Collapsible Structure Self-Locking Mechanism Erection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible structures often require expansion beyond their erected dimensions during setup, making it difficult to secure them to the ground, especially in windy conditions, and pose challenges during breakdown due to the need to remove covers and disconnect from base structures.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible structure with a self-locking mechanism featuring a first hub, pivotably connected struts, and a tension member that limits strut movement to less than 180°, along with a locking hub and locking struts that pivot to secure the structure in place, allowing for erection and breakdown without removing covers and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the structure is expanded beyond its erected dimensions during setup, then the structure can be erected, but it becomes difficult to secure to the ground and may be blown around in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the structure is secured to the ground before the main body is erected. The base-defining ends of the end struts are fixed to points on the surface in the collapsed condition, establishing a stable foundation before the center region is lifted to its erected height, preventing the structure from being blown around during erection.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a collapsed condition where the base is secured to an erected condition where the self-locking mechanism engages. The locking struts pivot from a folded position to a locked position, dynamically securing the structure in place once erected, while allowing easy collapse when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the structure is secured to the ground after final erection, then it remains stable in its erected condition, but erection becomes difficult and covers must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The base is secured to the ground in the collapsed condition before erection begins. This preliminary securing allows the structure to be stabilized during the erection process without requiring the covers to be removed or the structure to be fully erected first, eliminating the need to disconnect from base structures during breakdown.
3Ease of operation
If the structure is collapsed without securing the base first, then breakdown is easier, but the structure cannot be locked in place and may move during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The base-defining ends are fixed to points on the surface in the collapsed condition before the center region is lowered. This preliminary securing maintains stability during the breakdown process, allowing the structure to be collapsed and locked in place without moving or requiring cover removal.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the structure uses a self-locking mechanism with locking struts, then it can be locked in place during erection, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the natural motion of the struts during erection. As the struts pivot from the collapsed to erected position, the locking struts automatically engage with the locking hub to lock the structure in place, eliminating the need for separate locking actions or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the existing strut and hub components. The locking struts are pivotably connected to the locking hub and to the struts, combining the locking mechanism with the structural elements already present in the collapsed condition, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible structure with a self-locking mechanism includes a first hub, at least two struts pivotable connected at a first ends thereof to the first hub and movable relative to each another between a folded position and an expanded position, and a tension member adapted to limit pivotable movement of at least two struts such that, when in the expanded position, the at least two struts define an angle of less than 180°. The structure further includes a locking hub and at least two locking struts pivotably connected at first ends thereof to the locking hub and, at seconds ends thereof, to connection points on respective ones of the at least two struts. A method of erecting a structure is also disclosed.