Push-Pull Assembly for Canopy Tent Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional canopy tents are time-consuming and labor-intensive to unfold and fold, requiring at least two persons due to their complex operation mechanism, which involves sequential movement of sliding seats and independent side rod assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A canopy tent design featuring a push-pull assembly with pivotally connected push-pull rods and a connecting base that allows for simultaneous expansion and retraction of vertical rods and side rod assemblies, enabling a single person to quickly unfold or fold the tent by pulling or pushing a pull rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential operation of sliding seats and side rod assemblies is used, then the tent structure is stable, but the operation time and labor required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent operations (sliding seat movement and side rod assembly unfolding) into a single integrated push-pull rod mechanism. When the pull rod is pulled, it simultaneously drives all sliding seats to move outward and all side rod assemblies to unfold, transforming sequential operations into a synchronized single-action operation that maintains structural stability while dramatically reducing operation time and labor
2Strength
If multiple independent side rod assemblies are used, then the tent frame is structurally sound, but the operation becomes complex and requires at least two persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the side rod assemblies into multiple identical modular units, each connected to the push-pull rod system through sliding seats. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently while being synchronized by the common pull rod, maintaining structural soundness through modular redundancy while simplifying operation to a single pulling action that coordinates all segments simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The pull rod serves multiple functions simultaneously: it pulls all sliding seats outward, drives all side rod assemblies to unfold, and coordinates the synchronized expansion of the entire tent frame. This multi-functionality transforms a complex multi-person operation into a simple single-person action while maintaining the structural integrity provided by multiple side rod assemblies
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic vertical rods with sliding seats are used, then the tent can be adjusted in height, but the folding operation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the height adjustment function with the folding operation by integrating the sliding seats into the push-pull rod system. The same pulling motion that folds the tent also retracts the vertical rods to their stored positions, eliminating the need for separate folding operations and dramatically increasing productivity while preserving height adjustability through the sliding seat mechanism
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 push-pull assembly simplifies the operation, allowing a single person to efficiently unfold or fold the tent, reducing time and effort required, and facilitating quicker setup and teardown.
Implementation Method 1
The push-pull assembly includes a plurality of push-pull rods that are pivotally connected to lower ends of the inner rods of the top rods, respectively. A lower end of each push-pull rod is pivotally connected to a connecting base located under the top hub.
Implementation Method 2
push-pull rods that are pivotally connected to lower ends of the inner rods of the top rods, respectively. A lower end of each push-pull rod is pivotally connected to a connecting base
Implementation Method 3
enabling a single person to quickly unfold or fold the tent by pulling or pushing a pull rod
Data Source
AI summary
A canopy tent includes a plurality of vertical rods. Top ends of the vertical rods are connected to top rods, respectively. An inner end of each top rod is pivotally connected to a top hub located at a center of the canopy tent. Each top rod includes an inner rod and an outer rod that are pivotally connected to each other at a middle portion of each top rod. A side rod assembly that can be unfolded or folded inwardly is connected between every adjacent two of the vertical rods. A push-pull assembly is provided under the center of the canopy tent. The push-pull assembly includes a plurality of push-pull rods that are pivotally connected to lower ends of the inner rods of the top rods, respectively. A lower end of each push-pull rod is pivotally connected to a connecting base located under the top hub.