Automatic tarp control system and method for dump trucks

A method of automatically controlling a tarp on a dump truck, comprising:

• receiving a non-continuous user input to extend or retract the tarp;
• controlling a motor of a motorized spool holding the tarp, to turn the spool in one of a first direction to extend the tarp, and a second, opposite direction to retract the tarp;
• monitoring motion of the motorized spool by monitoring an output of a rotary encoder attached to the motorized spool;
• and
• monitoring an elapsed time since receipt of the non-continuous input;
• in a normal operating mode, automatically stopping the spool when monitoring of the output of the rotary encoder indicates the tarp reaches a fully extended or fully retracted position;
• and
• entering a failsafe backup mode in response to the elapsed time since receipt of the non-continuous input exceeding a predetermined target value, wherein in failsafe backup mode, controlling the motor of the motorized spool to turn the spool only in response to continuous user input via the user interface to extend or retract the tarp.

A dump truck, comprising:

• a bed having an open top;
• a motorized spool affixed to a first end of the bed;
• a tarp wound onto the motorized spool;
• tarp arms affixed to the dump truck and the tarp, and biased toward a second end of the bed opposite the motorized spool;
• a rotary encoder attached to the motorized spool;
• and
• a controller, having non-transitory memory and a user interface, operatively connected to the rotary encoder and a motor of the motorized spool, the controller configured to
• receive a non-continuous input via the user interface to extend or retract the tarp;
• control the motor of the motorized spool to turn the spool in one of a first direction to extend the tarp, and a second, opposite direction to retract the tarp;
• monitor motion of the motorized spool by monitoring an output of the rotary encoder;
• and
• monitor an elapsed time since receipt of the non-continuous input;
• in a normal operating mode, automatically stop the spool when monitoring of the output of the rotary encoder indicates the tarp reaches a fully extended or fully retracted position;
• and
• enter a failsafe backup mode in response to the elapsed time since receipt of the non-continuous input exceeding a predetermined target value, wherein in failsafe backup mode the controller controls the motor of the motorized spool to turn the spool only in response to continuous user input via the user interface to extend or retract the tarp.