Slide-Out Awning Bracket Assembly Without Wall Penetration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational vehicles with slide-out rooms face issues of water and debris accumulation on the roof, which can be drawn into the vehicle when retracted, and the cost and installation challenges of awning systems to mitigate this problem.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece bracket system comprising a mounting bracket and an extension bracket with elongated beads and grooves for secure attachment of an awning to the slide-out room, allowing for easy integration during manufacturing or later installation, ensuring environmental integrity and preventing water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an awning system is installed to cover the slide-out room roof, then water and debris accumulation is prevented, but vehicle cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The awning system is divided into modular components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the vehicle and an extension bracket that connects to the awning. This segmentation allows the awning to be offered as an optional feature rather than standard equipment, reducing base vehicle cost while still providing water protection when selected.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is pre-installed on the vehicle during manufacturing with locating tabs that align with moldings on the slide-out room. This preliminary action enables later easy installation of the extension bracket and awning by the owner or installer without requiring complex modifications to the vehicle structure.
2Ease of operation
If bracketry is installed to attach the awning to the slide-out room, then the awning can be secured, but environmental integrity of the room is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system uses separate mounting and extension brackets that connect through grooves and beads rather than requiring holes through the slide-out room wall. This segmentation allows the awning to be attached without penetrating the environmental barrier of the room.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket acts as an intermediary element that attaches to the vehicle structure (not the room itself) using locating tabs that engage with moldings on the exterior. This intermediary approach prevents direct attachment to the room wall, maintaining its environmental integrity while still enabling secure awning installation.
3Ease of operation
If mounting holes are drilled into the slide-out room to install brackets, then the awning can be attached, but sealing the holes becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is designed with exterior mounting and extension components that connect without penetrating the slide-out room wall. The mounting bracket attaches to the vehicle frame or exterior molding, while the extension bracket connects to the awning, eliminating the need to drill holes through the room structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket with locating tabs serves as an intermediary that interfaces with exterior moldings rather than requiring direct attachment to the room wall. This intermediary approach enables awning installation without compromising the room's environmental barrier, eliminating sealing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An awning connector assembly includes a mounting bracket having first and second elongated and parallel beads, and an extension bracket defining first and second elongated and parallel grooves configured to slidingly receive the first and second beads in laterally locked engagement. The mounting bracket can be secured to a slide-out room by the vehicle manufacturer to facilitate after-purchase installation of an awning assembly if desired by the vehicle owner.