Movable Wall Wet Cell for Camping Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wet cells in camping vehicles do not effectively allow for a temporary increase in interior space for comfortable use of sanitary facilities, limiting flexibility and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A wet cell design featuring an immobile wall section with a movable wall section, where the movable wall includes a rigid and flexible segment, allowing for adjustable volume and configuration to accommodate different requirements, with a swivel wall, sink, and toilet arrangement that can create a separate shower room and splash protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a movable wall section is added to expand interior space, then the interior volume increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior volumeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable wall section is divided into two functional segments: a rigid wall segment for structural support and closure, and a flexible wall segment for space expansion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall section transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating movable and flexible components. The rigid wall segment can swivel between positions, and the flexible wall segment can extend and retract, enabling the interior volume to change dynamically based on usage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the movable wall section is completely extended to maximize space, then the interior volume increases, but the structural stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior volumeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the wall into rigid and flexible segments, the structure maintains stability when the rigid part is in position while allowing the flexible part to extend. The rigid wall segment provides the necessary structural framework even when extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the wall have different mechanical properties - the rigid wall segment maintains structural integrity and stability, while the flexible wall segment provides adaptability and volume expansion. Each segment's local quality is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If guide grooves are formed in the floor and ceiling to constrain the flexible wall segment, then the flexibility and ease of operation improve, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide grooves act as mechanical guides similar to pneumatic or hydraulic channels, providing a defined path for the flexible wall segment to move along. This constraint mechanism enables smooth operation while requiring only simple groove formations in existing surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Data Source

PatentEP3778308B1Wet cell for a camping vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 HYMER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3778308B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3778308B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3778308B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wet cell (2) for a camping vehicle (1), which comprises a fixed wall section (4) with an opening (5) and a movable wall section (3), wherein the opening (5) is closed by the movable wall section (3). The movable wall section (3) is pivotally connected to a first side edge (4a) of the fixed wall section (4) by means of a hinge (6), and the movable wall section (3) is movably connected to a second side edge (4b) of the fixed wall section (4) by means of a guide (7).