Tri-fold Tonneau Cover Hinged Front Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable tonneau cover systems for pickup trucks require complete removal to access the vehicle bed, which is inconvenient and wastes storage space, as they do not allow for full access when stacked.
Innovation Solution
A tonneau cover system with three hinged sections that allow for pivotal nesting, where the first and second sections can be stacked on the second, and the combination of these can be stacked on the third section, enabling the third section to be raised for complete access to the bed without removing the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tonneau cover system is completely removed to gain full access to the pickup truck bed, then complete access to the bed is achieved, but storage space is wasted and the system must be stored elsewhere
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover system is divided into three separate hinged sections (first, second, and third sections) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the front section to be pivoted open for access while the rear sections remain stacked and covering the bed, eliminating the need to remove the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second sections are designed to be stacked one on top of the other, with the first section nested on the second section. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space occupied by the folded sections while allowing the third section to pivot forward for complete bed access.
2Reliability
If the tonneau cover sections are folded toward the rear into a stacked configuration, then the cover remains protecting the bed, but complete access to the bed is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hinged connections between sections that enable dynamic movement. The third section can pivot forward on its hinge to provide complete access, while the first and second sections remain stacked and stationary, maintaining bed coverage when not in use.
3Reliability
If a conventional foldable tonneau cover is used, then the cover provides aesthetic quality and protection, but the folded sections occupy space that prevents full bed access
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cover into three sections with independent hinged connections, the system allows the front section to be separated and pivoted forward, reducing the coverage area of the stationary sections while maintaining protection over the covered portions of the bed.
Data Source
AI summary
A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, and a third tonneau section. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second section to an attachment member assembly, which is connected to the cargo box, to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to a front mounting bar assembly, which is connected to the front wall of the cargo box, to permit pivotal movement of only the third tonneau section into a raised position.