Inflatable Enveloping Awning Structure for Camping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing awnings for camping accommodations, such as caravans and mobile homes, require complex and time-consuming assembly processes, making them difficult for users to set up and dismantle, especially for inexperienced individuals.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable awning system with a tarpaulin strip connection unit that can be easily attached to the camping vehicle, using a combination of inflation and pre-assembled linkage parts to form a self-sufficient, free-standing structure that can be erected and dismantled with minimal effort, featuring a pressure body like an airbag for assistance in alignment and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional frame structures with profile strips and air chamber elements are used, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the frame structure and air chamber elements into a single integrated awning element that is pre-assembled as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly of frame sections and air chambers, significantly reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure and air chamber elements are pre-assembled into a complete awning element before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary assembly action transfers the complex assembly work from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, allowing inexperienced users to simply install pre-assembled units rather than assemble complex structures on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional frame structures with multiple components are used, then structural stability is improved, but transport effort and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtransport time and effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the frame and air chambers into a single integrated element, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be transported. This single-piece design minimizes transport effort and space requirements compared to transporting multiple separate frame sections and air chamber elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The complete awning element is pre-assembled into a transport-ready unit before delivery. This preliminary action allows the entire structure to be transported as one compact unit rather than multiple loose components, significantly reducing transport time and effort while ensuring structural integrity during transit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional assembly procedures with multiple steps are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for inexperienced users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of frame and air chambers into a single element eliminates multiple assembly steps involving separate components. Inexperienced users only need to install the pre-assembled unit rather than follow complex procedures for connecting frame sections and attaching air chambers, dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

All complex assembly operations are performed in advance during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-install unit. This transfers the operational complexity from the user to the manufacturer, allowing inexperienced users to simply install the pre-assembled element without needing to understand or execute complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If separate air chamber elements are inserted into frame sections, then structural stability is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frame structure and air chamber elements into a single integrated component, reducing the quantity of separate parts from multiple frame sections and air chambers to one unified awning element. This maintains structural stability through the integrated design while minimizing the number of components to be handled and installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system allows for easy and efficient setup and teardown of the awning, providing additional usable space that can be used independently of the camping vehicle, with improved ease of use and reduced assembly complexity, and can be adapted to different pole designs and configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the enveloping construction (H) is inflatable in a fluid-tight state at least in certain areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir inflation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

at least one pressure body (105) that can be filled with a fluid is integrated into this expanded structural unit (BE)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure lifting: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3212864B1Awning for camping accommodation
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 HOLTKAMP EGBERT BEREND
  • EP3212864B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3212864B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3212864B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An awning (1) is provided for camping accommodation in the form of a camping trailer, a motor home, a folding caravan or similar equipment (2). The awning (1) which is connectable to said equipment has a linkage (G) which encompasses the wall parts (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of said awning, which wall parts are each formed from sheets of canvas, and, in the use position, stiffens said wall parts at least in regions. The concept according to the invention makes provision for the awning to be formed from an enveloping structure (H), which is closable at least in regions in the region of respective side wall parts, roof parts and floor parts, and said enveloping structure is inflatable here in a substantially airtight state. Particularly simple erection of the awning is therefore possible. This is also possible in particular whenever a pressure vessel (105) is introduced as an additional inflatable part into the enveloping structure.