Collapsible Canopy Lever Locking for Single-User Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional canopy structures are difficult to set-up and collapse, especially for a single user, requiring time-consuming and physically demanding actions such as locking/unlocking at each corner and crawling under the canopy, and are unsafe on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A lever system is integrated into the canopy frame, allowing a single user to set-up, lock, and collapse the structure from a single location outside the canopy, using a locking lever member that interacts with rib linkages to extend and retract the frame components simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms at each corner are used, then the canopy structure can be secured in the set-up position, but the set-up and collapse process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple user actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single centralized locking mechanism located at the center hub of the canopy structure. This single lock simultaneously secures all four corner assemblies, replacing the need for separate locking actions at each corner. The locking arm extends to engage with ribs in the corner assemblies, creating a unified locking system that reduces setup time while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks all four corner assemblies simultaneously, provides a single operation point for both setup and collapse, and enables one-person operation. The locking arm mechanism universally engages with all corner ribs through the center hub, making the system multi-functional and efficient.
2Reliability
If traditional corner-by-corner locking is required, then each corner can be individually secured, but the operation becomes physically demanding and complex for a single user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all corner locking operations into a single centralized location at the center hub. The locking arm, when actuated from this single point, simultaneously engages all four corner assemblies, eliminating the need for the user to physically move to each corner and perform separate locking actions. This dramatically improves ease of operation for single users while maintaining reliable security at each corner.
Solution Approach 2:
The center hub acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates a single user action into simultaneous engagement of all four corners. The locking arm serves as a mediator that distributes the locking force uniformly to all corner assemblies, allowing one user to securely lock all corners without physically accessing each corner location.
3Area of stationary object
If the canopy structure uses extended rib linkages for full coverage, then the set-up area is maximized, but the structure becomes difficult to collapse to a compact bundled condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rib linkages that can transition between extended and retracted positions. These linkages incorporate pivoting connections that allow the ribs to move from their extended set-up position to a retracted position during collapse. The vertical support members also feature telescoping sections that dynamically adjust length, enabling the structure to transition smoothly between full coverage and compact bundled conditions without compromising either state.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib linkages are segmented into multiple movable sections with pivoting joints, allowing each segment to independently adjust during the collapse process. This segmentation enables the rib linkages to fold and retract systematically, reducing the overall structure to a compact bundle while maintaining full extension capability for maximum coverage when set up.
4Length of stationary object
If multiple connected X-frames are used to increase set-up length, then the horizontal support span is maximized, but the collapsed bundle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nesting arrangement where the collapsible horizontal supports are designed to nest within each other when collapsed. The scissor-style X-member linkages fold concentrically, with each section fitting inside the previous section, dramatically reducing the volume of the collapsed bundle. This nesting mechanism allows the horizontal supports to achieve maximum extended length for full coverage while minimizing the storage volume when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal supports utilize dynamic scissor-style linkages that can extend to maximum length for full coverage and then collapse concentrically. The pivoting connections allow the X-members to fold in a controlled manner, transforming the extended structure into a compact nested bundle, effectively managing both length and volume requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable and collapsible canopy structure, capable of being set-up and locked in a set-up condition, and likewise unlocked and collapsed from the set-up condition to a collapsed condition for transportation and storage, comprises a lever system allowing for single-user operation for set-up and break-down, wherein the user remains outside the unit, preferably at a single corner of the canopy frame. Further, the lever system provides means for locking the frame in the set-up condition for safe use, and likewise unlocking the frame for collapsing the canopy structure for transport and storage. More particularly, a lever member engages with a rib linkage associated with one corner of the frame to extend said rib linkage to an extended condition, the extension of which coordinates simultaneous extension of the other rib linkages, as well as extension of horizontal supports connected between the corners of the canopy frame.