RV Exterior Kitchen Double-Pivot Mounting for Corner Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior storage and utility systems for recreational vehicles are limited by the need for manual lifting and alignment, lack of versatility in mounting locations, and inefficiencies in space usage, particularly when trying to accommodate varying orientations and sizes of equipment like exterior kitchens and entertainment systems.
Innovation Solution
A containment system with a double pivot structure that allows a container to be mounted at a vehicle's corner, enabling a vertical opening to be fully accessible and rotated without manual lifting, with the ability to pivot through a wide range of orientations and positions between the side and rear of the vehicle, using a combination of brackets, pivot arms, and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers are mounted to the hitch for storage or use, then convenient storage space is provided, but use of the hitch prevents concurrent towing and blocks operation of the vehicle tailgate or ramp door
Solution Approach 1:
The container mounting system is extracted from the vehicle hitch and relocated to the vehicle body frame or bumper. This allows the hitch to remain free for towing operations while the container provides accessible storage independently, eliminating the conflict between storage and towing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate mounting structure (brackets, rails, or frames) is introduced as an intermediary between the container and the vehicle. This intermediary mounting system attaches to the vehicle body rather than the hitch, allowing both the hitch and container to function independently without interference.
2Quantity of substance
If larger and heavier items are attached to the vehicle, then storage capacity is increased, but manual lifting and alignment becomes more difficult and requires more complicated coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates movable and adjustable components such as sliding rails, telescoping arms, or movable brackets that can be positioned and locked at various locations. This dynamic mounting mechanism reduces the need for precise manual alignment and makes it easier to attach heavier containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system includes self-aligning features such as tapered mounting surfaces, cam locks, or spring-loaded positioning mechanisms that automatically guide and secure the container during attachment, reducing the skill and effort required for proper alignment and coupling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted on a swingable arm at the rear of the vehicle, then tailgate operation is enabled, but the arm is typically limited to a single pivot point with restricted field of motion
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pivot points and mounting locations are combined into an integrated mounting system that attaches to both the vehicle body and bumper. This merged structure provides multiple degrees of freedom and positioning options without requiring a complex single-arm mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to accommodate various container sizes, weights, and configurations at multiple positions along the vehicle body and bumper. This universal mounting structure can secure different types of accessories without requiring separate specialized mounting mechanisms for each.
4Adaptability or versatility
If exterior kitchen or entertainment systems are mounted to the vehicle, then exterior utility is provided, but floor space within the vehicle is occupied when the systems are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior kitchen and entertainment systems are extracted from interior mounting locations and relocated to exterior mounting positions on the vehicle body and bumper. This allows the systems to be fully accessible from the exterior when needed and completely clear of the vehicle interior when not in use, eliminating floor space occupation.
Data Source
AI summary
A containment arrangement is provided having a container with vehicle connection structure which allows an opening in the container to move through a variety of different planes without limiting accessibility to the opening. In addition, the present invention includes means for attaching a container to the vehicle at a corner of the vehicle, and allowing a vertical opening in the container to be fully accessible as the container is moved from a location adjacent one side of the vehicle to a location adjacent another side of the vehicle. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a double pivot structure connecting a container, such as an exterior kitchen, to a RV, where the front of the container serves as a kitchen counter when opened, and provides access to a stove and refrigerator. In those preferred embodiments, the exterior kitchen can be selectively locked into a variety of positions, rotated with respect to the corner of the vehicle, and vertically supported on the vehicle side wall and/or the ground, without manual lifting of the container.