All-Terrain Cot Structure for Stable Sleeping on Uneven Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightweight, packable cots require flat ground for support, limiting their use to only level terrain and compromising stability when used in uneven or sloping conditions.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, all-terrain cot design utilizing opposing arches with cables to maintain structural integrity and stability on uneven ground, allowing support on corners with adjustable legs or external structures, enabling use on slopes up to 45 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional lightweight cots use multiple support points (six or more) to ensure stability on uneven ground, then stability is improved, but weight and packing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cot frame is divided into four independent corner supports rather than using a continuous multi-point support system. Each corner can be independently adjusted or supported by external objects, allowing the structure to adapt to uneven terrain without requiring multiple connection points along the frame edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar multi-point support system to a three-dimensional corner-based support system. By elevating each corner independently using adjustable legs or external objects like rocks and logs, the cot achieves stability on sloping terrain without requiring multiple support points in the traditional sense.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lightweight cots use multiple support points to accommodate uneven terrain, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into four independent corner units rather than a unified multi-point structure. This segmentation allows each corner to be independently adjusted or supported by external objects, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining terrain adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner supports are designed to be universally adaptable to various terrain conditions. Each corner can be supported by adjustable legs, external objects like rocks or logs, or a combination thereof, allowing the same basic structure to function on flat ground, sloping terrain, and uneven surfaces without requiring complex specialized components.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cots are designed for flat ground only, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but versatility for different terrains is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing the cot frame to conform to flat ground and adding complex mechanisms for terrain adaptation, the invention inverts the approach by designing a simple corner-supported frame that naturally adapts to any terrain. The support mechanism is separated from the frame itself, allowing the frame to remain simple while the supports provide terrain versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a lightweight, packable, all-terrain cot, tent or other apparatus that is designed to fit a multitude of configurations for use in different terrain situations. The apparatus is uniquely supported by a series of arch rods, tail and head bars, and sets of cables, that provide support for weight placed on the apparatus in a variety of environments regardless of whether the setting for said apparatus is a flat surface.