Repositionable Deck System with Spring-Assisted Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camping enthusiasts face challenges with uneven and muddy terrain, difficulty in deploying awnings due to lack of level ground, and the inconvenience of transporting and setting up temporary decks, which limits their outdoor experience and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A repositionable deck system for campers, RVs, and trailers with a frame, decking, adjustable legs, shock absorbers, spring-assisted hinges, and a locking mechanism for easy deployment and stowage, along with a foldable ramp and awning support features to ensure stability, accessibility, and tool-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a deck is fixedly attached to the camper, then stability is improved, but repositionability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The deck system employs dynamic attachment mechanisms including spring-assisted hinges that allow the deck to be easily deployed and repositioned between stored and deployed states, and locking mechanisms that secure the deck in the deployed position to provide stability during use. This dynamic system resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of repositioning and operational stability.
2Strength
If heavy-duty hardware is used to secure the deck, then strength and stability are improved, but ease of operation and tool-free deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-assisted hinges provide self-service by automatically assisting the user in deploying the deck panel, reducing the physical effort required. The locking mechanism engages automatically when the deck is in the deployed position, providing secure attachment without requiring tools or additional fastening operations. This resolves the contradiction between strong attachment and easy operation.
3Strength
If the deck is designed to support awnings and heavy loads, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deck panel serves multiple functions: it provides a stable surface for standing and placing items, supports awning structures through integrated mounting points, and can be adjusted to various positions. The frame structure is designed to handle multiple load types (people, equipment, awnings) without requiring separate reinforcement systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high load-bearing capacity.
4Ease of operation
If the deck includes ramps and accessibility features, then accessibility for handicapped individuals is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be attached to the deck panel when needed for accessibility and removed or folded away when not required. This segmentation allows the main deck structure to remain relatively simple while providing accessibility features on-demand, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and structural complexity.
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 deck system provides a stable, elevated surface for camping, supports awnings, and ensures easy access for handicapped individuals and pets, enhancing the camping experience by being easy to use, transport, and deploy without requiring tools or additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
one or more shock absorbers for positioning between the decking and the side of the camper to prevent damage to either surface during travel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of spring assisted hinges for attaching the deck component to the side of the camper, wherein the plurality of spring assisted hinges permit the decking component to be repositioned between a deployed position and a stowed position and further wherein the spring assisted hinges permit the user to do so with minimal effort
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a repositionable deck system for a camper, RV, mobile home, trailer or the like, that is comprised of a frame, decking fixedly attached to said frame, legs for supporting the frame above a ground surface, one or more shock absorbers for positioning between the decking and the side of the camper to prevent damage to either surface during travel, a plurality of spring assisted hinges for attaching the deck component to the side of the camper, wherein the plurality of spring assisted hinges permit the decking component to be repositioned between a deployed position and a stowed position with minimal effort, and a locking mechanism for locking the deck component to the side of the camper when the repositionable deck system is in the stowed position.