Retractable RV Patio Assembly for Single-Level Living Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recreational vehicles, such as fifth wheel travel trailers, require users to traverse multiple steps to access different living areas, which can be challenging for those with limited mobility, and often have reduced storage space and headroom due to their multi-level design.
Innovation Solution
A retractable patio system for recreational vehicles, featuring arm assemblies with actuators and drive mechanisms that allow the patio to extend and retract, providing a single-level living space and additional storage without protruding from the vehicle when retracted, using a control system to manage the deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a multi-level interior design is used to increase living space, then the interior living space resembles a nicely appointed home with multiple levels, but users must traverse multiple steps to access different living areas which challenges mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the living space outward in a horizontal dimension by deploying a retractable patio assembly, rather than creating vertical multi-level interiors. This allows users to access additional living space at the same level, eliminating the need to traverse steps while still providing increased volume for recreation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patio assembly is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable, transitioning between stored and deployed states. When deployed, it creates additional single-level living space; when retracted, it maintains vehicle integrity and maneuverability, offering flexibility without permanent structural changes.
2Volume of moving object
If the vehicle length is increased to provide larger interior living spaces, then the trailer can include large kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living area, but the vehicle becomes harder to maneuver and park
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing vehicle length to provide more living space, the patent utilizes the horizontal dimension by extending a retractable patio assembly outward from the vehicle body. This provides additional living space without increasing the vehicle's footprint or length, maintaining ease of maneuverability and parking.
3Volume of moving object
If a retractable patio assembly is deployed to provide additional living space, then single-level living space and storage capacity are increased, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex with multiple arm assemblies and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable patio assembly is segmented into multiple arm assemblies (first arm assembly, second arm assembly, third arm assembly) that can be independently controlled by separate actuators. This segmentation allows for controlled deployment and retraction while distributing the mechanical complexity across modular components rather than requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable patio assembly serves multiple functions: it provides additional single-level living space, offers storage capacity when deployed, and maintains vehicle integrity when retracted. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering diverse benefits from a single system.
4Ease of operation
If the patio assembly is retracted to maintain vehicle integrity and maneuverability, then the vehicle can be easily transported and parked, but additional living space and storage capacity are not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable patio assembly is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable, transitioning between stored and deployed states based on operational needs. When deployed, it provides additional living space and storage; when retracted, it maintains vehicle integrity and maneuverability, offering flexibility without permanent structural changes.
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 retractable patio system eliminates the need for internal steps, increases usable space, and enhances storage capacity while maintaining vehicle integrity and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one drive mechanism controllably moving the at least one actuator between an extended position and a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
the first arm portion of each of the plurality of arm assemblies is pivotally coupled to the second arm portion thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable patio assembly of a recreational vehicle includes a plurality of arm assemblies coupled to the frame of the recreational vehicle. Each of the plurality of arm assemblies includes a housing, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and an actuator. A drive mechanism is operably coupled to at least one actuator to control movement of the at least one actuator between an extended position and a retracted position. A top support member is coupled to a top portion of each of the plurality of arm assemblies and includes a first a top support member portion coupled to the first arm portion and a second a top support member portion coupled to the second arm portion.