Tri-Fold Front Rail Cover With Folding Locks for Stable Cargo Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pickup truck covers are either partially open, causing inconvenience in accessing cargo, or require complex connections that compromise stability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A tri-fold semi-embedded cover with a front bar, featuring a rotating shaft system, locking mechanism, support rod system, and guide rail system, which allows for seamless folding and secure attachment to the truck's front bar, enhancing stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an upright car cover is used to open almost all the way, then the accessibility to cargo is improved, but the connection stability of the front bar deteriorates due to the standing state after notch requiring complex screw connections
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be independently folded and positioned. This segmentation allows the cover to achieve near-full opening for accessibility while each panel maintains structural integrity and connection stability through individual folding mechanisms rather than requiring complex screw connections across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic folding structure with multiple movable panels. The folding mechanism allows the cover to adapt between closed and open states, providing full accessibility when needed while maintaining connection stability through the inherent mechanical linkage of the folding joints rather than relying on additional fastening screws.
2Strength
If a hard cover is used for durability, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the inability to open completely
Solution Approach 1:
The hard cover is segmented into multiple rigid panels connected by folding joints. This allows the cover to maintain the strength and durability of hard material while enabling complete opening through the sequential folding of individual panels, transforming the operational limitation of traditional hard covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover incorporates dynamic folding joints that enable the rigid hard panels to move relative to each other. This dynamic mechanism allows the cover to transition between closed and fully open states while maintaining the structural strength and durability of the hard material throughout the motion range.
3Reliability
If screws are used to pull the car cover guide rails tightly to ensure connection stability, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure utilizes dynamic folding joints with inherent mechanical locking or friction-based stabilization. This eliminates the need for additional screws to pull guide rails tightly, as the folding mechanism itself provides the necessary connection stability through its mechanical design, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding joint mechanism is designed to self-stabilize during operation, maintaining connection stability through its own structural properties rather than requiring external fastening elements like screws. The mechanical linkage inherently provides the necessary tightness and stability, making the system self-sufficient and reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a tri-fold semi-embedded cover with lock for a front bar, including a front bar, a panel body, a rotating shaft system, a locking system, a support rod system, a rear bar, and a guide rail system, there are a plurality of panels connected between the front bar and the rear bar, the two adjacent panels are connected to each other by a rotating shaft system, the rotating shaft system includes a first rotating shaft system and a second rotating shaft system, the first rotating shaft system is connected to the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft system is connected to the second rotating shaft, the width of the first rotating shaft is greater than or equal to the width of the second rotating shaft; the locking system is connected to the front bar and the rear bar, the locking system includes a lock bolt, the locking system is connected to a lock bolt positioning block, the locking bolt positioning block is provided to restrict the locking bolt.