18367314. Actuating Mechanism for Actuating Covers for Vehicles simplified abstract (ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.)

Actuating Mechanism for Actuating Covers for Vehicles

Organization Name

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.

Inventor(s)

[[:Category:Tobias G�pfert of Würzburg (DE)|Tobias G�pfert of Würzburg (DE)]][[Category:Tobias G�pfert of Würzburg (DE)]]

Matthias Hegwein of Ippesheim (DE)

Thomas Lechner-watzlik of Weikersheim (DE)

Joachim Oberst of Großrinderfeld (DE)

Roland Och of Rottendorf (DE)

Actuating Mechanism for Actuating Covers for Vehicles - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18367314 titled 'Actuating Mechanism for Actuating Covers for Vehicles

Simplified Explanation

The actuating mechanism described in the patent application allows for the reversible movement of a cover of a vehicle between a closed position and an open position. The mechanism comprises a movement mechanism connected to the rear side of the cover, which moves the cover in a rotational and translational movement to transition it from the closed position to the open position.

• Movement mechanism connected to the rear side of the cover
• Cover moves in a rotational and translational movement
• Transition from closed position to open position
• Cover pivots about first axis of rotation into intermediate position
• Cover then pivots in a rotational movement about second axis of rotation into open position

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and SUVs, to provide a convenient way to access storage compartments or cargo areas.

Problems Solved

1. Difficulty in accessing storage compartments behind the vehicle outer shell 2. Inconvenience of manually opening and closing covers on vehicles

Benefits

1. Easy and convenient access to storage compartments 2. Space-saving design by moving the cover behind the vehicle outer shell 3. Improved aesthetics by keeping the cover flush with the vehicle outer shell when closed

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimizing this technology for use in commercial vehicles, such as delivery vans or trucks, could enhance efficiency in loading and unloading cargo, making it a valuable feature for businesses in the transportation industry.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be retractable tonneau covers for pickup trucks, which also provide a way to cover and uncover the cargo area of the vehicle. However, the specific mechanism described in the patent application for transitioning the cover from closed to open positions may be a novel improvement in this field.

How does the movement mechanism operate in different weather conditions?

The article does not address how the actuating mechanism performs in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. This information would be crucial to understand the durability and reliability of the mechanism in various environments.

Are there any safety features incorporated into the actuating mechanism?

The article does not mention any safety features integrated into the actuating mechanism to prevent accidents or injuries during the operation of the cover. Understanding the safety measures in place would be essential for assessing the overall usability and effectiveness of the technology.

Original Abstract Submitted

Described is an actuating mechanism for actuating a cover of a vehicle. The cover is reversibly movable between a closed position where the cover is arranged flush with a vehicle outer shell and an open position where the cover is arranged at least partially or regionally behind the vehicle outer shell. The actuating mechanism comprises a movement mechanism operatively connected to the rear side of the cover. In order to transition the cover from the closed position into the open position proceeding from the closed position of the cover, the movement mechanism moves the cover initially into an intermediate position in a rotational and translational movement in which intermediate position the cover is pivoted relative to the closed position of the cover about a first axis of rotation and is at least partially or regionally offset in comparison to the closed position backwards towards the interior of the vehicle. Proceeding from the intermediate position of the cover, the movement mechanism pivots the cover in an at least substantially and preferably purely rotational movement about a second axis of rotation into the open position, in which the cover is arranged at least partially or regionally behind the vehicle body and in particular behind the vehicle outer shell.