Inflatable Camper Slide-Out Walls for Lightweight Stable Expansion

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional living space expansions in vehicles, such as motorhomes, face issues with weight, mechanical complexity, and seal problems, leading to increased wear and reduced usability.

Innovation Solution

Implementing inflatable or self-inflating hollow chamber wall sections that can move out to form the living space expansion, reducing weight and eliminating the need for complex mechanical components, with optional additional rigid sections for stability and a Keder connection for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid walls and mechanical components (scissors linkage, guide rod assembly) are used for living space expansion, then structural stability is improved, but weight increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical components (scissors linkage, guide rod assembly) with an inflatable hollow chamber system. The hollow chamber, when inflated, provides structural support and stability without requiring traditional mechanical linkages or guide rods, thereby significantly reducing weight and device complexity while maintaining the ability to expand and stabilize the living space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a hollow chamber with flexible walls that can be inflated to provide structural support. This flexible shell approach replaces rigid mechanical components, allowing the living space expansion to achieve stability through pneumatic pressure rather than complex mechanical structures, thus reducing weight and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid walls and mechanical components are used for living space expansion, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical components (scissors linkage, guide rod assembly) with an inflatable hollow chamber system. The hollow chamber, when inflated, provides structural support and stability without requiring traditional mechanical linkages or guide rods, thereby significantly reducing weight and device complexity while maintaining the ability to expand and stabilize the living space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If traditional mechanical components are used, then structural support is achieved, but wear increases and lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidlifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical components (scissors linkage, guide rod assembly) with an inflatable hollow chamber system. The hollow chamber, when inflated, provides structural support and stability without requiring traditional mechanical linkages or guide rods, thereby significantly reducing weight and device complexity while maintaining the ability to expand and stabilize the living space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow chamber is designed as a replaceable, simpler component compared to complex mechanical assemblies. While the chamber may have a finite lifespan, its simplicity allows for easier replacement and maintenance, and the elimination of wear-prone mechanical components like scissors linkages and guide rods reduces overall system wear and extends the operational life of the living space expansion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The solution results in a lightweight, easily assembled and disassembled living space expansion with extended lifespan, improved stability, and simplified installation, while reducing wear and enhancing mobility and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one wall section of the living space expansion is configured as a hollow chamber wall section, in particular as an inflatable hollow chamber wall section or as a self-inflating hollow chamber wall section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS12030423B2Vehicle having a living space extension

Publication Date: 2024.07.09 ERWIN HYMER GRP SE

AI summary

A vehicle, such as a motor home or camper or the like, includes a living space expansion that can be set up as needed and has a space volume, which, in the set-up state, is connected with an interior space volume of the vehicle. The living space expansion includes at least three wall sections, wherein at least two of the wall sections are each configured as side walls, wherein at least of the one wall sections is configured to be moved out of the interior space volume to form the living space expansion. At least one of the wall sections of the living space expansion can be a hollow chamber wall section. The hollow chamber wall section can be an inflatable hollow chamber wall section or a self-inflating hollow chamber wall section.