Collapsible Canopy Ventilation Flap and Reinforced Eaves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible canopy shelters lack structural integrity, have unreliable latches, and inadequate ventilation, making them prone to weather damage and difficult to assemble/disassemble, and fail to regulate temperature effectively.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible canopy shelter with reinforced eaves using scissor-jacks and pivotally coupled cross members for increased stability, and a sliding, spring-loaded pull latch for easy assembly, along with a collapsible flap for adjustable ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional collapsible canopy frames are used, then the shelter is portable and easy to set up, but the structural integrity is insufficient and the frame is prone to bow or sag
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into modular sections with standardized connection points, allowing each segment to be independently reinforced while maintaining overall collapsibility. The eaves are segmented with reinforced cross members at regular intervals, providing localized strength without requiring complete frame reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame employs composite construction combining rigid reinforced eaves with flexible collapsible sections. The reinforced eaves use thicker, stronger materials while the main canopy frame maintains lighter, more flexible materials, creating a composite structure that balances strength and portability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional spring-pin latches are used, then the latch mechanism is simple, but it is temperamental to use and can pinch the user's hands and fingers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a spring-pin latch that requires pushing inward (which causes pinching), the invention uses a pull-latch mechanism where the user pulls a handle or lever to release the latch. This inverted mechanism eliminates the pinching hazard while maintaining simplicity in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A handle or lever serves as an intermediary between the user's hand and the latch mechanism. The user interacts with the handle rather than directly with the latch pin, eliminating direct contact with the pinching hazard while still achieving latch release.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional canopy covers with fixed ventilation are used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot regulate temperature effectively for different weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system transitions from fixed to dynamic, allowing the vent openings to be adjusted or closed based on weather conditions. The canopy cover includes movable vents or adjustable panels that can be opened for ventilation during cool weather and closed to retain heat during warm weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy cover serves multiple ventilation functions through a single integrated system that can operate in different modes. The same vent structure can be opened for air flow during cool weather, closed for heat retention during warm weather, and adjusted for partial ventilation in between, providing universal temperature regulation capability.
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 assembly/disassembly, and adjustable ventilation, addressing the issues of stability, latch reliability, and temperature regulation in collapsible 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 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.