and a hinge assembly that allows for multiple folding positions, combined with elastomeric hinges and seals to enhance accessibility and water management, is designed for vehicle cargo beds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tonneau cover uses a fixed panel design, then the structure is simple and stable, but accessibility to the cargo bed is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to cargo bedVSAvoidpanel coupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tonneau cover is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be independently positioned. Each panel is connected through pivotal couplings, allowing selective opening of individual panels to access different portions of the cargo bed without moving the entire cover structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel connections use pivotal couplings that enable dynamic movement between fixed and open positions. The first panel pivots relative to the spacer bar, the third panel pivots relative to the second panel, allowing the system to transition between closed and accessible states while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the tonneau cover panels are tightly sealed, then water and debris protection is improved, but accessibility and ventilation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater and debris protectionVSAvoidaccessibility to cargo bed

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into multiple panels that can be independently opened, allowing users to access only the necessary portion of the cargo bed while keeping other panels closed and sealed, thus maintaining protection for covered areas while providing selective accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer bar acts as an intermediary element that provides a pivotal connection point for the first panel while maintaining the structural framework. This allows the first panel to move independently for accessibility while the spacer bar maintains the overall structure and sealing integrity of the remaining panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the tonneau cover uses multiple pivotally coupled panels, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of water leakage at connection points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to cargo bedVSAvoidwater sealing at hinges

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer bar serves as an intermediary structural element that provides a stable pivotal connection point for the first panel. This intermediary structure distributes mechanical stresses and maintains alignment, reducing the risk of water leakage at the pivotal connection while enabling the first panel to move independently for accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the tonneau cover panels are fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding positionsVSAvoidpanel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The panel connections use pivotal couplings that enable dynamic movement between fixed and open positions. The first panel pivots relative to the spacer bar, the third panel pivots relative to the second panel, allowing the system to transition between closed and accessible states while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tonneau cover is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be independently positioned. Each panel is connected through pivotal couplings, allowing selective opening of individual panels to access different portions of the cargo bed without moving the entire cover structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides improved accessibility to the cargo bed while effectively managing water and debris, enhancing both functionality and protection.

Implementation Method 1

The hinge has a body formed of an elastomeric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The elastomeric body has a first configuration in an unengaged state with the first and second securing members and a second configuration in an engaged state with the first and second securing members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10189339B2Tonneau cover system for a cargo bed of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 RUGGED LINER INC

AI summary

A tonneau cover system includes a plurality of panels coupled to first and second side rails. The panels include a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a spacer bar with the spacer bar fixed to the side rails. The first panel pivots relative to the spacer while the spacer remains fixed to the side rails. The third panel pivots relative to the second panel to permit the third panel to be located over the second panel while the spacer remains fixed to the side rails to define an intermediate folded position. The cover further includes a hinge assembly mounted between the second panel and the spacer to enable the second and third panels to pivot relative to the spacer as a unit from the intermediate position to a final position located at least over the spacer bar while the spacer bar remains fixed to the side rails.