Height-Adjustable Step Supports for Stable Caravan Entry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles' fold-down steps experience high stress and instability, especially when used by larger individuals or when loading/unloading items, leading to rapid wear and tear of joints and an unpleasant rocking motion.
Innovation Solution
A support device with height-adjustable support elements and connecting rods that stabilize the step ends, allowing adaptation to different conditions and terrain, reducing stress on folding mechanisms and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fold-down steps are used on recreational vehicles, then access to the vehicle is enabled, but the steps experience high stress and rapid wear on joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support elements as intermediary components between the fold-down step and the ground. These support elements bear the load that would otherwise be transmitted through the step's folding joints, thereby protecting the joints from high stress and rapid wear while maintaining the step's accessibility function
2Ease of operation
If fold-down steps are used on recreational vehicles, then entry/exit is facilitated, but the steps exhibit unstable rocking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements act as stabilizing intermediaries between the step and the ground. By providing a fixed support point that contacts the ground, these elements eliminate the rocking motion that occurs when the step is used, thereby enhancing stability without interfering with the entry and exit function
3Device complexity
If support elements with fixed height are used, then simple structure is achieved, but adaptation to different ground levels is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements height-adjustable support elements that can be dynamically adapted to different ground levels. The support elements feature adjustable height mechanisms allowing users to modify the support height according to the specific ground conditions, thereby achieving versatility without excessive structural complexity
4Stability of the object's composition
If support elements are made independently adjustable, then optimal compensation for uneven ground is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support system into multiple independently adjustable support elements, each capable of individual height adjustment. This segmentation allows each support element to be optimized independently for uneven ground conditions, achieving superior stability while keeping each individual adjustment mechanism relatively simple
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a support device (1, 1', 1") for supporting a step (29) of a motorhome or caravan, comprising a first support element (2a) for supporting a first lateral end section (30a) of the step (29), and a second support element (2b) for supporting a second lateral end section (30b) of the step (29), wherein each of the two support elements (2a, 2b) has a foot section (3, 3', 3") for placing the support element (2a, 2b) on a surface (4) and a receiving section (5) for receiving the respective lateral end section (30a, 30b) of the step (29), wherein the receiving sections (5) each have at least one support plate (6) for placing the end sections (30a, 30b) of the step (29) and wherein the receiving sections (5) of the two support elements (2a, 2b) are coupled to the respective foot sections (3, 3', 3") of the two support elements (2a, 2b) in a height-adjustable manner.