Leveling Block Assembly With Replaceable Receiver for Container-Free Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leveling systems for large vehicles, such as recreational vehicles and trailers, require containers or bags for storage and transport, which increase weight, material cost, and bulk, and do not allow the functional design of the leveling blocks to be visible.
Innovation Solution
A leveling block set that includes a plurality of leveling blocks, a handle, and a removable receiver, where the handle and receiver are designed to secure the leveling blocks together during storage and transport, and the receiver can be replaced without replacing the entire set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers or bags are used for storing and transporting leveling blocks, then the leveling blocks are protected and contained, but the weight, material cost, and bulk significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function with the leveling blocks themselves by creating interlocking geometric features (recesses, protrusions, channels) that allow the blocks to contain and secure each other without external containers. The handling features are integrated directly into the block structures, eliminating the need for separate containers or bags.
2Reliability
If containers or bags are used for storing and transporting leveling blocks, then the leveling blocks are contained, but the bulk and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling blocks are designed with nesting capabilities where smaller blocks can be placed within the geometric features of larger blocks. The interlocking recesses and protrusions allow compact stacking and nesting arrangements that minimize the overall volume required for storage and transport, eliminating the need for bulky external containers.
3Loss of information
If containers are made of transparent material to show the leveling blocks, then the design and geometry are visible, but the material cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visibility function from the container concept entirely. By designing the leveling blocks with inherent visual characteristics (geometric patterns, colors, transparency of the blocks themselves) and arranging them in interlocking configurations, the design and geometry are immediately visible without requiring transparent container materials or complex container constructions.
4Ease of operation
If the bottom-most leveling block contains the attachment engagement member, then the handle can be attached, but the entire set must be replaced if that block is lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment engagement member from the leveling block structure by providing multiple identical engagement members distributed across different blocks. This segmentation allows the handle to be attached to any block in the set and enables replacement of individual engagement members or blocks without replacing the entire set, as the functionality is distributed rather than centralized in a single critical component.
Data Source
AI summary
A leveling block set with a handle, leveling blocks, and a receiver for leveling a large vehicle like a camper or trailer. Each leveling block has a top surface, sidewall, bottom surface, and a void defined by the sidewall and bottom surface. An opening in the top surface creates a channel that accepts and retains a portion of the receiver and the handle. The receiver has a base and shank with a passageway forming a second engagement member. The handle has a grip and shaft with a first engagement member. The shaft can be inserted through the channel to mechanically engage with the second engagement member of the receiver. The receiver is secured in the channel by two shoulders formed in the channel. If the receiver is lost or damaged, a replacement can be inserted without replacing the leveling blocks.