Expandable Rigid Camper Enclosure for Low-Drag Transit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camping solutions, such as ground tents, roof top tents, and truck campers, provide limited protection from the environment and elements, while traditional hard-sided truck campers are large and inefficient, leading to high fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

An expandable enclosure system with a base assembly and articulating rigid panels that can be coupled to a vehicle or used standalone, featuring a closed position for transit to reduce height and protect elements, and an expandable position to increase interior volume, allowing independent use of the enclosure and the underlying platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional hard-sided truck campers are used, then protection from external elements and indoor comfort are improved, but vehicle size increases and aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates, leading to high fuel consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from external elementsVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camper enclosure transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic expandable structure. The rigid panels are connected through articulating joints that allow the enclosure to collapse into a compact configuration for transport and expand into a spacious configuration for use, enabling the system to adapt its volume and aerodynamic profile based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure is divided into multiple rigid panel segments that can articulate relative to each other. These segmented panels are connected through joints that allow independent movement, enabling the structure to collapse along multiple axes simultaneously, achieving compact transport dimensions while maintaining full interior volume when expanded

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional hard-sided truck campers are used, then protection from external elements and indoor comfort are improved, but the size and volume of the camper increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from external elementsVSAvoidcamper volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable enclosure system allows the rigid panels to nest together in a compact configuration during transport, similar to nested dolls. When expanded, the panels unfold to create the full living space, maximizing volume efficiency during both transport and use states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Use of energy by moving object

If ground tents, roof top tents, or pop-top truck campers are used, then fuel economy and aerodynamic efficiency are improved, but protection from external elements and indoor comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoidprotection from external elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure utilizes rigid panels that provide hard-sided protection similar to traditional campers, combined with an expandable mechanical structure that enables compact transport. This composite approach merges the protective benefits of rigid construction with the aerodynamic efficiency of collapsible designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Volume of moving object

If the expandable assembly is in the expanded position, then interior volume and storage space are increased, but height increases and elements such as windows are exposed to external elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior volumeVSAvoidexposure to external elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250381906A1Expandable Enclosure System

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 MEILAK BRADLEY SCOTT

AI summary

An expandable enclosure system with rigid panels comprising of an expandable assembly and a base assembly is shown and described. The expandable assembly is closed for transit, protecting windows, fans, vents, doors, or similar located in the rigid panels. When not in transit the expandable assembly is opened to its usable position. The expandable enclosure system when coupled to a platform, such as a truck bed or similar, creates a secure and protected enclosed volume for the storage of desired equipment and goods. The platform can be accessed from the outside through the tailgate or from the interior of the system through hatches and openings in the floor.