Reconfigurable RV Table Assembly for Seating and Walk-Through Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles lack a versatile table system that can efficiently transition between stowed and extended positions while maintaining stability and user functionality, such as seating, during movement and parking.
Innovation Solution
A table assembly with a telescoping slide and rotation mechanism, supported by a chassis and wall, allowing the table to move from a stowed to an extended position while maintaining a horizontal plane, with an upper stay member to prevent upward movement and provide anti-scratch protection, enabling seamless transition and increased seating capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the table assembly is extended to provide seating functionality, then the seating capacity and user functionality are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is designed with dynamic movement capability, transitioning between a stowed position during travel and an extended position for seating. The telescoping slide mechanism and rotation mechanism enable the table member to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, providing seating functionality when needed while maintaining a compact form during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The table assembly utilizes a nested configuration where the table member can be retracted into a compact stowed position within the recreational vehicle interior. The telescoping slide mechanism allows the table member to be nested close to the wall when not in use, minimizing space requirements while maintaining full functionality when extended.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table member is moved to an extended position, then the seating functionality is improved, but the stability during movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing the table member to be securely held in either stowed or extended position. The rotation mechanism with stay members provides controlled movement and stable positioning, ensuring the table member remains stable in the extended position for seating while allowing easy transition when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Stay members act as intermediary elements between the table member and the vehicle structure. These stay members provide support and control during the transition from stowed to extended position, and also serve as anti-scratch protection when the table member is in the extended position.
3Productivity
If the table assembly is kept compact during movement, then the space efficiency is improved, but the user functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is designed as a dynamic system that can transition between compact stowed position for efficient space utilization during travel and an extended functional position for seating and user activities. The telescoping and rotation mechanisms enable smooth transitions between these states.
Solution Approach 2:
The table member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support when stowed, acts as a table surface when partially extended, and provides seating functionality when fully extended. The stay members also serve dual purposes as support elements during transition and as anti-scratch protection during extended use.
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational vehicle is disclosed comprising wheels adapted to roll along a ground surface, a chassis supported on the wheels, and a table assembly supported by the chassis and having a supporting surface adapted to support an object. The table assembly includes a stowed position in which the supporting surface defines a first plane and an extended position in which the supporting surface defines a second plane generally parallel to the first plane. The extended position is rotationally displaced from the stowed position. A center of gravity of the table member may be spaced from the wall by a first horizontal distance when in the stowed position and may be spaced from the wall by a second horizontal distance greater than the first horizontal distance when in the extended position. If desired, an upper stay member can be positioned above the table member to limit upward movement of the table member.