Canopy Frame Auxiliary Opening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing canopy frames are inconvenient to unfold and fold due to complex locking mechanisms and require multiple people to ensure proper alignment, leading to a cumbersome and costly structure.
Innovation Solution
A canopy frame with an auxiliary opening mechanism featuring a top connecting base, middle and bottom connecting bases, an elastic member, and positioning mechanisms that allow for effortless unfolding and folding, utilizing an elastic force to stabilize the frame and simplify the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added between the standing column and sliding base to keep the canopy frame unfolded, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor mechanism automatically locks and unlocks through its own mechanical motion. When the canopy frame is unfolded, the scissor mechanism engages locking elements without requiring external intervention. When folded, it automatically releases the lock through the folding motion itself, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring separate locking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocking state through the motion of the scissor mechanism. The locking elements are designed to engage and disengage based on the dynamic position of the scissor arms, allowing the system to adapt its locking state according to the unfolding/folding motion rather than requiring manual intervention
2Reliability
If multiple people are required to push the sliding base relative to the standing column to ensure synchronous unfolding, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor mechanisms connecting adjacent standing columns are designed with identical geometry and mechanical properties, creating equipotential conditions where all columns experience equal mechanical forces during unfolding. This ensures that all columns rise synchronously to the same height without requiring multiple people to coordinate their efforts, as the system naturally balances itself through symmetric mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple scissor mechanisms are combined into a unified mechanical system where the motion of one scissor mechanism is mechanically linked to others through the canopy rod set and support rods. This merging of individual mechanisms into an integrated system ensures that when one column unfolds, it automatically triggers and coordinates the unfolding of adjacent columns, maintaining synchronicity without requiring multiple operators
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is added to ensure the canopy frame remains unfolded, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into modular components integrated within the scissor mechanism itself, rather than adding a separate complex locking system. Each scissor unit contains its own locking elements that are simple in design but effective in function, allowing for easy manufacturing and assembly while providing reliable locking. The segmentation of the locking function into distributed simple components rather than a centralized complex mechanism improves manufacturability
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
The canopy frame can be easily unfolded or folded by a single person, with a secure and reliable locking mechanism, and the elastic force maintains stability in the unfolded state, reducing complexity and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, disposed between the middle connecting base and the bottom connecting base, to generate an elastic force to move the middle connecting base away from the bottom connecting base
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a canopy frame with an auxiliary opening mechanism, which comprises a top connecting base (1), a plurality of frame rod sets (2), a middle connecting base (3), a bottom connecting base (4), an elastic member (5), and a first positioning mechanism (6). Each of the plurality of frame rod sets comprises a standing column (21), a canopy rod set (22), a first support rod (25), and a second support rod (26). The canopy rod set comprises a first canopy rod (221). The auxiliary opening mechanism comprises the middle connecting base, the bottom connecting base, the elastic member, the first positioning mechanism, the first support rod, and the second support rod. The canopy can be unfolded more effortlessly, and even a single person can complete an unfolding operation of the canopy.