Double Canopy Wagon With Variable Frame Supports For Climate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Providing effective climate control in outdoor, less improved, and temporary structures such as tents and wagons is challenging due to limited insulation and lack of internal air circulation mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A double canopy covered wagon design featuring larger exterior canopy frame supports and smaller interior supports, allowing air to flow between the canopies, combined with increased insulation, facilitates better climate control. The wagon includes a chassis with utility channels for infrastructure like plumbing and electricity, and canopies made of mold-resistant canvas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a single canopy is used in a wagon, then the structure is simpler, but insulation is insufficient for effective climate control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclimate controlVSAvoidcanopy structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a double canopy structure where an inner canopy is nested within an outer canopy. The inner canopy provides primary coverage while the outer canopy adds an insulating layer. This nested arrangement improves thermal insulation and climate control without requiring completely separate structural systems, as both canopies share the same support framework and attachment points to the wagon chassis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to the canopy structure by introducing a second canopy layer at a different height and position relative to the first. The canopies are arranged in a layered configuration with vertical spacing, creating multiple thermal zones and improving insulation through increased path length for heat transfer. This dimensional addition transforms a single-layer structure into a multi-layer insulating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If canopy frame supports are made larger to provide better support, then structural strength is improved, but air flow between canopies is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecanopy frame supportVSAvoidair flow
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the canopy system. The canopy frame supports are designed with varying dimensions - larger at the base where structural strength is most needed for attachment to the wagon chassis, and progressively smaller toward the top where less support is required. This gradient in structural quality maintains necessary strength while minimizing obstruction to air flow in the upper regions where ventilation is most effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric canopy frame support structures where the supports are not uniform in all dimensions. The supports have greater cross-sectional area at the attachment points to the wagon floor and sides, providing structural strength, while the upper portions are reduced in size to allow air passage. This asymmetric design creates a functional gradient that addresses both structural and ventilation requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Temperature

If interior and exterior canopies are positioned close together, then insulation is maximized, but air circulation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinsulationVSAvoidair circulation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a partial spacing strategy where the interior and exterior canopies are positioned close together in most regions to maximize insulation, but maintain deliberate gaps in specific locations to enable air circulation. The canopies are not uniformly spaced throughout, but rather have variable spacing that provides insulation where needed and ventilation pathways where beneficial for climate control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 double canopy design enhances insulation and air circulation, providing more effective climate control within the wagon, enabling comfortable outdoor stays with amenities like electricity and plumbing.

Implementation Method 1

since the plurality of (e.g., exterior) canopy frame supports are larger than the other plurality of (e.g., interior) canopy frame supports, air can flow between the interior and exterior canopies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

Including interior and exterior canopies increases insulation relative to a single canopy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInsulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11053706B2Double canopy covered wagon
Publication Date: 2021.07.06 CONESTOGA WAGON CO LLC
  • US11053706B2 patent drawing
  • US11053706B2 patent drawing
  • US11053706B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention extends to a double canopy covered wagon. Interior canopy frame supports support an interior canopy over a portion of a wagon flooring surface and under larger exterior canopy frame supports. The exterior canopy frame supports support an exterior canopy over the interior canopy. Including interior and exteriors canopies increases insulation relative to a single canopy. Further, since the exterior canopy frame supports are larger than the interior canopy frame supports, air can flow between the interior and exterior canopies. Air flow between the canopies in combination with increased insulation facilitates more effective climate control inside a wagon.