Cantilever Platform Assembly for RV Bed and Cargo Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recreational vehicles face challenges in efficiently utilizing limited interior space for both cargo storage and sleeping accommodations due to the need to accommodate varying cargo and sleeping requirements, especially when dealing with large and cumbersome items.

Innovation Solution

A structurally self-supporting, modular, cantilever platform assembly that allows independent positioning of platforms at multiple elevations, eliminating the need for intrusive structural supports and enabling easy reconfiguration for cargo storage and sleeping arrangements, featuring vertical structural members, indexing plungers, and a latching mechanism for adjustable configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional structural support members are used above or below the platform edge, then structural stability is improved, but interior space is reduced due to intrusive supports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinterior space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes traditional structural support members that would be positioned above or below the platform edge. Instead, the platform is designed as a self-supporting cantilever structure that attaches directly to the vehicle wall, eliminating the need for intrusive support elements that would occupy interior space while compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than supporting the platform from above or below with traditional beams, the invention inverts the support approach by using a cantilever design where the platform is supported from the wall attachment point outward, with the unsupported edge extending into the interior space without requiring additional support members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If fixed bed configurations are used, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying cargo and sleeping needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to varying needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustable platform assemblies that can be repositioned along the vertical structural members to different heights and configurations. This dynamic capability allows the same structural framework to adapt to varying cargo storage requirements and sleeping arrangements without requiring multiple fixed structures, maintaining structural simplicity while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bed system is divided into multiple independent platform assemblies that can be individually adjusted and reconfigured. Each platform can be positioned independently along the vertical members, allowing flexible arrangement for different occupancy scenarios and cargo needs while using a unified structural framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If multiple beds are accommodated in limited space, then sleeping capacity is improved, but cargo storage space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleeping capacityVSAvoidcargo storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning platform assemblies at different elevations along the vehicle walls. Multiple beds can be stacked or arranged at varying heights, effectively using the third dimension (vertical space) to increase sleeping capacity without horizontally encroaching on cargo storage areas in the vehicle's interior footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The platform assemblies serve multiple functions: they can be configured as sleeping surfaces when positioned in certain configurations, and the same structures can be repositioned or reconfigured to maximize cargo storage space when sleeping is not required. This multi-functionality allows the limited interior volume to serve both sleeping and cargo needs at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11485271B1Adjustable multi-position bed system for vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 BOYCE JUSTIN TYLER

AI summary

An adjustable bed system for recreational vehicles, with independently reconfigurable support platforms that can be quickly adjusted to different elevations or folded and secured into a space saving, stowed position. Each independent platform utilizes a cantilevered design that permits the platform to be self-supporting without the need for any secondary supports above or below the platform. The system includes provisions for quickly attaching and detaching the platforms from a number of available attachment points. Each platform is equipped with a means of self-alignment for ease of operation when moving platforms from one elevation to another. Each platform can be attached across from another platform at the same elevation, staggered at differing elevations, and more than one platform can be used simultaneously in a stacked bunk arrangement.