Suspended support structure, in particular bed structure, for a vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed structures in vehicles, particularly in recreational vehicles, suffer from movability issues that cause physical discomfort and potential damage due to oscillating movements, especially when the vehicle is in motion, and there is a need for a more practical and secure support structure that limits these movements.

Innovation Solution

A support structure with a securing device that secures the support body to the inner vehicle wall using tensioning and compression forces, allowing limited or controlled movement, and includes a lifting device for adjustable height and orientation, along with a spring element to dampen impacts and a securing mechanism for stable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the support body is arranged in a suspended manner with lifting straps to allow movement, then the support body can be positioned independently of vehicle orientation and vibrations are reduced, but the support body becomes unstable during loading/unloading and causes physical discomfort to persons

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePositioning independence from vehicle orientationVSAvoidStability during loading/unloading and movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from a fully suspended state to a secured state by engaging securing devices with the vehicle wall. The lifting straps remain in place but the support body is additionally constrained by securing devices that connect to the vehicle wall, creating a dynamic system that adapts between movement and stability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Securing devices act as intermediary elements between the support body and the vehicle wall. These devices provide an additional connection path that complements the lifting straps, allowing the system to achieve both suspension benefits and stability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the support body is fully suspended with straps, then vibrations are transmitted less to persons, but oscillating movements occur during vehicle motion causing damage to the support body or vehicle wall

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVibration transmission to personsVSAvoidOscillating movements causing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple independent securing points distributed across the support body. Multiple securing devices are arranged at different locations to provide distributed constraint, preventing concentrated oscillating movements while maintaining vibration isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Securing devices serve as intermediary constraint elements that limit extreme oscillating movements without completely rigidly fixing the support body. They act as controlled intermediaries between the suspended support body and the vehicle wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a stable and practical bed structure that minimizes discomfort and damage by limiting unwanted movements, ensuring secure attachment to the vehicle wall, and maintaining a horizontal orientation despite vehicle vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (11), in particular in the form of a torsion spring, a helical spring or a leaf spring, is applied to the tensioning means (9), so that a movement of the support body (2) in the movement direction B against a spring force of the spring element (11) is enabled to a limited extent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12403812B2Suspended support structure, in particular bed structure, for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 RESSLER STEFAN

AI summary

A support structure, in particular a bed structure, for a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle, having a support body with a support surface for supporting cargo or a person on the support surface and at least one lifting device with which the support body can be arranged in the vehicle in a suspended manner such that the support body can move relative to the vehicle in a movement direction. To achieve a high practicability, the support structure includes at least one securing device with which the support body can be secured to an inner vehicle wall of the vehicle in the movement direction.