Deployable Tent Cover Mechanism Without Manual Support Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deployable tents require manual installation of metal rods to deploy the cap, which is time-consuming, dangerous, and prone to misplacement, especially when placed on a vehicle roof, where it poses a risk of injury and complexity in setup and storage.

Innovation Solution

A deployable tent design featuring a frame with pivotally mounted base parts and arches that automatically deploy the cap when the frame is unfolded, eliminating the need for manual rod installation by using tension lines in the tent fabric to pivot the cap into position, and a telescopic ladder for easy setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual metal rods are used to deploy the cap, then the cap can be stretched and deployed, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of setup processVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cap deployment mechanism uses the tent frame's own motion to automatically deploy the cap. When the base parts unfold from the folded position to the unfolded position, the connecting line becomes tensioned and automatically pulls the cap into its deployed position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making the system self-servicing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is pre-connected to the connecting line that is attached to the frame. Before the frame is deployed, the cap is already positioned and connected, so that when the frame unfolds, the cap deployment action is automatically initiated without requiring separate manual setup steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If metal rods are used to form canopy tops, then the cap structure is achieved, but the process becomes complex and dangerous when performed at height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cap deploymentVSAvoidcomplexity of setup process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically deploys the cap using the frame's unfolding motion itself. The tensioning of the connecting line during frame deployment automatically performs the cap deployment function, eliminating complex manual operations and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the cap deployment function from the frame deployment process. Instead of using separate metal rods for cap deployment, the connecting line that is already part of the frame structure is used to automatically deploy the cap, separating the cap deployment action from manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If the frame is folded for storage, then the tent is compact, but the cap cannot be deployed for use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoiddeployability of cap
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cap's position is dynamic and automatically changes based on the frame's configuration. When the frame is in the folded position, the cap is in a retracted state; when the frame unfolds, the cap automatically transitions to the deployed position. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to serve both compact storage and functional deployment needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is pre-positioned and connected to the connecting line in both folded and unfolded states. The capability for cap deployment is prepared in advance by the connection arrangement, allowing automatic deployment whenever the frame is unfolded, without requiring separate setup actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Extent of automation

If the connecting line is tensioned during frame deployment, then the cap is automatically deployed, but force is exerted on the frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of cap deploymentVSAvoidforce on frame during deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cap deployment force is extracted from the frame structure itself. The connecting line, which is already attached to the frame, is used to deploy the cap by utilizing the frame's own unfolding motion, rather than requiring separate deployment mechanisms that would exert additional forces on the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Facilitates quick and safe deployment of the tent cap without manual intervention, reducing setup time and risk of injury, while maintaining the cap in position against wind and ensuring secure storage by integrating the frames within the tent structure.

Implementation Method 1

when the frame is brought into the unfolded position, the first and second connecting line portions and the first and second edge portions are tensioned and exert a force on the first frame so as to pivot said first frame relative to the canvas body towards the base plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

said first frame being pivotally articulated relative to the first wall of the tent canvas in at least a first lower portion arranged below said first upper peak, so that the first frame extends under said first cap when the framework is unfolded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4166735B1Tent with a deployable cover
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 DECATHLON SA
  • EP4166735B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4166735B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4166735B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A deployable tent comprising a frame (20) including a first hoop, a first and a second base part (22) pivoting between a folded position and an unfolded position, the tent comprising a first canopy (36,136) delimited from a canvas body by a connecting line (38,138) having first and second connecting line portions (44,144,48,148), the first canopy further comprising a free distal edge (37,137) having first and second edge portions (68,168,70,170), the tent comprising a first frame (60,160) configured to pivot into the deployed position when the frame is unfolded, so as to deploy the first canopy.