Modular Ceiling Bed Layout That Preserves Van Roof and Side Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional retractable ceiling beds in converted vans obstruct panoramic roofs when retracted and rear side access when deployed, limiting comfort and usability due to their design and size constraints.

Innovation Solution

A retractable ceiling bed system that moves vertically and horizontally, allowing a bed length of at least 1.75 meters with a 60 cm clearance from the ceiling in the deployed position, and includes a panoramic roof and side opening design to maintain unobstructed access and visibility, using a combination of traction straps, pulleys, and guide rails for stable deployment and retraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a retractable ceiling bed is installed in a converted van, then sleeping capacity is increased, but the bed obstructs the panoramic roof when retracted and blocks rear side access when deployed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesleeping capacityVSAvoidaccess to panoramic roof and rear side door
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bed is positioned at the front of the van rather than laterally, utilizing the longitudinal dimension. This allows the bed to be located above the driver's cabin area, clearing the rear side door opening and panoramic roof area, thus resolving the obstruction problem while maintaining sleeping capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bed is specifically positioned at the front section of the van, creating a localized sleeping area that does not interfere with the rear access or panoramic roof. This spatial differentiation allows different zones of the van to serve different functions without conflict

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the bed is positioned laterally to avoid obstructing panoramic roof, then panoramic access is improved, but bed length is limited below standard 1.90m

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanoramic roof accessVSAvoidbed length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the bed laterally (width dimension), the bed is positioned longitudinally at the front of the van, utilizing the length dimension of the vehicle. This allows the bed to achieve full standard length (1.90m or more) while clearing the panoramic roof area, as the bed extends front-to-back rather than side-to-side

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3936383B1Modular ceiling bed for camper van
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 RAPIDO GMBH
  • EP3936383B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3936383B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3936383B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A camper van (10) with a height of at least 2.66m, comprising: - at least one overhead bed (100), positioned at the front of the camper van (10), movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, with a length of at least 1.75m in the deployed position, - at least one inclined opening located above the windscreen (20) on which a panoramic window (40) is fixed, - at least one side opening located at the front of a side panel of the camper van (10) allowing a person to access the living area of ​​the camper van (10), characterized in that the overhead bed (100) is configured so as not to obstruct said openings regardless of its position.