Foldable RV Step Attachment With Hinged Supports for Stable Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational vehicle step devices lack a foldable attachment mechanism that securely attaches to existing steps, providing stability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A frame with folding supports and hinges that can be oriented to attach to recreational vehicle steps, featuring a hook for stability and bolts for secure engagement, allowing easy access and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foldable step device is attached to recreational vehicle steps, then accessibility and ease of use are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for folding supports and hinges
Solution Approach 1:
The step device is divided into multiple independent components: a frame structure, multiple foldable supports, hinges, and attachment mechanisms. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the device to be assembled and disassembled easily while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates foldable supports with hinges that allow the structure to transition between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic capability enables the steps to be deployed when needed and folded away for storage, improving accessibility while managing complexity through controlled movement.
2Reliability
If folding supports with hinges are used to attach to recreational vehicle steps, then stability and secure engagement are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into separate functional elements: hinges for articulation, folding supports for structural stability, and bolt mechanisms for secure engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary component that connects the folding support to the frame, enabling controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity. This intermediary element simplifies the overall design by providing a standardized connection point that balances stability requirements with manufacturing feasibility.
3Reliability
If a frame with footing base and folding supports is used, then user safety and stability are improved, but weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a frame structure with a footing base and separate folding supports. This segmentation allows the weight to be distributed across multiple components, with each part optimized for its specific function. The footing base provides a stable platform for users, while the folding supports add minimal weight when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding supports can be retracted into the frame structure when not in use, reducing the overall footprint and effective weight during transportation. When deployed, they extend to provide the necessary structural support for user safety, dynamically adjusting the weight distribution based on operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational vehicle step attachment device for attaching a foldable step device to a recreational vehicle includes a frame. A footing base is coupled to a surface of the frame. Each base of a pair of bases is coupled to a respective one of each back corner of a pair of back corners. A pair of hinges of a plurality of hinges is coupled to a respective one of each of the bases. A folding support of a pair of folding supports is coupled to a respective one of the pair of hinges of the plurality of hinges. Each of the folding supports has an aperture and a hook. The aperture is circular and provides a space where a bolt can be inserted through to secure to a recreational vehicle stairs. The hook attaches to the recreational vehicle stairs to provide stability to the frame.