Inflatable Vehicle Awning With Adjustable Tubular Frame Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle awnings with inflatable frames are not variable in size and cannot be adapted to vehicles of different heights, limiting their versatility and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

The awning includes means for changing the length of its tubular components, such as a third tubular portion with connectable ends and modular design, allowing it to be adjusted to fit various vehicle heights and provide flexible coverage, with optional support posts for independent standing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the awning uses a fixed-length tubular frame, then the construction is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the awning cannot be adapted to vehicles of different heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle heightsVSAvoidcomplexity of length adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular frame is divided into multiple detachable sections (first tubular region, second tubular region, third tubular portion) that can be connected or separated. This segmentation allows the frame length to be adjusted by connecting or disconnecting sections, enabling adaptation to different vehicle heights while maintaining relatively simple construction within each section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The connecting means allow the frame length to be changed based on requirements, making the awning adaptable to different vehicle heights and configurations while maintaining operational simplicity through straightforward connection and disconnection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the awning includes means for changing tube length, then adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for different vehicle configurationsVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into standard-length sections with identical connecting interfaces. This standardization ensures that assembly and disassembly operations remain simple and intuitive, while the combination of sections provides versatile length adjustment capabilities for different vehicle configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting means serve multiple functions: they join tubular sections together, allow for length adjustment, and enable rapid assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality maintains ease of operation while achieving versatile adaptability across different vehicle types and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the awning uses detachable tubular sections, then the covered base area can be varied, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable base area coverageVSAvoidnumber of tubular sections
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into a minimal number of essential sections (first tubular region, second tubular region, third tubular portion) that provide sufficient coverage area when connected. This segmentation allows area adjustment by connecting or disconnecting sections while keeping the total number of components to a practical minimum for effective base area coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple tubular sections are merged into a unified frame structure when connected, creating continuous support elements that efficiently cover the base area. The merging of sections provides large area coverage when needed, while the ability to separate them reduces component quantity to only what is necessary for the required coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables the awning to be adapted to different vehicle heights and base sizes, providing adjustable coverage and independent standing capability, enhancing its versatility and usability across various environments.

Implementation Method 1

which forms an additional protected area for the vehicle above a ground, with a tubular frame which is used to create stability by means of a gas which is under pressure compared to the ambient pressure inflatable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3967837A1Awning for a vehicle, in particular for a caravan or for a mobile home
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 FIAMMA
  • EP3967837A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3967837A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3967837A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In the case of an awning for a vehicle (2), in particular for a caravan or a motorhome, which forms an additional protected area for the vehicle (2) above a ground, with a tubular frame (1) which is inflatable to provide stability by means of a gas under overpressure relative to an ambient pressure, wherein the tubular frame (1) comprises at least a first tube section (1a) of a first length, which preferably extends upwards from the ground (U) away from the vehicle (2), and preferably at least a second tube section (1b) of a second length, which extends between the first tube section (1a) and the vehicle (2), at least one of the first and the second tube section comprises means for changing length (3, 4, 6).