Collapsible Structure Ferrule Joint with Slider Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible structures, such as tent poles and walking aids, face challenges in forming a strong and rigid joint that can easily collapse for storage and portability, while maintaining structural integrity when extended.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a slider arm with a through slot and rotating assemblies with ferrules and pivoting pins to connect and disconnect rod segments, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by sliding and rotating the ferrules, which are locked in place using a locking device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If collapsible structures use articulated joints for easy storage and portability, then ease of operation is improved, but structural rigidity and strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The joint system transitions between two dynamic states: a collapsed state where rod segments are articulated and folded for portability, and an extended state where the same joints form rigid triangular configurations for structural support. The slider arm and pivoting pins enable controlled transformation between these states, allowing the structure to adapt its rigidity based on operational requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If collapsible structures use simple sliding mechanisms for easy assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but joint strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated joint mechanism: the slider arm provides both the sliding motion for easy assembly and houses the pivoting pins that create rotational articulation; the ferrules combine lateral connection with longitudinal alignment; this consolidation ensures that the same components responsible for ease of assembly also provide structural reliability without requiring separate complex locking mechanisms.
3Strength
If collapsible structures use multiple components for rigid joints, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each component in the joint system performs multiple functions: the slider arm simultaneously provides sliding motion, houses pivoting pins for rotation, and connects two rod segments; the ferrules provide both lateral connection and longitudinal alignment; the pivoting pins enable both rotational movement and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining joint strength and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible structure connection system and method including an apparatus having a pair of mated ferrules, at least one pivoting pin and at least one slider arm. Each ferrule couples to a rod segment of the structure, the ferrules connecting the rod segments when mated, but allowing the rod segments to rotate into a collapsed structure. The apparatus has a locking system in one example embodiment. The systems include a bracket, at and at least one locking device to fix the rod segments in a preferred configuration. An alternate apparatus and collapsible structure connection system includes a pair of mated ferrules each having a lengthwise slot, a connector arm and pivoting pins. The connector arm rotates around the pivoting pins within the slots of the ferrules, allowing the ferrules to rotate into various positions when selectively connecting and collapsing rod segments.