Foldable Canopy Reinforcing Rods to Prevent Inward Frame Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-sized canopies suffer from insufficient strength and are prone to inward bending deformation of their outer retractable units.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a reinforcing rod unit connected between the outer retractable units and a center lock, utilizing a hitch mechanism for assembly, which enhances the structural integrity and prevents inward deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the canopy is designed to be foldable for carrying and storage, then the canopy can be easily transported and stored, but the outer retractable units have insufficient strength and are prone to inward bending deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The top frame is divided into outer retractable units and inner retractable units, with the reinforcing rod unit providing additional segmented support. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain foldability while adding targeted reinforcement to specific vulnerable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy frame combines multiple material components including the reinforcing rod unit made of rigid material integrated with the retractable units. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for folding and the strength to prevent deformation during use.
2Reliability
If traditional screw connections are used to assemble the canopy components, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw connection mechanism with a hitch pin connection system. This substitution maintains secure mechanical connection through the hitch pin engaging with the hitch pin groove, while dramatically simplifying the assembly process to require only insertion and engagement without threading or tightening operations.
3Strength
If more reinforcing components are added to prevent deformation, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing rod unit is strategically positioned at critical locations where the outer retractable units connect to the center lock, providing localized reinforcement exactly where needed. This targeted approach strengthens the top frame without adding unnecessary components throughout the entire structure, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing rod unit serves multiple functions: it strengthens the outer retractable units, provides structural support during folding and unfolding, and maintains the geometric integrity of the top frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A canopy is provided, including at least three legs, a plurality of outer retractable units, a plurality of inner retractable units, a center lock and at least one reinforcing rod unit. The center lock is configured to lock the canopy in an unfolded state after locking, and allow the canopy to be folded into a folded state after unlocking, an inner end portion of each inner retractable unit is rotatably connected to the center lock. The reinforcing rod unit has an outer end portion and an inner end portion, the outer end portion of the reinforcing rod unit is rotatably connected to one of the plurality of outer retractable units, and the inner end portion of the reinforcing rod unit is rotatably connected to the center lock.