Tonneau Cover Latch with Nesting Saddle and Slide Slot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional truck cover systems have inadequacies, such as obstruction during access to the truck bed and potential unintentional release of the latching mechanism, and lack versatility in accommodating different truck bed sizes.
Innovation Solution
A truck cover system with a latching system that includes a cross bar with a slide slot and saddle member, a connecting member with a clamp structure, and a handle, allowing the latching system to nest in socket recesses for secure retention and compact storage, preventing obstruction and accommodating various truck bed sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latching system is designed to be easily released to facilitate access to the cargo bed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential unintentional release
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system employs dynamic elements including a movable clamp structure that can be actuated by a handle, a rotatable saddle member with legs that engage with the channel, and a slide member that moves within the slide slot. These dynamic components allow the system to transition between locked and released states reliably, preventing unintentional release while maintaining ease of operation when intentionally activated.
2Volume of moving object
If the latching system is made compact for convenient storage, then the volume is reduced, but the device complexity increases to achieve secure retention and prevent obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system implements nesting by allowing the clamp structure to be received within the cross bar when in the rest position. The saddle member with its legs nests within the channel, and the connecting member connects these components in a compact arrangement. This nested configuration minimizes the volume occupied by the latching system during storage while maintaining the necessary mechanical complexity for secure retention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the latching system is designed to accommodate different truck bed sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system achieves universality through the channel structure that can engage with different positions along the rail, allowing accommodation of various truck bed sizes. The slide slot provides multiple engagement positions, and the adjustable nature of the clamp and saddle member assembly enables the same latching system to function across different configurations without requiring multiple specialized components.
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 allows for convenient storage in a rest position, preventing unintentional release and obstruction, while accommodating different truck bed sizes, enhancing usability and security.
Implementation Method 1
a slide member passing through the slide slot and is slidable within the slide slot
Implementation Method 2
a saddle member rotatably riding on the slide member, wherein the saddle member comprises at least one leg
Implementation Method 3
a connecting member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the connecting member is rotatably coupled to the leg of the saddle member
Implementation Method 4
a clamp structure coupled to the second end of the connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A truck cover system includes a rail; a cross bar coupled to the rail, the cross bar comprising: a slide slot passing through opposite side surfaces of the cross bar; a slide channel formed in a bottom surface of the cross bar, wherein the slide channel extends in a lateral direction and intersects the slide slot; and a latching system coupled to the cross bar, wherein the latching system comprises: a slide member passing through the slide slot and is slidable within the slide slot; a saddle member rotatably riding on the slide member, wherein the saddle member comprises at least one leg; a connecting member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the connecting member is rotatably coupled to the leg of the saddle member; and a clamp structure coupled to the second end of the connecting member.