Removable RV Window Fall Protection With Rod Retainers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fall protection systems for recreational vehicles, such as motorhomes and caravans, are often complex, expensive, lack clear functionality, and do not have designated storage locations, leading to underutilization.

Innovation Solution

A removable fall protection element system using rod-shaped elements held by retaining elements with recesses and fastening mechanisms, allowing easy installation and storage, and featuring a design that ensures intuitive use and minimal weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a removable fall protection plate is used, then fall protection function is provided, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protection functionVSAvoidcomplexity of fall protection plate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fall protection system is divided into separate components: fixed retaining elements mounted on the window frame and removable rod-shaped fall protection elements. This segmentation allows the complex safety function to be achieved through simple, modular parts that are easy to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The active fall protection element is extracted as a separate removable component from the window structure. The retaining elements remain fixed and simple, while the fall protection rods can be easily removed and stored, separating the protection function from the permanent structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a removable fall protection plate is used, then fall protection is provided, but the weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protection functionVSAvoidweight of fall protection element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fall protection elements use thin rod-shaped components instead of bulky plates. These rod elements provide sufficient structural strength for fall protection while minimizing weight and material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The fall protection rods are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. Their simplicity allows for cost-effective manufacturing from common materials like aluminum or plastic rods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a removable fall protection plate is used, then fall protection is provided, but the ease of operation and storage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protection functionVSAvoidease of installation and storage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the fall protection function into simple rod elements that can be individually handled, installed, and stored. This makes operation much easier compared to handling large plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fall protection elements transition from two-dimensional plates to one-dimensional rods, which can be more compactly stored when not in use and are easier to manipulate during installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If a removable fall protection plate is used, then fall protection is provided, but the clarity of function and user understanding decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protection functionVSAvoidclarity of function for user
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The rod-shaped fall protection elements can be produced in distinctive colors that make their safety function immediately recognizable to users, improving awareness and understanding of the protection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented rod design with visible retention points makes the function and operation of the system more intuitive and understandable compared to a solid plate where the protection mechanism is less obvious.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4378763B1Recreational vehicle and arrangement for realizing a fall protection on a window
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 BURSTNER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4378763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4378763B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

Arrangement (2) for a recreational vehicle (1), in particular a motorhome or a caravan, with at least one fall protection element (23, 24) that can be removably arranged on a window (3) of the recreational vehicle (1). The at least one fall protection element (23, 24) is designed such that, in the state arranged on the window (3), fall protection is provided at the window (3).It is proposed that a first retaining element (21) and at least one second retaining element (22) are provided, that the first retaining element (21) in the assembled state is attached to a wall (4) of the recreational vehicle (1) next to a first side (25) of the window (3), that the second retaining element (22) in the assembled state is attached to a second side (26) of the window (3) opposite the first side (25) of the window (3) on a wall (4) of the recreational vehicle (1), and that at least one fall protection element (23, 24) in the state arranged on the window (3) is held by the first retaining element (21) and the second retaining element (22). Furthermore, a recreational vehicle (1) with such an arrangement (2) is specified.