Accessory Rail Platform for Camper Access and Secure Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Truck bed access is difficult due to height, and secure storage solutions for vehicle-mounted campers require frequent unloading and reloading, posing accessibility and security challenges.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mountable accessory support platform with a deployable stair system and storage units that attach to the vehicle, featuring a support rail system and universal mounting device for easy access and secure storage, allowing for repositioning and stowage of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a truck bed mounted camper is used, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility to the camper becomes difficult due to height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an accessory support platform as an intermediary structure between the ground and the truck bed mounted camper. This platform provides a stable intermediate surface that users can stand on to access the camper, eliminating the need to directly lift oneself into the high truck bed while maintaining secure storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the truck bed mounted camper for storage, the accessory support platform for access, and the support rail system for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the camper maintains secure storage while the platform provides accessible entry points.
2Reliability
If equipment is stored in secure interior portion of vehicle, then security is improved, but accessibility during use requires unloading and reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory support platform is pre-configured with support rails and mounting devices that allow equipment to be readily accessed during use. Frequently used equipment can be mounted on the platform or attached to the support rails, placing it in a ready-to-use position before the vehicle is deployed, thus eliminating the need for repeated unloading and reloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting equipment on the support platform and support rails at elevated positions that are accessible from the ground level. This creates a three-dimensional storage and access system where equipment can be securely stored in the camper interior while frequently used items are positioned in an intermediate accessible zone on the platform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted to vehicle, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory support platform incorporates universal mounting features including support rails with mounting devices that can accommodate various types of accessories. The platform itself serves multiple functions: providing ground-level access to the camper, serving as a mounting structure for equipment, and potentially providing additional storage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each accessory type.
Solution Approach 2:
The support platform and support rails are designed with adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the system to adapt to different accessory configurations. The mounting devices can be repositioned along the rails, and the platform can be adjusted to accommodate different equipment sizes and types, providing dynamic versatility without requiring a completely different structure for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory support platform is provided for supporting a removable accessory, e.g. a stair system or cabinet, adjacent to a vehicle or portable living quarter, such as a truck-bed mounted camper. The accessory platform includes a support frame for coupling the platform to the truck camper. The support frame supports or suspends a support rail system from the rear portion of the truck camper. The rail system includes an upper support rail and a lower support rail that is suspended below and apart from the upper rail. The removable accessory may be coupled at one of or between both of the upper and lower support rails. The removable accessory is preferably readily repositionable relative to the upper and lower support rails. A coupling bracket and/or hanger secures the removable accessory to the rail system.