RV Retrofit Deployable Assemblies for Multi-Function Space Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recreational vehicles face challenges in optimizing limited interior space to accommodate essential items like showers, storage, working facilities, and sleeping accommodations for multiple people, as existing solutions often require large vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A deployable privacy curtain assembly, a foldable counter assembly, and a seat/bed conversion assembly that can be deployed and stored efficiently within the vehicle, utilizing multi-purpose components such as a storage receptacle with a collapsible shower curtain, a folding counter, and a seat/bed conversion system that adapts to various configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If large RVs are used to accommodate multiple essential items and sleeping accommodations, then space for all functions is sufficient, but vehicle size becomes undesirable and exceeds user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior space volumeVSAvoidvehicle length
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using deployable assemblies that can be extended when needed and retracted when not in use. The privacy curtain assembly extends vertically from a storage receptacle when needed, the foldable counter assembly deploys horizontal surfaces from a compact base, and the seat/bed conversion assembly transforms between seating and sleeping configurations. This dynamic behavior allows the RV to provide large interior volumes for multiple functions without requiring a permanently large vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the interior space into multiple functional zones using deployable assemblies. The privacy curtain assembly creates a separate shower or private area, the foldable counter assembly provides a workspace or dining area, and the seat/bed conversion assembly offers seating or sleeping space. Each assembly can be independently deployed or stowed, allowing flexible creation of functional areas without permanently dividing the interior space, thus maximizing usable volume in a compact vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple essential items like showers, storage, workbenches, and beds are included, then functional completeness is improved, but interior space utilization becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidinterior space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality through assemblies that can serve multiple purposes. The privacy curtain assembly can function as a shower curtain, room divider, or storage enclosure. The foldable counter assembly can serve as a workspace, dining table, or storage surface. The seat/bed conversion assembly provides both seating and sleeping functions. This universality allows a single compact RV interior to accommodate multiple essential functions without requiring separate dedicated spaces for each, thus improving space utilization while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If deployable assemblies are used to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization efficiencyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces complexity by segmenting the deployable system into separate, independent assemblies rather than one complex integrated system. Each assembly (privacy curtain, foldable counter, seat/bed conversion) operates independently with its own deployment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler in design while collectively providing comprehensive space utilization benefits. The modular nature also simplifies installation, maintenance, and replacement of individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3937744B1RV retrofit system
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 STORYTELLER OVERLAND LLC
  • EP3937744B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3937744B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3937744B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle retrofit system comprising a storage receptacle, a collapsible privacy/shower curtain receptacle, a folding counter assembly, and a seat/bed conversion assembly each of which is configured to be contained and deployed within an interior of a vehicle.