Collapsible Canopy With Reinforced Eaves And Spring-Loaded Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible canopy shelters lack structural integrity, have unreliable latches, and inadequate ventilation, leading to vulnerability in severe weather and limited shade and shelter from environmental elements.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible canopy shelter with reinforced eaves, a sliding spring-loaded pull latch for easy assembly and disassembly, and adjustable side awnings for enhanced protection and ventilation through a collapsible flap mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional canopy frames are used, then the shelter is portable and collapsible, but the structural integrity and rigidity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy frame is divided into multiple modular components including vertical poles, horizontal eaves, and cross-bracing elements that can be assembled and collapsed independently. Each segment contributes to overall structural integrity while maintaining portability through systematic disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame utilizes composite construction combining aluminum or steel poles with reinforced eave structures. The eaves incorporate additional bracing members and connection hardware that enhance rigidity without significantly increasing the weight or complexity of individual components.
2Ease of operation
If spring-pin latches are used for assembly, then the shelter can be collapsed for storage, but the latches are unreliable and can pinch user's hands
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using spring-loaded pins that require inward pushing (which can pinch fingers), the design employs outward-pulling latches where the user pulls a handle or tab to release the locking mechanism. This inversion of the operating direction eliminates the pinching hazard while maintaining secure locking during assembled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates an intermediary handle or lever component that the user interacts with, rather than directly manipulating the spring pin itself. This intermediary provides mechanical advantage and safe finger placement, mediating between user input and the locking action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional canopy covers are used, then the shelter provides basic shade, but ventilation is not adjustable and heat is trapped
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy cover incorporates adjustable ventilation panels or flaps that can be opened or closed dynamically based on weather conditions. These movable elements allow users to control airflow and heat buildup, transforming the static cover into an adaptive system responsive to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design integrates multiple functions including shade provision, rain protection, and adjustable ventilation control within a single structure. The ventilation openings can be configured in various positions and degrees, allowing the same cover to adapt to different climatic conditions without requiring multiple separate components.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional canopy coverage is used, then the shelter is simple in structure, but lateral protection from elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy structure extends protection into lateral dimensions through added eave overhangs and side awnings that project outward from the basic rectangular frame. This dimensional extension provides shelter from rain and sun from multiple directions without fundamentally changing the core collapsible frame 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 greater structural rigidity, easy and safe operation, and adjustable ventilation, offering improved protection from the elements and increased shade and shelter, addressing the limitations of conventional canopy shelters.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding, spring-loaded pull latch to lock the eaves in an assembled position
Data Source
AI summary
The technology of the present application provides a collapsible canopy shelter having one or more side awnings that are pivotally coupled to the canopy frame. The canopy shelter for this has 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.