Compression Strut Tent Structure for Camping Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tent constructions for camping trailers and similar vehicles are complex and require skilled operation for variable protective or covering positions, making them difficult for less experienced users to set up efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A tent construction featuring a one-piece or multi-part compression strut that can be easily attached to the camping vehicle, allowing for simple adjustment and deployment at an acute angle to create a protective roof assembly, which can be used as an awning or rain protection, with easy assembly and disassembly via clamp holders and clamping joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex linkage constructions are used for tent assemblies, then variable protective positions can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires skilled operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable protective positionsVSAvoidcomplex linkage constructions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tent construction is divided into separate functional modules: a support structure with linkage mechanism, a canopy assembly, and a compression strut system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining variable position capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A compression strut is introduced as an intermediary element between the support structure and the canopy. This single strut simplifies the force transmission mechanism compared to complex multi-linkage systems, while still enabling the canopy to achieve variable protective positions through straightforward mechanical advantage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex linkage constructions are used, then variable protective positions can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for less experienced users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable protective positionsVSAvoidrequires skilled operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage construction is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking at key positions. The mechanical components automatically guide the user through the setup process and maintain stability without requiring skilled operation, allowing less experienced users to achieve variable protective positions independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows easy adjustment of geometric parameters such as strut length, linkage angles, and canopy position. These parameter changes enable variable protective positions to be achieved through simple mechanical adjustments rather than complex manual manipulation, improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts and connection assemblies are used, then adaptability is improved, but assembly and disassembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfigurable support positionsVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Connection assemblies and mounting points are pre-positioned and pre-configured on the support structure and canopy. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining the ability to achieve multiple configurable support positions, reducing the time penalty associated with adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2169147B1Tent structure
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 HOLTKAMP EGBERT BEREND
  • EP2169147B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2169147B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2169147B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The structure (Z) has a roof part (2') that is engaged by a diagonal strut (3) held at a camping vehicle, pretending a protective position and defining an installation position bent as an acute angle to a vertical axis (H). The strut is connected with one of support rods (6, 6') of a folding linkage (8). The strut is adjustable by detachable holders. The strut grips a counter member forming the holders and present at one support rod (6). The strut defines two bar sections that are varied in length. One bar section is fixed at a structure of the vehicle.