Telescoping Extension Arm for RV Ceiling Vent Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Older individuals face difficulties in reaching and operating ceiling vents and fans in recreation vehicles due to balance issues and the need for ladders or step stools, which occupy valuable storage space.

Innovation Solution

An extension arm with an elongated shaft and operable ends, featuring couplings with tangs and notches, allows users to grab and rotate switches, cranks, and knobs without the need for ladders, using a rubber O-ring or cap to engage and operate fan and vent controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a ladder or step stool is used to reach ceiling vents and fans, then the ability to operate ceiling controls is improved, but the risk of falling and injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate ceiling controlsVSAvoidrisk of falling and injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The extension arm serves as an intermediary tool between the user and the ceiling controls. It allows the user to reach and operate switches and cranks located in the ceiling without needing to stand on a ladder or step stool, thereby eliminating the fall risk while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a ladder or step stool is stored for reaching ceiling controls, then the ability to operate ceiling vents and fans is improved, but the storage space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate ceiling controlsVSAvoidstorage space required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The extension arm extracts the essential function of a ladder (providing reach) while eliminating the need for a bulky structure. By using a telescoping design, only the necessary extension components are stored, significantly reducing the storage volume compared to a full ladder or step stool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension arm employs a telescoping mechanism where segments nest within each other when not in use. This allows the extension arm to be compactly stored in a small compartment or overhead storage area, minimizing the space required while maintaining full functionality when extended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If an extension arm is used to reach ceiling controls, then the need for ladders is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and space efficiencyVSAvoidextension arm mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extension arm is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the arm to achieve the necessary length for reaching ceiling controls while maintaining a compact form when stored, balancing functionality with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10449827B2Extension arm and method of use

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 JERNEY CHARLES ANDREW

AI summary

A method of operating at least one of a fan and a vent in a ceiling of a recreational vehicle using an extension arm, the extension arm including an elongated shaft with an operable end, comprising grabbing the extension arm with one's hand; engaging one of a turn switch, a turn crank, and a knob of one of the fan and vent in the ceiling of the recreational vehicle with the operable end; and at least one of operating the fan and vent by rotating one of the turn switch, the turn crank, and the knob with the operable end by rotating the extension arm with one's hand.