Method for improving size matching of outer tent and air column of inflatable tent

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for improving size matching of an outer tent and an air column of an inflatable tent. The method comprises the following steps that S1, preset deformation parameters of the outer tent in the machining process and preset deformation parameters of the air column when the air column is pressurized to rated pressure are obtained; s2, on the basis of the preset deformation parameters of the outer tent, compensation calculation is conducted on the blanking size of the outer tent sample division piece; cutting and splicing outer tent sample dividing pieces according to the compensated blanking size to form an outer tent; s3, based on the preset deformation parameters of the air column, performing compensation calculation on the modeling size of the air column; and the air column is manufactured according to the compensated modeling size. The technical problems that in the prior art, shrinkage of an outer tent material in the machining process and expansion of an air column material in the pressurized state are not considered, the size of a formed outer tent is mismatched with the size of the air column, and then air column installation bending, product assembling difficulty, material waste and appearance quality defects are caused are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of outdoor equipment manufacturing technology, and in particular relates to a method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent. Background Technology

[0002] The basic structural components of an inflatable tent are air columns and an outer canopy. The air columns provide the tent's support structure, while the outer canopy is essential for defining specific, independent spaces. The compatibility between the outer canopy and the air columns is a crucial factor affecting the stability, wind resistance, and lifespan of the inflatable tent.

[0003] Current inflatable tents are generally made by using 3D modeling software to create models of the air columns and outer canopy based on input dimensions, and then segmenting the canopy and air columns according to the established model. However, due to the materials and processing characteristics of the selected canopy and air columns, the outer canopy's dimensions will shrink during manufacturing, while the air columns' dimensions will increase when inflated to the rated pressure. Therefore, if both the air columns and the outer canopy are modeled using the set dimensions, the air columns may bend when installed inside the canopy, reducing the product's performance and appearance. Furthermore, the mismatch in dimensions prevents proper assembly of the air columns and the canopy, resulting in waste of either component; forced assembly also leads to poor appearance quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method to improve the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent, so as to solve the technical problems in the prior art that the outer canopy and the air column are mismatched after molding because the shrinkage of the outer canopy material during processing and the expansion of the air column material under pressure are not considered. This leads to the air column bending during installation, product assembly difficulties, material waste and appearance quality defects.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy of an inflatable tent and the air column, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Obtain the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy during the processing, and the predetermined deformation parameters of the air column when it is pressurized to the rated pressure; Step S2: Based on the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy, calculate the compensation for the cutting dimensions of the outer canopy sample pieces; cut and splice the outer canopy sample pieces according to the compensated cutting dimensions to form the outer canopy; Step S3: Based on the predetermined deformation parameters of the air column, perform compensation calculations on the modeling dimensions of the air column; manufacture the air column according to the compensated modeling dimensions.

[0006] This invention provides a method for improving the dimensional matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent. First, the shrinkage rate of the outer canopy material is obtained through simulated manufacturing, and the expansion rate of the air column material is obtained through a pressure test. Then, these deformation parameters are used as the core compensation basis for pre-compensation calculations before manufacturing, i.e., the cutting dimensions of the outer canopy sample pieces are correspondingly enlarged, while the digitally modeled dimensions of the air column are proportionally reduced. Finally, the outer canopy is cut and spliced, and the air column is manufactured and shaped strictly according to these compensated dimensions.

[0007] Optionally, obtaining the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy involves determining its longitudinal shrinkage rate and transverse shrinkage rate, specifically including: Prepare two sets of outer canopy raw materials with a cutting length of L and a cutting width of W, each set consisting of two pieces; according to the selected processing technology, splice the two outer canopy raw materials of one set longitudinally, and measure the spliced ​​length L1. Then the longitudinal shrinkage rate = (L-L1) / L. According to the selected processing technology, two outer canopy raw materials of another set are spliced ​​in the transverse direction. The width W1 after splicing is measured. Then the transverse shrinkage rate = (W-W1) / W.

[0008] Optionally, the compensation calculation for the blanking dimensions of the outer canopy sample pieces is performed as follows: The blanking length of the outer canopy sample piece = (input outer length + processing overlap dimension) × (1 + longitudinal shrinkage rate). The blanking width of the outer canopy sample piece = (input outer width + processing process overlap dimension) × (1 + lateral shrinkage rate).

[0009] Optionally, obtaining the predetermined deformation parameters of the air column involves determining the air column expansion rate, which is determined in the following way: Select at least three horizontal locations on the surface of the simulated air column and mark them with lines; After inflating it to the rated pressure and keeping it stable, measure the diameter at each marked position. Calculate the average value of the diameter as the diameter D1 after the air column expands; the designed diameter of the air column is D0; then the air column expansion rate = (D1-D0) / D0.

[0010] Optionally, the compensation calculation for the modeling dimensions of the air column is specifically performed as follows: Air column modeling diameter = air column design diameter / (1 + air column expansion rate).

[0011] Optionally, the outer canopy panels are spliced ​​together using a process of sewing with adhesive strips or direct heat sealing.

[0012] Optionally, the air column material is thermoplastic polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

[0013] Optionally, the outer canopy is composed of components including side walls and gable walls, both of which are spliced ​​together from multiple sample pieces.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides an inflatable tent comprising an outer canopy and an air column, the outer canopy and the air column being manufactured using the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The method for improving the size matching of the outer canopy and air column of an inflatable tent provided by this invention is applicable to all inflatable tents, has high universality, effectively eliminates the size deviation between the outer canopy and air column caused by material deformation, ensures that the two can be matched and installed, avoids the phenomenon of air column bending inside the tent, not only greatly improves the assembly success rate, structural stability and appearance flatness of the product, but also reduces material waste and production costs caused by size mismatch, and improves the overall product quality and production efficiency of inflatable tents. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the sample sections of the gable wall and the outer canopy of the gable wall in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the sample sections of the side wall and the outer canopy of the side wall in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the simulated air column and marker lines in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the longitudinal splicing of the outer canopy raw materials in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the horizontal splicing of the outer canopy raw materials in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1-outer canopy sample section, 2-marker line for measuring air column diameter. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been presented in the various embodiments of the present invention to enable the reader to better understand the present invention. However, the technical solutions claimed in the present invention can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy of an inflatable tent and the air column, with reference to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 This includes the following steps: Step S1: Obtain the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy during the processing, and the predetermined deformation parameters of the air column when it is pressurized to the rated pressure; Step S2: Based on the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy, calculate the compensation for the cutting size of the outer canopy sample piece 1; cut and splice the outer canopy sample piece 1 according to the compensated cutting size to form the outer canopy; Step S3: Based on the predetermined deformation parameters of the air column, perform compensation calculations on the modeling dimensions of the air column; manufacture the air column according to the compensated modeling dimensions.

[0025] Specifically, in this invention, the outer tent sample 1 is the smallest fabric unit that is assembled into the outer tent of an inflatable tent. The core of this invention lies in obtaining the shrinkage rate of the outer tent material during processing and the expansion rate of the air column material under pressure through experiments before manufacturing, and using these deformation parameters as the basis for compensation. In specific implementation, the cutting size of each outer tent sample 1 is pre-enlarged according to the shrinkage rate, and the modeling diameter of the air column is pre-reduced according to the expansion rate. Since this invention starts from the physical properties of the material itself and actively implements reverse dimension compensation in the design stage, it eliminates the need for passive processing methods such as post-assembly adjustments, forced assembly, or selection of matching parts during finished product assembly. Therefore, it effectively solves the problem of mismatch between the outer tent and air column dimensions caused by ignoring material deformation in existing technologies, and avoids a series of technical problems such as air column bending, assembly difficulties, material waste, and appearance quality defects.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, obtaining the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy involves determining its longitudinal (length direction) shrinkage rate and transverse (width direction) shrinkage rate. Specifically, this includes: preparing two sets of outer canopy raw materials with a cutting length of L and a cutting width of W, each set consisting of two pieces; splicing the two outer canopy raw materials from one set longitudinally according to the selected processing technology; measuring the spliced ​​length L1; and then determining the longitudinal shrinkage rate as (L-L1) / L. Figure 4 ; Based on the selected processing technology, two outer canopy raw materials of another set are spliced ​​laterally. The width W1 after splicing is measured. Then, the lateral shrinkage rate = (W-W1) / W. (Refer to...) Figure 5 .

[0027] Specifically, to accurately obtain the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy material, its shrinkage rate in the longitudinal and transverse directions needs to be determined separately. In this embodiment, two sets of outer canopy raw materials with a cutting length of L and a cutting width of W are prepared, with two pieces in each set. Subsequently, simulating the actual production process, the two outer canopy raw materials in one set are spliced ​​along their longitudinal direction, and the actual length L1 after splicing is accurately measured. The longitudinal shrinkage rate is calculated using the formula (L-L1) / L, which quantifies the degree of shrinkage of the material in the length direction due to processing seams, heat sealing, etc. Similarly, the two outer canopy raw materials in the other set are spliced ​​along their transverse direction, and the actual width W1 after splicing is measured. The transverse shrinkage rate is calculated using the formula (W-W1) / W, thereby accurately characterizing the shrinkage characteristics of the material in the width direction. This test process rigorously simulates the actual processing conditions of the outer canopy, and the obtained data provides a crucial basis for the subsequent accurate compensation of the cutting dimensions of the outer canopy sample piece 1.

[0028] In a specific embodiment, the blanking dimensions of the outer canopy sample piece 1 are compensated for, specifically as follows: The blanking length of sample piece 1 of the outer canopy = (input outer length + processing overlap dimension) × (1 + longitudinal shrinkage rate). The cutting width of the outer canopy sample piece 1 = (input outer width + processing process overlapping dimensions) × (1 + lateral shrinkage rate).

[0029] Specifically, the compensation calculation for the cutting dimensions of the outer canopy sample piece 1 in this invention is a core step in ensuring that the final product conforms to the design dimensions. In this embodiment, the compensation calculation follows the following formula: Cutting length of outer canopy sample piece 1 = (Input outer length + Processing process overlap dimension) × (1 + Longitudinal shrinkage rate); Cutting width of outer canopy sample piece 1 = (Input outer width + Processing process overlap dimension) × (1 + Lateral shrinkage rate). The implementation logic of this formula includes two levels of precise compensation: First, in the "Input outer dimension + Processing process overlap dimension" stage, the fabric consumed by sewing, heat sealing and other splicing processes (i.e., processing process overlap dimension) is pre-compensated. Then, the compensated dimension is multiplied by "(1 + shrinkage rate)", which is a proactive compensation for the physical shrinkage of the material itself during processing. Through this secondary compensation mechanism, it is theoretically ensured that after all the dimensional losses in the processing stages, the actual size of the final formed outer canopy can match the ideal size input in the design, thereby providing a precise installation space for the air column.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, reference Figure 3 To determine the gas column expansion rate, the predetermined deformation parameters of the gas column are obtained. The gas column expansion rate is determined in the following way: Select at least three horizontal locations on the surface of the simulated air column and mark them with lines; After inflating it to the rated pressure and keeping it stable, measure the diameter at each marked position. Calculate the average value of the diameter as the diameter D1 after the air column expands; the designed diameter of the air column is D0; then the air column expansion rate = (D1-D0) / D0.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, the modeling dimensions of the air column are compensated by calculation, specifically: air column modeling diameter = air column design diameter / (1 + air column expansion rate).

[0032] Specifically, to accurately obtain the predetermined deformation parameters of the air column, its inflation expansion rate needs to be determined experimentally. This determination process first requires fabricating an air column with a designed diameter of D0; marking at least three horizontal positions along its surface along the axial direction. This is to obtain representative data in subsequent measurements to reduce local errors. Then, the air column is inflated to the product's rated working pressure and held for a period until its shape stabilizes. The diameter at each marked position in the current state is then precisely measured. The average of these three measurements is calculated and taken as the actual diameter D1 of the air column material after full expansion under rated pressure. Finally, the precise expansion rate is calculated using the formula: Air column expansion rate = (D1 - D0) / D0. After obtaining this key parameter, the compensation calculation for the air column modeling size is as follows: Air column modeling diameter = Air column designed diameter / (1 + Air column expansion rate). The core logic of this compensation formula lies in reverse design, by pre-reducing the diameter of the air column in the digital model to offset its expected expansion amount when inflated to the rated state. The air column modeled and manufactured after this compensation will have a final size that perfectly matches the internal space of the compensated canopy when it is actually inflated, thus avoiding problems such as installation bending or insufficient tension caused by size differences.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the outer canopy sample pieces 1 are spliced ​​together by sewing with adhesive strips or by direct heat sealing.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, the air column material is thermoplastic polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

[0035] In one specific embodiment, the outer canopy includes side walls and gable walls, both of which are spliced ​​together from multiple outer canopy sections 1.

[0036] Specifically, the inflatable tent canopy of this embodiment is mainly composed of two major components: side walls and gable walls. The side walls, as the main facade of the tent, determine its length and height; while the gable walls are located at both ends of the tent, shaping its end profile and form. The key to this embodiment is that neither the large side walls nor the complexly shaped gable walls are made from a single piece of material, but rather from multiple pre-designed canopy sample pieces 1, assembled through processes such as sewing or heat sealing. This hierarchical construction method of "canopy sample piece 1 → side wall / gable wall → complete canopy" is the core structural foundation for realizing the size compensation method of this invention. It ensures that the compensation calculations of this invention can be implemented down to the smallest fabric unit constituting the canopy (canopy sample piece 1). Through precise cutting and control of the smallest fabric unit, it is ultimately integrated into a precisely sized, air-column-matched overall canopy, thereby macroscopically ensuring that the final form of the product is highly consistent with the design expectations.

[0037] This invention also provides an inflatable tent, including an outer canopy and an air column, which are manufactured using the method described above.

[0038] Specifically, this invention also provides an inflatable tent product, which includes two core components: an outer canopy and air columns. Each outer canopy sample 1 is cut according to a blanking size that compensates for material shrinkage, while the air columns are manufactured based on a modeling size that compensates for material expansion. Therefore, the outer canopy and air columns have a physical dimension match, which allows the tent product to avoid defects such as air column bending and excessive stress in the canopy area after inflation, thereby achieving significantly better structural stability, appearance flatness, and reliability than products made with traditional processes.

[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S1: Obtain the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy during the processing, and the predetermined deformation parameters of the air column when it is pressurized to the rated pressure; Step S2: Based on the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy, the cutting size of the outer canopy sample piece (1) is compensated; the outer canopy sample piece (1) is cut and spliced ​​according to the compensated cutting size to form the outer canopy; Step S3: Based on the predetermined deformation parameters of the air column, perform compensation calculations on the modeling dimensions of the air column; manufacture the air column according to the compensated modeling dimensions.

2. The method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the predetermined deformation parameters of the outer canopy involves determining its longitudinal shrinkage rate and transverse shrinkage rate, specifically including: Prepare two sets of outer canopy raw materials with a cutting length of L and a cutting width of W, each set consisting of two pieces; according to the selected processing technology, splice the two outer canopy raw materials of one set longitudinally, measure the spliced ​​length L1, then the longitudinal shrinkage rate = (L-L1) / L; According to the selected processing technology, two outer canopy 1 raw materials of another group are spliced ​​in the transverse direction. The width W1 after splicing is measured. Then the transverse shrinkage rate = (W-W1) / L.

3. The method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent according to claim 2, characterized in that, The compensation calculation for the blanking dimensions of the outer canopy sample piece (1) is as follows: The blanking length of the outer canopy sample piece (1) = (input outer length + processing process overlap dimension) × (1 + longitudinal shrinkage rate); The cutting width of the outer canopy sample piece (1) = (input outer width + processing process overlapping dimensions) × (1 + transverse shrinkage rate).

4. The method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined deformation parameters of the air column are obtained to determine the air column expansion rate, which is determined by the following method: Select at least three horizontal locations on the surface of the simulated air column and mark them with lines; After inflating it to the rated pressure and keeping it stable, measure the diameter at each marked position. Calculate the average value of the diameters as the diameter D1 after the air column expands; the designed diameter of the air column is D0. Then the air column expansion rate = (D1-D0) / D0.

5. The method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent according to claim 4, characterized in that, The compensation calculation for the modeling dimensions of the air column is specifically as follows: Air column modeling diameter = air column design diameter / (1 + air column expansion rate).

6. The method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer canopy sample pieces (1) are spliced ​​together by sewing with adhesive strips or by direct heat sealing.

7. The method for improving the size matching between the outer canopy and the air column of an inflatable tent according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air column material is thermoplastic polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

8. The method for improving the size matching of the outer canopy of an inflatable tent with that of the air column according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The outer canopy includes side walls and gable walls, both of which are spliced ​​together from multiple outer canopy sections (1).

9. An inflatable tent, comprising an outer canopy and air columns, characterized in that, The canopy and air column are manufactured using the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images