RV Exterior Kitchen Corner Pivot Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 dealing with larger and heavier items, and are not easily adaptable to different orientations or retrofitting existing vehicles.
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, supporting various orientations and positions at the rear or side of the vehicle, and incorporating features like locking mechanisms and power-assisted lifting for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting and alignment methods are used to attach containers to vehicles, then simplicity of structure is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for manual lifting and visual alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The container mounting system enables self-alignment through the interaction between guide rails on the vehicle and complementary guides on the container. When the container is placed on the mounting structure, the guides automatically align the connection points without requiring visual alignment by the user, allowing the system to service itself during the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide rails and alignment guides serve as intermediary elements between the vehicle mounting structure and the container. These intermediaries facilitate automatic alignment and connection, mediating the attachment process to eliminate the need for manual visual alignment while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If containers are mounted to the vehicle hitch, then convenient storage space is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to blocking of tailgate or ramp door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple independent attachment points distributed across the vehicle body, including side walls and rear sections. This segmentation allows the container to be mounted at various locations that do not interfere with tailgate or ramp door operation, while still providing convenient storage space. The modular mounting structure can be configured to accommodate different vehicle types and usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from traditional hitch-based (vertical) mounting to multi-location mounting including side walls and rear sections. By utilizing another dimension of the vehicle body (side walls rather than just the hitch point), the system provides mounting versatility that maintains accessibility to the vehicle rear while accommodating the container.
3Adaptability or versatility
If swingable arms with single pivot point are used, then ease of operation is improved for accessing containers, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited field of motion and aerodynamic constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism is segmented into multiple independent pivot points rather than a single pivot. Each pivot point provides a specific degree of freedom, and the combination of multiple pivots enables the container to achieve a broader range of positions and orientations. This segmentation of the motion mechanism increases adaptability while keeping individual pivot components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system adds another dimension of motion by incorporating pivots that allow movement in multiple planes. Rather than being constrained to a single arc of motion from one pivot point, the multi-pivot system enables the container to access positions in three-dimensional space, expanding the field of motion without requiring overly complex individual pivot mechanisms.
4Quantity of substance
If larger and heavier items are mounted to the vehicle, then storage capacity is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty of manual lifting and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system enables self-alignment and self-positioning through guide rails and complementary guides. When a large or heavy container is placed on the mounting structure, the guides automatically align the connection points and facilitate attachment without requiring the user to manually position or align components, making the operation easier despite the weight and size of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide rails and alignment guides serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the attachment of large and heavy containers. These intermediaries bear the alignment function, allowing the user to simply place the container on the mounting structure while the guides automatically manage the positioning and connection, significantly reducing the operational difficulty of installing heavy items.
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.