Tonneau Cover Striker Assembly Reducing Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The friction, contact, and sticking between a tonneau cover and a tailgate in closed configuration hinder the opening and closing of the tailgate, requiring additional force and potentially causing damage and allowing contaminants to enter the cargo box.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a plate, a latch, and a shaft with a pin that engages slots in the latch, along with a spring, which moves the tonneau cover between open and closed configurations, reducing friction and contact by positioning the tonneau cover away from the tailgate during opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tonneau cover is in the closed configuration resting on the top edge of the tailgate, then the cargo box is protected from contaminants, but the friction and contact between the tailgate and tonneau cover increase, requiring additional force to open or close the tailgate
Solution Approach 1:
A striker assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tailgate and tonneau cover. The assembly includes a plate, latch, shaft with pin, and spring that work together to automatically position the tonneau cover away from the tailgate during opening/closing operations, eliminating direct contact and friction while maintaining protection when closed
2Reliability
If the tonneau cover is in the closed configuration resting on the top edge of the tailgate, then the cargo box is protected from contaminants, but the contact and dragging between the tailgate and tonneau cover may cause damage to the tailgate edge or tonneau cover surface
Solution Approach 1:
The striker assembly performs preliminary action by automatically positioning the tonneau cover away from the tailgate before the tailgate makes contact during opening or closing operations. This prevents dragging and potential damage to the tailgate edge or tonneau cover surface while maintaining the protective closed position when needed
3Stability of the object's composition
If the friction between the tonneau cover and tailgate is high in closed configuration, then the tonneau cover remains securely positioned, but automatic opening/closing mechanisms cannot function as intended due to insufficient force
Solution Approach 1:
The striker assembly introduces dynamic positioning of the tonneau cover. During automatic opening/closing operations, the mechanism temporarily disengages the tonneau cover from the tailgate area, reducing friction and enabling the automatic mechanism to function. When closed, the tonneau cover is securely positioned, maintaining stability
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
This assembly allows for easier opening and closing of the tailgate with reduced force, preventing damage and contamination by minimizing friction and contact between the tonneau cover and tailgate.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly comprises a spring engaged by the shaft. Application of a force on the plate in a first direction causes the plate and the shaft to move in the first direction, which causes the latch to move in a second direction... Movement of the shaft in the first direction causes the spring to compress. Removal of the force from the plate causes the spring to uncompress
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for opening and closing a tonneau cover. The assembly having a plate; a latch in communication with the plate, the latch having a finger that is adapted to engage the tonneau cover; and a shaft that is connected to the plate at one end, and at another end, the shaft has a pin that is adapted to engage a slot defined in the latch. Application of a force on the plate in a first direction causes the plate to move in the first direction, which causes the latch to move in a second direction so that the tonneau cover is moved into a closed configuration. Removal of the force from the plate causes the plate to move in a third direction, which causes the latch to move in a fourth direction so that the tonneau cover is moved into an open configuration.