Spring-Loaded Canopy Latch for Safe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible canopy shelters lack structural integrity, have unreliable latches, and inadequate ventilation systems, making them prone to weather damage and difficult to assemble or collapse safely.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible canopy shelter with reinforced eaves using scissor-jacks and pivotally coupled cross members for increased stability, along with a sliding, spring-loaded pull latch for easy assembly and disassembly, and a collapsible flap with a pivoting support for adjustable ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional latch mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of assembly and collapse operations deteriorates due to sticking and temperamental behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pin automatically engages with the slot to lock the pole in position and automatically disengages when the slot aligns with the pin during collapse, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and ensuring reliable operation without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional manual latch mechanism is replaced with a spring-loaded automatic engagement system where the spring force provides both the locking action and the release mechanism through alignment with the slot, substituting complex mechanical control with simpler spring-based automatic operation
2Ease of operation
If spring-pin latches are used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to hand pinching risks and difficult assembly/collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system performs both locking and unlocking functions automatically through the interaction between the spring-loaded pin and the slot, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and ensuring safe operation without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The slot acts as an intermediary element that guides the spring-loaded pin during engagement and disengagement, ensuring smooth operation and preventing direct hand contact with the pin while maintaining simple overall structure
3Strength
If conventional canopy frames are used, then the device complexity is kept low, but the structural integrity deteriorates causing bowing and sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple telescopic pole segments that can extend and contract, allowing the structure to achieve greater height and span while maintaining manageable size for transport, with each segment contributing to overall structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions between two dimensional configurations - collapsed (compact for transport) and assembled (expanded for use) - allowing the same structure to provide high structural integrity when needed while remaining portable
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional canopy covers with fixed ventilation are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different weather conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system transitions from static fixed screens to dynamic adjustable flaps that can be opened or closed based on weather conditions, allowing the canopy to adapt to different environmental requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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 solution provides enhanced structural integrity, easy and safe operation of latches, and adjustable ventilation, addressing the issues of bowing, sagging, and temperature regulation in canopy shelters.
Implementation Method 1
a latch comprising a spring-loaded lever with a locking pin that is pivotally coupled to the sliding eave mount
Implementation Method 2
Each eave may comprise a series of pivotally coupled scissor-jacks
Data Source
AI summary
The technology of the present application provides a collapsible canopy shelter having reinforced eaves for additional structural integrity, as well as at least one collapsible ventilation flap in the canopy cover that is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position to ventilate air from beneath the canopy cover as desired. Further, the collapsible canopy shelter comprises a canopy frame with a robust, spring-loaded pull latch, allowing the user to quickly and easily assemble and collapse the shelter without risking injury.