Interlocking RV Leveler Blocks for Strain Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leveling blocks for recreational vehicles suffer from high breakage rates due to strain from loaded vehicles, particularly when tires drive up a stepped ramp, and previous solutions have not adequately addressed non-rotation and non-breakage issues.
Innovation Solution
The design features interlocking blocks with a square floor plate, central support sidewalls, paired support flanges, and octagonal connectors that distribute weight efficiently, forming a tensioned structure resistant to fracture, using high-strength polymers like polyethylene or polypropylene, allowing for adjustable ramp grades and efficient force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interlocking blocks are used to support loaded recreational vehicles, then the blocks can provide leveling support, but the blocks suffer from substantial breakage due to strain from tires driving up stepped ramps
Solution Approach 1:
The block is divided into multiple structural components: a floor plate, vertical walls, and diagonal bracing members that segment the load path throughout the block structure, distributing strains from vehicle loading across multiple elements rather than concentrating stress in single locations
Solution Approach 2:
The block combines multiple polymer materials with different properties: a polyethylene floor plate for impact resistance, polypropylene vertical walls for structural strength, and polystyrene diagonal bracing for compression resistance, creating a composite structure that resists various types of strain
2Strength
If a heavily reinforced skeleton of brace plates is used to prevent breakage, then block strength improves, but the block allows substantial lateral twisting
Solution Approach 1:
Diagonal bracing members are positioned asymmetrically within the block structure, creating geometric constraints that prevent lateral twisting while maintaining strength; the asymmetric arrangement of bracing at different angles provides rotational stability
Solution Approach 2:
The diagonal bracing members are pre-installed in a tensioned state during manufacturing, creating preliminary compressive forces that counteract lateral twisting forces before they occur during vehicle loading
3Strength
If polygonal form raised parts are used for interlocking, then block strength improves, but lateral twisting is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
Square raised parts with asymmetric positioning relative to the block center create geometric interlocking that prevents rotation; the asymmetric arrangement ensures that only blocks oriented in the correct position can interlock properly
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on the raised part shape alone to prevent rotation, the invention uses the cavity geometry and the relative positioning of raised parts and cavities to create rotational constraints, inverting the traditional interlocking approach
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a unitary piece block formed of polymers (such as polystyrene or other high strength polymer) by a single injection molding step which are assembled into a recreational vehicle leveler. The invention ramp provides four sets of four connectors at a top of a floor plate, which are adapted to interlock in cavity structures formed within a cavity on the underside of the block. Two adjacent blocks are secured together by applying to their top surfaces the securing cavity structure of an underside of a third such block. Such blocks can be stacked in an interlocking manner to reduce storage space.