Tonneau Cover Prop Rod Assembly for Cargo-Clear Bed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonneau covers for pickup trucks lack efficient and secure mechanisms for accessing and securing the truck bed, particularly in terms of latch systems and prop rod assemblies, which can be cumbersome and prone to interference with cargo.
Innovation Solution
A tonneau cover system featuring a latching assembly with pinch handle assemblies and a prop rod assembly that includes longitudinally extending rods pivotably coupled to side rails and clips, allowing for secure latching and easy access to the truck bed, while minimizing interference with cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional latch systems are used, then the tonneau cover can be secured to the truck bed, but the access mechanism becomes cumbersome and interferes with cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is divided into separate components: a first latch on one side of the tonneau cover and a second latch on the other side. Each latch can be operated independently or simultaneously through the connector mechanism, allowing simplified access while maintaining secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector is introduced as an intermediary component that links the first and second latches. This connector enables coordinated operation of both latches through a single action point, reducing the complexity of operation while ensuring both sides are properly secured.
2Ease of operation
If prop rod assemblies are added to support the tonneau cover, then the cover can be held in open position, but the rods may interfere with cargo in the truck bed
Solution Approach 1:
The prop rod assemblies are designed with pivotable connections at both ends, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and angle. This enables the rods to provide necessary support for the tonneau cover while minimizing their projection into the truck bed space, thereby reducing interference with cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The prop rods are positioned and angled to utilize vertical and diagonal space rather than horizontal space. By extending upward and outward from the tonneau cover edges, the rods provide structural support without occupying valuable cargo volume in the horizontal plane.
3Reliability
If a secure latching mechanism is implemented, then the tonneau cover remains firmly attached to the truck bed, but the latching process requires significant force and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second latches are merged into a coordinated system through the connector. This allows the latching force to be distributed and applied simultaneously to both sides of the tonneau cover, achieving secure attachment with reduced effort compared to manually securing each side separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed so that a single partial action at one location (operating the connector or one latch) triggers or assists the latching of both sides. This partial action principle reduces the total force required by leveraging the mechanical connection between the two latches.
Data Source
AI summary
A pickup truck that includes a cab section located in front of a bed section is provided. The pickup truck comprises a tonneau cover that covers the bed section. The tonneau cover includes a plurality of panel sections; and wherein each of the plurality of panel sections is movable with respect to each other to allow access to, or conceal the bed section underneath. At least one prop rod assembly includes a longitudinally extending first rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the longitudinally extending first rod is pivotably and removably coupled to a side rail that is secured to the first side of the bed section, and the second end of the longitudinally extending first rod is located opposite the first end and pivotably coupled to the first latch assembly of the third panel section.