Tonnea Cover Retainer System for Pickup Bed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional soft-type tonneau cover systems for pickup trucks are difficult to install, remove, and fasten to the support structure, necessitating a system that is easier to configure, mount, and remove while providing sufficient protection for the bed and its contents.

Innovation Solution

A tonneau cover system featuring a side rail connectable with the pickup bed's sidewall, a header system with a header member, and a retainer system that includes a header retaining member slidably coupled with the header member and a header lock for easy engagement and disengagement, allowing for simplified mounting and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional soft-type tonneau cover system is used, then the bed and its contents are protected, but the system is difficult to install, remove, and fasten to the support structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installation and removalVSAvoidsecure fastening to support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The header retaining member is designed to be slidable along the header member, transitioning between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the header to be easily installed by sliding it into place and securely retained when engaged, while enabling quick removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The header retaining member acts as an intermediary component between the header and the side rail. It provides a dedicated engagement interface that simplifies the connection process while ensuring reliable fastening through its interaction with the header lock mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the header assembly is designed for secure fastening, then reliability is improved, but assembly and disassembly become difficult and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fastening of header assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: the header retaining member for positioning and the header lock for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, maintaining secure fastening while simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional complex mechanical fastening system is replaced with a simplified sliding and locking mechanism. The header retaining member slides into engagement and is secured by the header lock, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners or complex assembly procedures while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9221380B2Retainer system for tonneau cover

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 TRUXEDO

AI summary

A tonneau system for a pickup bed comprising a side rail connectable with a sidewall of the pickup bed, a header system having a header member, and a retainer system operably coupled between the side rail and the header system. The retainer system can include a header retaining member and a header lock selectively coupled between the header member and the header retaining member. The header lock engages the header retaining member in both a header engaging position coupled to the side rail and a header disengaging position decoupled from the side rail to retain the header retaining member in the header engaging position and the header disengaging position.