Pickup Tonneau Cover Latching System Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo area cover locking mechanisms for pickup trucks are prone to damage due to stress concentration at joints and suffer from low efficiency in locking, as the mounting bar is easily broken under impact and the slider can slide back and forth, leading to ineffective locking.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism comprising a mounting bar with a built-in section and inserting block, a hanging rod, and a locking block, where the mounting bar is accommodated within the outer and inner support bars, and a positioning block with mounting grooves and a connecting rod, which reduces shear stress and improves locking efficiency by preventing sliding and enhancing structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mounting bar is exposed to the outside with sliding chute and sliding chute cavity portions, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but the mounting bar is easily broken when shocked and impacted due to stress concentration at joints
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bar is nested within the cargo area cover frame body, specifically positioned within the inner support bar and outer frame bar structure. This nesting protects the mounting bar from external shocks and impacts while maintaining its functional capability for locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bar is positioned within the protective structure of the cargo area cover frame body before any impact occurs. The frame body acts as a cushioning structure that absorbs and distributes external forces, preventing direct transmission of shock to the mounting bar and its stress concentration points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the slider can slide back and forth in the sliding chute when the cargo area cover is locked, then the locking mechanism can adjust, but the locking handle easily slides along the sliding chute resulting in low locking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking handle, the mounting bar with positioning block, and the connecting rod. The positioning block is fixedly embedded in the mounting bar and engages with specific positioning structures, preventing unwanted sliding while maintaining necessary adjustability through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning block acts as an intermediary element between the locking handle and the mounting bar. It transmits the locking force effectively while preventing the slider from sliding back and forth, thereby improving locking efficiency without compromising the adaptability of the locking mechanism.
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 effectively reduces the likelihood of mounting bar damage and enhances locking efficiency by distributing stress evenly and preventing sliding, thus providing a more secure and durable locking mechanism for cargo area covers.
Implementation Method 1
a lower end of the hanging rod being inserted into the horizontal shaft and being connected to the horizontal shaft through a thread
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a latching/locking system for securing tonneau cover to a vehicle. The system includes a mounting bar, a hanging rod, a locking block and a handle and further includes a cargo area cover frame body. The cargo area cover frame body includes an outer frame bar along an outer edge and an inner support bar inside the cargo area cover frame body. The mounting bar comprises a built-in section and an inserting block, which is fixed within the outer frame bar. An upper end of the hanging rod is inserted into the mounting bar, a horizontal shaft is disposed at an upper portion of the handle, and a lower end of the hanging rod is disposed into the horizontal shaft and connected to the horizontal shaft through a thread. The locking block is disposed on the hanging rod.