Inflatable Vehicle Awning Structure Without Ground Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle awnings require rigid installation hardware and ground support, which can cause permanent alterations to vehicles and are not easily deployable without modifying the vehicle's structure.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable frame assembly with a main frame member, left, and right supporting frame members, coupled with a canopy and an attachment system that allows for secure attachment to a vehicle without ground support, using adjustable straps and valves to maintain pressure and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid installation hardware is used to secure the awning to the vehicle, then the awning structure is stable and reliable, but the vehicle is permanently altered and modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for permanent installation hardware by extracting the fastening function and replacing it with an inflatable structure that attaches through friction and air pressure alone. The inflatable frame assembly can be secured to the vehicle without bolts, nuts, or other permanent fixtures, thus maintaining vehicle integrity while ensuring awning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support structure from rigid solid to inflatable air-filled chambers. By controlling air pressure within the inflatable frame assembly, the system achieves both ease of attachment (no permanent modification) and structural reliability (stable support when inflated).
2Device complexity
If ground surface support is used when the awning is deployed, then the awning can be supported without complex internal structure, but it requires external ground conditions and is not fully self-supported
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable frame assembly serves its own support function by containing pressurized air that maintains structural integrity. The structure is self-supported through internal air pressure rather than relying on external ground contact or complex mechanical support systems, enabling deployment on various surfaces including uneven or soft ground.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable straps and pressure control are used to support the awning without ground support, then the awning is fully supported by the vehicle and easily deployable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the inflatable frame assembly: structural support, attachment to vehicle, and adjustment mechanism all in one integrated component. The inflatable chambers serve both as the support structure and as the attachment interface, eliminating the need for separate rigid frames, brackets, and adjustment mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables vehicle awnings to be fully supported by the vehicle, eliminating the need for ground-based support and avoiding permanent modifications, while allowing for easy deployment and stowage, and compatibility with various vehicle types and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
each of the main frame member (16), the left supporting frame member (30), and the right supporting frame member (34) is configured to selectively hold a pressurized volume of air
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle awnings comprise an inflatable frame assembly comprising a main frame member that defines a space, a left supporting frame member, and a right supporting frame member; a canopy operatively coupled to the main frame member and spanning the space; and an attachment system for attaching the vehicle awning to a vehicle.