Collapsible A-Frame Structure for Self-Standing Setup on Hard Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible outdoor structures, such as sunshades and tents, face challenges with versatility, stability, and ease of setup and teardown, particularly on hard surfaces, often requiring multiple people and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible structure featuring two standing frames with extendable linkages that allow for folding and unfolding, utilizing pivot points and sliding members for easy deployment and stability, enabling self-standing operation without ground fixation and allowing for adjustable length and simple one-person operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional tarp structures are used with multiple supporting poles and ground stakes, then stability is improved, but versatility to different surfaces deteriorates and setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the ground stakes component entirely from the traditional tarp structure. Instead of anchoring to ground stakes, the tarp is supported by self-standing A-frame structures that derive stability from their geometric configuration and interlinked design, allowing deployment on any surface including hard surfaces where ground stakes cannot be inserted
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure is divided into multiple independent A-frame units, each capable of standing autonomously. These segmented frames are then interconnected through linkages, allowing the system to achieve overall stability through the coordinated arrangement of independent modular units rather than relying on a single complex ground-anchored structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional folding gazebo with four telescopic posts and X-shaped truss framework is used, then self-standing capability is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates due to excessive connections requiring multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex X-shaped truss framework and excessive connection points found in traditional folding gazebos. By simplifying the structure to essential A-frame geometry with minimal linkages, the number of connections requiring coordinated manipulation is dramatically reduced, enabling single-person operation while maintaining self-standing capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple telescopic posts that must be extended and locked in a specific sequence by multiple people, the invention uses a smaller number of A-frame structures with pivot connections that naturally lock into place through gravity and geometric constraints when opened, reversing the complexity from the connection mechanism to the geometric self-locking mechanism
3Stability of the object's composition
If large tent with rigid frame is used, then structural stability is improved, but portability deteriorates due to bulky size and time-consuming assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The large tent structure is segmented into multiple smaller A-frame units that can be independently packed and transported. Each frame unit is compact and lightweight, yet when assembled and interconnected, they collectively provide the structural stability of a large rigid frame tent, dramatically improving portability while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamic A-frame structures with pivot connections that can transition between compact folded state for transport and expanded stable state for use. This dynamic capability allows the structure to be lightweight and portable when collapsed, yet provide rigid-like stability when deployed, resolving the contradiction between portability and structural stability
4Weight of moving object
If small camping tent with flexible fiberglass frame is used, then portability is improved, but stability on hard surfaces deteriorates and height is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The A-frame structure employs asymmetric leg positioning and angular configuration that provides inherent stability on hard surfaces without requiring ground stakes. The angled legs distribute loads effectively and create a wide base of support, whereas traditional symmetric dome tents with flexible frames concentrate forces in ways that prevent stable deployment on hard surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The A-frame structure uses curved or angled geometric forms rather than straight rigid poles, allowing the frames to flex slightly and adapt to uneven hard surfaces while maintaining structural integrity. This geometric curvature enables the lightweight portable structure to achieve stability on surfaces where traditional flexible-frame dome tents fail
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 structure provides enhanced adaptability to various surfaces, improved stability, and ease of use, allowing for quick setup and teardown by a single person, while maintaining portability and wind resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The poles can rotate around this pivot point, allowing them to fold or unfold.
Implementation Method 2
a sliding member is assembled on the first standing pole, allowing it to slide along the pole
Implementation Method 3
When the first standing pole folds towards the second standing pole, the link pole rotates around its second end, causing the sliding member to slide away from the pivot point and the poles to fold up completely.
Data Source
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AI summary
Collapsible structure having at least two standing frames (1000) connected by an extendable linkage (4000). Each standing frame comprises at least two standing poles. Two standing poles are pivotally connected to each other by a pivot point. The standing frame also includes a linking device that enables two standing poles to be folded or unfolded. The extendable linkage connected to two adjacent standing frames comprises at least one extendable link assembly capable of adjusting the distance of its two ends. The collapsible structure also includes a locking device and telescoping tubes.