Tow Hitch Camper Assembly with Collapsible Horizontal Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing campers are heavy, consume significant fuel when towed, occupy large storage spaces, and are unsuitable for rough terrain due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A camper assembly that can be compactly attached to a tow hitch receiver, featuring a foldable design with a mattress frame, foldable links, and a flexible wall assembly, allowing for horizontal expansion and storage within a tow vehicle, with a tow hitch attachment for secure support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional camper designs are used, then accommodation functionality is provided, but weight increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camper employs a dynamic collapsible frame structure that can transition between expanded and compacted states. The frame includes collapsible sections with interconnected struts that can be folded together, allowing the camper to reduce its volume and weight for transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The camper is divided into modular sections including a collapsible frame with multiple struts, separable wall panels, and distinct functional areas. This segmentation allows the structure to be broken down into smaller components that can be compacted independently, reducing overall weight and fuel consumption during towing
2Volume of moving object
If traditional camper designs are used, then accommodation space is provided, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camper incorporates nested storage solutions where smaller storage compartments are integrated within the main living space. The collapsible frame structure allows storage areas to be nested within the wall panels and floor sections, maximizing space utilization without increasing overall camper volume
Solution Approach 2:
The camper uses dynamically adjustable partitions and collapsible storage sections that can expand when needed and compact when not in use. The wall panels and floor sections can be folded or reconfigured to create additional storage space without permanently increasing the camper's volume
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional camper designs are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to rough terrain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The camper employs a dynamic collapsible frame structure with interconnected struts that can be adjusted and reconfigured. The frame includes stabilizing legs and support elements that can be deployed to adapt to uneven ground, providing structural stability on rough terrain while maintaining the ability to collapse for transport
Solution Approach 2:
The camper incorporates localized reinforcement and adjustable support elements at critical points of the structure. The collapsible frame includes strengthened joint connections and terrain-adjustable legs that provide enhanced stability on uneven ground without compromising the overall collapsibility of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A camper assembly (20) comprising: a first section (22); a second section (24) connected to the first section (22), the first and second sections (22, 24) being generally horizontally movable relative to each other between a compacted configuration of the camper assembly (20) at which the second section (24) is adjacent the first section (22) and an expanded configuration of the camper assembly (20) at which the second section (24) is spaced from the first section (20); and a wall assembly (88, 120, 130) extending between the first and second sections (22, 24) in the expanded configuration of the camper assembly (20); wherein the first section (22) includes an attachment assembly (86) which solely supports the camper assembly (20) on a tow hitch receiver (210) of a tow vehicle (200) in the compacted configuration of the camper assembly (20).