Tonneau Cover Locking Spring Clamp for Pickup Trucks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable tonneau cover systems for pickup trucks face issues with ease of use and reliability due to adjustable cam locks that can break or become loose, leading to inadequate cargo protection and convenience in accessing the pickup bed.

Innovation Solution

A tonneau cover system featuring a locking spring clamp assembly with a linkage member, latch housing, and a biasing member that maintains a constant distance for secure engagement and automatic locking, ensuring the cover remains securely attached to the truck bed without the need for complex adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable cam lock is used to fasten the tonneau cover, then the system can adapt to different truck bed flange lengths, but the cam lock may break, become loose, or require complex adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different truck bed flange lengthsVSAvoidreliability of cam lock fastening

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is divided into separate functional components: a clamp body with engaging member, a linkage member with pivot point, and a biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while maintaining adaptability through the pivot mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a pivot point that allows the linkage member to rotate, changing the geometric parameters of the engagement. This enables the clamp to adapt to different flange lengths through rotational movement rather than linear adjustment, eliminating the need for adjustable mechanisms while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a conventional cam lock is used, then the tonneau cover can be fastened to the truck bed, but the clamp requires manual manipulation to align with the truck bed and may be inadvertently pushed back over center

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of clamp alignment and operationVSAvoidresistance to inadvertent disengagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member automatically urges the engaging member into engagement with the truck bed flange, eliminating the need for manual alignment. The system self-adjusts through the pivot mechanism, and the biasing force prevents inadvertent disengagement without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member applies a preliminary forcing action that pre-loads the engaging member against the flange, creating resistance to any forces that might push the clamp back or cause disengagement. This preliminary anti-action prevents problems before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the cam lock is adjusted tightly to prevent loosening, then the tonneau cover remains secure, but the cam lock may break or fracture the plastic bows in the frame network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of tonneau cover attachmentVSAvoidstrength of plastic bows and cam lock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage member pivots about a pivot point, allowing dynamic adjustment of the engagement force. The pivot mechanism absorbs excess force through rotational movement rather than transmitting it directly to the plastic bows, maintaining security while preventing fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot point acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and redistributes engagement forces. By allowing rotational movement, the pivot prevents concentrated stresses that could break the cam lock or fracture plastic bows, providing beforehand protection against over-stressing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 quick and convenient access to the pickup bed while maintaining secure retention of the tonneau cover, preventing accidental loosening and enhancing user experience by simplifying the attachment and detachment process.

Implementation Method 1

A first biasing member urges the latch housing into the latched position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a distance between the connection location and the engaging member is generally constant in the latched position and generally maintained by the locking feature in a locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9290122B2Tonneau cover locking spring clamp

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 EXTANG CORP

AI summary

A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck including a cover member positionable generally over the cargo box of the pickup truck and a locking spring clamp assembly. The locking spring assembly having: a linkage member coupled to the cover member at a connection location along the linkage member; and a latch housing slidably coupled to the linkage member. The latch housing includes an engaging member engaging the cargo box of the pickup truck in a latched position. A first biasing member urges the latch housing into the latched position. A locking feature releasably couples the linkage member and the latch housing into a locked position, such that a distance between the connection location and the engaging member is generally constant in the latched position and generally maintained by the locking feature in a locked position.