Button Central Locking Mechanism for Single-Operator Folding Tents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding tent mechanisms are complex and require multiple people to operate for opening, closing, and storage, making them cumbersome and inconvenient for single-person use.
Innovation Solution
A button-type central locking device for folding tents, comprising a top tray seat, lower tray seat, locking tube, and elastic locking member, which allows for easy unfolding and fixing when released and quick retraction and closure when pressed, utilizing a round tube plug, positioning holes, and a button mechanism for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slider locking mechanism with multiple telescopic legs and ball-shaped members is used, then the folding tent can be locked securely, but the structure becomes complex and requires multiple people to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking functions of multiple telescopic legs into a single centralized locking tube. Instead of having separate locking mechanisms for each leg, all locking operations are consolidated into one tube that can be operated by a single person, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining locking security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tube serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locks and unlocks all four support legs, provides a central operation point for single-person use, and integrates the ball-shaped locking members into a unified system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a slider locking mechanism with multiple positioning operations is used, then the tent can be securely locked, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-shaped locking members are pre-positioned within the locking tube, ready to engage with the telescopic legs. When the tube is inserted or moved, the locking action occurs automatically without requiring sequential manual positioning operations, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If a complex slider locking mechanism is used, then the tent can be locked securely, but it is inconvenient for single-person operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking operations into a single centralized locking tube that can be operated by one person. Instead of requiring hands on multiple separate legs, the user simply operates the unified tube, making the system convenient for single-person use while maintaining secure locking of all support legs.
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 convenient and fast operation of folding tents by a single person, simplifying the process of unfolding, fixing, folding, retracting, and closing with a low-cost and straightforward mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a locking tube for connecting the top tray seat and the lower tray seat... the locking tube is provided with an elastic locking member for lock-up cooperation with the lower tray seat
Data Source
AI summary
A button-type central locking device is adapted for a folding tent and includes a top tray seat, a lower tray seat and a locking tube. The lower tray seat includes a lower tray seat body and a lower tray seat cover. A central hole for insertion of the locking tube is provided at corresponding central positions of the top tray seat, the lower tray seat body and the lower tray seat cover. A lock-up mechanism used in mutual cooperation is provided between a lower end of the locking tube and the lower tray seat body. When the button is pressed, the tent can be retracted and closed, and when the button is released, the tent can be unfolded and fixed.