Collapsible Canopy Frame With Scissor Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical collapsible canopy frames suffer from substantial sagging of the canopy covering due to a single central support member, leading to instability and flimsiness, especially in strong winds.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible canopy frame with a cathedral-style roof structure incorporating a plurality of edge and center scissor assemblies, including pivotably coupled scissor members, center pole ribs, and support members between ribs and side poles, which provide a stable and tautly stretched canopy support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single central support member is used, then the structure is simple, but the canopy covering sags substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The single central support member is segmented into multiple center pole ribs (at least three) that extend from the center pole to the perimeter. Each rib is independently coupled to side poles, creating multiple support points along the canopy perimeter. This segmentation distributes the support function across multiple elements, preventing sagging while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a single vertical dimension (one center pole) to a multi-dimensional arrangement with center pole ribs extending radially outward to the perimeter. This dimensional expansion creates a three-dimensional support framework that effectively tensions the canopy covering in multiple directions, eliminating sagging without excessive complexity.
2Shape
If a cathedral-style roof structure with multiple ribs is used, then the canopy covering is taut, but the structure becomes unstable and flimsy
Solution Approach 1:
The center pole ribs are constructed as composite structures combining rigid materials (metal or reinforced polymer) with flexible coupling mechanisms. The ribs themselves provide rigidity for tautness, while the coupling elements (pivots, latches, or telescoping joints) provide flexibility for stability. This composite approach allows the structure to maintain both taut canopy support and wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The center pole ribs incorporate dynamic coupling elements that allow controlled movement and adjustment. Pivoting joints enable the ribs to adapt to wind forces, while latching mechanisms provide stability when positioned. The telescoping sections allow the ribs to expand or contract as needed. These dynamic elements prevent the structure from being flimsy while maintaining canopy tautness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reinforced support members are added between ribs and telescoping legs, then structural stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are merged with the center pole ribs themselves rather than being separate reinforcing elements. The ribs are designed to serve dual purposes: providing canopy support and acting as their own reinforcement. The coupling elements (pivots, latches, telescoping joints) are integrated into the rib structure, eliminating the need for additional separate support members and reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible canopy frame having an improved roof and support structure. A collapsible canopy frame according to one embodiment includes a plurality of side poles; a plurality of edge scissor assemblies coupling adjacent side poles of the plurality of side poles to one another; a center pole for supporting a covering; a plurality of center pole ribs each coupling the center pole to a respective side pole of the plurality of side poles; and a plurality of center scissor assemblies coupling the plurality of edge scissor assemblies to the center pole.