Vertically Actuating Tonneau Cover Using Scissor Lift Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonneau covers for pickup trucks are often manual, requiring physical strength to open and close, and automated solutions involving rolling or sliding mechanisms perform poorly in adverse conditions like dust, dirt, mud, snow, and ice.
Innovation Solution
A vertically actuating automated tonneau cover system using a scissor lift assembly with electric actuators and a controller, allowing the cover to be raised and lowered vertically with a slight angle, ensuring smooth operation in adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tonneau covers are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring physical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated scissor lift mechanism powered by an electric actuator. The scissor lift assembly includes interconnected arms that form a mechanical advantage system, eliminating the need for user physical strength while maintaining operational control through automated actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor lift assembly acts as an intermediary mechanical system between the electric actuator and the tonneau cover. The interconnected arms of the scissor lift translate the linear motion of the actuator into vertical lifting motion, mediating the force transmission and providing mechanical advantage.
2Reliability
If rolling or sliding automated mechanisms are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates in adverse conditions like dust, dirt, mud, snow, and ice
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using conventional rolling or sliding mechanisms that fail in adverse conditions, the patent inverts the approach by using a vertically lifting scissor mechanism. This inversion allows the cover to be raised completely off the cargo bed surface, preventing contact with dust, dirt, mud, snow, and ice that would otherwise impede rolling or sliding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal rolling/sliding motion to vertical lifting motion. By moving the cover in the vertical dimension rather than horizontal, the system avoids the adverse effects of surface contaminants and weather conditions that affect ground-level operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a scissor lift assembly with electric actuators is used, then the ease of operation and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor lift assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical advantage for lifting, enables vertical motion, and can be controlled by various actuation methods. The electric actuator integrated with the scissor mechanism creates a multi-functional system that combines automated control with mechanical lifting capability, adapting to different operational requirements.
4Reliability
If the cover is lifted vertically at a slight angle, then the reliability is improved by preventing contact with contaminants, but the device complexity increases due to the linkage system
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor lift assembly provides dynamic motion control, allowing the cover to be lifted vertically at a controlled slight angle. The interconnected arms of the scissor mechanism enable smooth, controlled movement through a range of positions, transitioning from horizontal to vertical orientation while maintaining adaptability to different lift angles and positions.
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
The system provides convenient, reliable, and efficient operation of the tonneau cover, maintaining functionality in adverse weather conditions without the need for manual strength and minimizing space in the cargo bed for optimal storage.
Implementation Method 1
The first electric actuator is for dynamically changing length under electrical power to be between an extended length and a retracted length thereby changing the distance between the first drive point and the first fixed arm
Data Source
AI summary
A tonneau cover system for a vehicle includes a cover, a scissor lift assembly, and an electric actuator. The scissor lift has a fixed arm for mounting to an inner side panel of a cargo bed of the vehicle and a plurality of movable arms coupled to the fixed arm for selectively raising and lowering the cover in dependence upon a distance between a drive point on one of the movable arms and the fixed arm. The electric actuator has an end anchored at a fixed position relative to the fixed arm and a second end coupled to the drive point. The actuator dynamically changes length under electrical power to be between an extended length and a retracted length thereby changing the distance between the drive point and the fixed arm. A controller control the electric actuator to change length in accordance with a user input signal.