RV Slide-Out Seal with Alignment and Positional Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems for slide-out rooms in recreational vehicles are cumbersome to install and replace, and they often fail to maintain a watertight seal effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system comprising a base, a bulb, an alignment aid member, and a positional member, with a fastening system that includes adhesive tape and/or fasteners, designed to provide a watertight seal by maintaining bulb compression and guiding proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rubber seals are used for sealing slide-out rooms, then a watertight seal can be achieved, but the installation and replacement become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple components: a base portion that attaches to the RV wall, a bulb portion that provides the sealing function, and a flap portion that directs water away. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation and replacement compared to traditional single-piece rubber seals
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates a movable flap portion that can dynamically adjust its position based on water flow and wind conditions. The flap is hinged to the base and can rotate to optimize water shedding, providing adaptive sealing performance while maintaining ease of installation
2Reliability
If adequate sealing is provided around the slide-out opening, then watertight protection is achieved, but the sealing system becomes complex to install and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated seal assembly. The base, bulb, and flap portions work together as one unit that provides both sealing and water diversion functions, reducing the overall complexity compared to using separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the base provides attachment to the wall, the bulb creates the watertight seal against the slide-out frame, and the flap directs water away from the sealing area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sealing system ensures a reliable watertight seal against air and moisture infiltration, simplifying installation and replacement while maintaining effective compression to prevent seal failure.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive tape provides for extra adhesion to the wall of the slide-out opening in the recreational vehicle
Implementation Method 2
maintaining bulb compression to prevent seal failure
Data Source
AI summary
A seal device for sealing slide-out room opening in recreational vehicles. The seal including a base; a bulb; an alignment aid member; and a positional member. The base having a proximal end, a distal end, an inside portion, an outside portion, and a perpendicular member. The bulb having an arcuate portion, a sidewall portion and a curled end portion. The positional member extending perpendicularly to the base distal end in opposite direction of the alignment aid member. The seal device may further include a flap extending co-linearly from the base distal end and a fastening system.