Flexible Fabric Storage Enclosure for Folding Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer enclosure systems lack efficient and easy-to-install solutions for expanding usable space while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility, particularly for travel trailers.
Innovation Solution
A slide and snap storage enclosure made of flexible collapsible fabric with wall support rods and snap fasteners that attach to the extension platform and frame of a fold-up travel trailer, providing a secure and expandable storage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid permanent enclosure structure is used to expand trailer space, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of installation and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure system transitions from static rigid structures to dynamic components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The fabric walls and frame elements are designed to be configurable, allowing the enclosure to be installed and removed without permanent attachment, thus maintaining ease of installation while providing structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces rigid permanent walls with flexible fabric panels that can be easily installed and removed. These fabric walls are tensioned between frame members to provide sufficient structural integrity while maintaining flexibility and ease of installation, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible fabric enclosure is used to expand trailer space, then ease of installation is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metal frame structure as an intermediary between the flexible fabric walls and the trailer body. This frame provides the necessary structural integrity and rigid attachment points, while the fabric walls maintain ease of installation. The frame acts as a mediator that enables the fabric enclosure to achieve both flexibility and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure system combines different materials with complementary properties: rigid metal frame members provide structural integrity and attachment strength, while flexible fabric panels provide ease of installation and weather protection. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to fulfill its optimal function.
3Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used to secure the enclosure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment function from complex mechanical mechanisms and implements it through simple friction-fit connections between frame members and the trailer body. The cross members are designed to be inserted into and held by the trailer's extension platform through friction and geometry alone, eliminating the need for screws, bolts, or other complex fastening systems. This provides reliable attachment while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible extension storage enclosure for folding travel trailers that is selectively secured to the underside of a folding trailer extension after it has been deployed from the main body of the travel trailer. The storage extension enclosure provides additional usable weather tight storage area beneath the extension by using a combination of track insertable support rails and a plurality of wall surface mounted snaps to define selectively accessible integrated storage compartment there beneath with a selective access closure.