Retractable RV Skirting Roller Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recreational vehicle skirtings are heavy, difficult to install, and prone to dislodging, failing to effectively cover the undercarriage and protect against heat loss and damage.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and extendable skirting system featuring brackets, an elongated roller rod, and a skirt that can be secured to the vehicle, allowing for easy deployment and retraction, with optional insulation layers and secure fastening to the ground, and the option for manual or automatic operation using a motor and remote controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional skirting is used, then heat loss prevention and undercarriage protection are achieved, but the skirting is heavy, difficult to install, and prone to dislodging
Solution Approach 1:
The skirting system transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, retractable system using roller rods that allow the skirting to be easily deployed and retracted. This dynamic mechanism solves the contradiction by making the heavy skirting material movable through rotational motion, enabling easy installation and removal while maintaining stability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirting system is divided into modular components including brackets, roller rods, and skirting panels that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the heavy skirting material to be managed in manageable sections, reducing installation difficulty while maintaining overall system reliability through coordinated assembly.
2Reliability
If traditional skirting is used, then undercarriage coverage is provided, but installation is time-consuming and the skirting frequently dislodges
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable roller rod mechanism enables rapid deployment and retraction of the skirting through rotational motion, dramatically reducing installation time compared to traditional fixed skirting systems. The dynamic nature of the system allows quick adjustment and secure retention through the mechanical advantage of the roller design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical fastening and securing mechanisms with a simplified roller-based system that uses rotational motion and friction to maintain retention. This substitution reduces both installation time and the complexity of securing mechanisms while maintaining reliable skirting retention.
3Ease of operation
If retractable mechanism is implemented, then ease of deployment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable skirting system uses simple rotational mechanics of roller rods to achieve ease of deployment. The dynamic mechanism relies on basic principles of rotation and friction rather than complex actuation systems, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling easy deployment and retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller rod mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, using the weight and tension of the skirting material itself to facilitate deployment and retraction. This self-service design minimizes the need for additional complex control mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable recreational vehicle skirting. The skirting includes brackets configured to secure to a recreational vehicle (RV). The present invention further includes an elongated roller rod having a first end, a second end and a rounded sidewall. The first end and the second end are secured to the brackets so that the elongated roller rod rotates relative to the brackets about a longitudinal axis. The present invention further includes a skirt having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The upper edge is coupled to the rounded sidewall of the elongated roller rod.