Retractable RV Staircase Extending from Underside Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles (RVs) face a challenge in providing a means to access the main level without reducing usable floor space, as traditional ladder and step assemblies inside the vehicle diminish available space and require external steps that may not be practical when parked near berms or in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A retractable platform and staircase system mounted on the underside of the RV, featuring parallel tracks and a platform that extends outward from the vehicle, with a staircase that moves between extended and retracted positions parallel to the RV, allowing for no internal steps and efficient storage when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ladder and step assemblies are used inside the vehicle, then entry and exit assistance is provided, but the amount of usable floor space is greatly diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase is designed to be retractable, transitioning between extended and retracted positions along a track system. When retracted, the staircase disappears into the vehicle wall, completely eliminating its footprint from the usable floor space. When extended, it provides the necessary entry/exit assistance, dynamically adapting to user needs without permanently occupying interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase moves from a three-dimensional interior occupation to a two-dimensional track-guided extension along the vehicle exterior. By utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions outside the vehicle, the staircase provides access functionality without consuming the horizontal floor space that is critical for RV usability.
2Ease of operation
If external steps are used, then entry and exit assistance is provided, but they are not practical when parked near berms or in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable staircase can be extended only when needed and retracted when not in use or when parking conditions require. This dynamic capability allows the RV to adapt to various parking scenarios - the staircase remains retracted in tight spaces near berms, providing full adaptability to different parking locations while still offering entry assistance when parked in suitable locations.
3Ease of operation
If five stairs are used to reach the main level, then entry and exit assistance is provided, but the amount of usable floor space is greatly diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase is extracted from the interior floor space and relocated to an external track system. The five steps are positioned outside the vehicle boundaries when extended, completely removing their footprint from the stationary floor area calculation. This extraction resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary five-step elevation change without any permanent interior space occupation.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame mounted on the underside of the RV comprising two parallel tracks. A platform is mounted to the frame for movement about the frame between a retracted position underneath the RV and an extended position extending from the RV. The platform comprises of two parallel rails each of which is mounted to one of the two parallel tracks. A deck extends between the two parallel rails. A prime mover is mounted on one end to the platform and the other end is mounted to the frame to move the platform with respect to the frame.