Tonneau Cover Latch with Protected Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonneau cover systems face issues with debris and liquid accumulation affecting latch functionality and potential tangling of release mechanisms, leading to inadvertent cover opening.
Innovation Solution
A tonneau cover system featuring a striker fixed to the cargo box, a latch mounted on a rigid frame, a link extending from the latch, and a handle-coupled coupler that moves the latch into a released position, with a biasing device and a design that keeps the latch and handle within a protected space to prevent debris and liquid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latch is directly attached to the inside surface of the protective cover, then the latch mechanism is simple and effective, but debris or liquid accumulates on the latch reducing its effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is relocated from the two-dimensional surface of the cover to a three-dimensional recessed space between the sheets. This dimensional change allows the latch to be positioned within an internal cavity rather than on the external surface, protecting it from direct exposure to debris and liquid while maintaining its locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is nested within the space between the first and second sheets of the cover assembly. This nesting arrangement places the latch inside the protective structure of the cover itself, shielding it from environmental contaminants while keeping it accessible for operation.
2Ease of operation
If a strap or cable is used for releasing the cover, then the release mechanism is effective, but the strap or cable may get caught or tangled in the cargo box resulting in inadvertent release
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted from the traditional strap-or-cable configuration and reimagined as a rigid link connected to a latch. This extraction removes the flexible, tanglable elements (straps and cables) while retaining the core release function through a more reliable rigid connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
A link acts as an intermediary between the handle and the latch mechanism. This rigid link transmits the user's manual input to the latch without the intermediate flexibility that causes tangling, providing a direct and reliable force transmission path that prevents inadvertent activation.
3Ease of operation
If the latch and handle are exposed on the cover surface, then they are easily accessible for operation, but they are vulnerable to debris and liquid interference
Solution Approach 1:
The latch and handle are repositioned from the external two-dimensional surface to an internal three-dimensional space between the sheets. This dimensional relocation maintains operational accessibility while providing environmental protection through the protective barrier of the cover sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second sheets of the cover assembly act as protective flexible or rigid barriers that enclose the latch and handle mechanism. These sheets form a protective shell that shields the internal components from debris and liquid while allowing the mechanism to function within the enclosed space.
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 a user-friendly mechanism for opening and closing the cover while maintaining latch functionality despite debris and liquid exposure, ensuring secure closure and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device which may be disposed between the support housing and the striker
Data Source
AI summary
A tonneau cover system for a vehicle having a cargo box includes a striker which is adapted to be fixed to the cargo box along with a cover disposed over the cargo box when the cover is in a closed position. Moreover, the cover includes a latch mounted to the frame. The latch engages the striker when the cover is in the closed position. The cover further includes a link which extends from the latch along the frame and a handle coupled to the latch in order to move the latch into a released position which disengages the striker. Finally, the cover includes a coupler which is coupled to the handle. The coupler moves from a first position to a second position and responds to movement of the handle with the link moving relative to the frame in order to facilitate movement of the latch into the released position.