Biasing Mechanism for Foldable Tent Pole Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional large foldable tents or awnings require multiple operators for smooth operation due to their size and weight, and existing umbrella-type tents without locking mechanisms face issues with high force requirements for closing and bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
A central mechanism comprising a hub, base, biasing member, sliding plate, and poles/braces that allows for easy opening and closing without additional locking mechanisms, utilizing a biasing member to generate torque forces that maintain the tent's open or closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to keep the tent open, then the tent can remain open without external force, but the locking mechanism may fail or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking mechanism entirely from the system. Instead of using a locking mechanism to keep the tent open, the design relies on the biasing member to continuously exert force on the pole, maintaining the open position without any locking components. This extraction of the locking mechanism eliminates potential failures while maintaining reliability through the biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides self-service by automatically exerting force to keep the pole in the open position without requiring any additional locking mechanism or external intervention. The spring continuously pushes the pole outward, creating a self-sustaining open position that does not rely on complex locking systems.
2Reliability
If a lengthy spring is used to bias the tent open, then the tent can remain open without a locking mechanism, but substantial force is required to close the tent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional arrangement by positioning the biasing member vertically along the pole rather than horizontally across the tent structure. This vertical arrangement allows the spring to exert force in a direction that naturally assists the closing motion through gravitational and structural leverage, reducing the force needed to overcome the biasing force during closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic biasing system where the spring force continuously adjusts based on the pole's position. The biasing member provides varying force throughout the motion range, being most prominent when the pole is extended and reducing as the pole closes, making the closing action more manageable without requiring excessive force.
3Reliability
If a lengthy shank part of the rib holder is used, then the tent can remain open without a locking mechanism, but the tent becomes much bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the pole segments and biasing member are arranged to fit within each other when collapsed. The biasing member is positioned within the pole structure rather than extending externally, allowing the entire mechanism to compact into a minimal volume for storage and travel while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static extended structure to a dynamic compactable system. The pole and biasing member are designed to flex and compress together, allowing the lengthy components to be packed into a small volume without permanent deformation. This dynamic compression capability enables the tent to be compact for storage while providing the necessary length for operation.
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
Enables a single user to operate the tent with minimal effort, reduces storage and travel bulkiness, and eliminates the need for external forces or locking mechanisms, ensuring the tent remains open or closed reliably.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member engaging the top closure of the shaft and biasing said sliding plate downward... the biasing member in its less compressed state pushes the shaft upward relative to the hub thereby driving the braces and poles to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for opening and closing a tent or awning is disclosed. A plurality of poles are pivotally attached to a hub at upper engagement points. A plurality of braces are pivotally coupled to the poles at lower engagement points at one end and pivotally coupled to a base at another end. The base has a shaft slidable in the hub and the shaft houses a biasing member which generates an upward force on the shaft which is transmitted to the braces and the poles. The upward force urges the poles to pivot toward the open position when the lower engagement point is radially outward of the upper engagement point, and the upward force urges the poles to pivot toward the closed position when the lower engagement point is radially inward of the upper engagement point.