Retractable RV Sleeping Unit With Vertical Stow and Pivot Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles lack efficient and space-saving solutions for converting seating areas into sleeping areas, as existing designs often require significant reconfiguration or compromise on comfort and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A retractable sleeping unit with guide tracks and rollers that allows for vertical movement and pivoting, enabling the conversion of a seating area into a horizontal sleeping position while optimizing space usage and providing support structures for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable sleeping unit with guide tracks and rollers is implemented, then space efficiency and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeping unit is nested within the seating area structure, allowing it to be stored vertically within the same footprint when not in use. The guide tracks are integrated into the vehicle walls, and rollers are mounted on existing structural elements, nesting the conversion mechanism within the existing vehicle architecture rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeping unit transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable component that can be repositioned between vertical storage and horizontal deployment positions. The guide tracks and rollers enable controlled movement along defined paths, allowing the sleeping unit to adapt its position and orientation based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the sleeping unit is made movable with guide tracks and rollers, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tracks serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the fixed vehicle structure and the movable sleeping unit. The tracks provide a predefined path that guides the sleeping unit's movement, while the rollers act as intermediary contact points that reduce friction and enable smooth transitions. This intermediary system absorbs manufacturing tolerances and ensures consistent operation even with minor variations in component dimensions.
3Area of stationary object
If vertical storage position is used, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeping unit transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable component that can be repositioned between vertical storage and horizontal deployment positions. The guide tracks and rollers enable controlled movement along defined paths, allowing the sleeping unit to adapt its position and orientation based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeping unit is designed to be easily movable into its deployed position, requiring minimal setup effort. The guide tracks and rollers are pre-installed to facilitate smooth deployment, and the unit can be quickly positioned and secured without requiring complex assembly or adjustment procedures during the conversion process.
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeping unit for a vehicle having at least one side wall includes a first wall located inside the vehicle and spaced apart from the side wall of the vehicle, a second wall, a combined seating and sleeping unit and a retractable sleeping unit. The combined seating and sleeping unit has a first section and a second section and is movable from a first configuration in which the first and second sections are generally perpendicular to one another to a second configuration in which the first and second sections are generally parallel to one another. The retractable sleeping unit is movable from a first position in which it is located in the space between the first wall and the side wall of the vehicle to a second position in which it is located outside the space between the first wall and the side wall of the vehicle.