Foldable Tent Frame with Internal Rod Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable tents occupy a large space due to numerous exposed rods, making them cumbersome and aesthetically unappealing when folded.

Innovation Solution

A foldable tent design featuring a tent frame with detachable top rods, cross beams, and stand columns, where cross and branch rods are stored within branch tubes using binding elements, allowing only the branch tubes to be visible when folded, thus minimizing space occupation and enhancing aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional tent frames with many rods are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the occupied space after folding becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupied space after foldingVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by storing cross rods and branch rods inside the hollow interior cavities of branch tubes. The branch tubes serve as containers that hold the detached rods, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are placed within larger structural elements. This significantly reduces the volume occupied after folding while maintaining all necessary structural components for stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of structural support with storage by making the branch tubes serve dual purposes: as load-bearing structural elements and as storage containers for other rods. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed and minimizes the overall space required when the tent is folded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Shape

If multiple exposed rods are used in the tent frame, then structural support is adequate, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidstructural support
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the visual clutter of exposed rods by detaching and storing them inside the branch tubes. Only the branch tubes remain visible in the folded state, creating a clean and simple aesthetic appearance. The structural support function is preserved because the stored rods can be easily reattached when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating between visible and hidden components. The branch tubes maintain a sleek, uniform appearance as the only visible elements, while the stored rods remain concealed inside. This creates a visually appealing exterior while preserving all necessary structural elements for when the tent is deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If numerous rods are used for tent frame construction, then structural integrity is maintained, but the complexity of assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the branch tubes to serve multiple functions: providing structural support, acting as storage containers for other rods, and serving as connection points for the tent body. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-attaching the cross rods and branch rods to the branch tubes in a folded configuration. This allows the tent to be transported in a compact, pre-assembled state, reducing the complexity of assembly during deployment. The rods are positioned and secured in advance within the branch tubes, ready for quick installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11230857B2Foldable tent
Publication Date: 2022.01.25 WITH U E COMMERCE SHANGHAI CO LTD
  • US11230857B2 patent drawing
  • US11230857B2 patent drawing
  • US11230857B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foldable tent having a tent frame and tent cloth. The tent frame includes a top frame, cross beams, and stand columns connected below the top frame. The top frame includes top rods. Each top rod includes at least one branch rod. Each cross beam includes at least one cross rod. Each stand column includes at least one branch tube. There is a storage cavity within each branch tube. Each branch tube has at least one open end and is capable of storing at least one cross rod and/or at least one branch rod. The tent frame includes an unfolded state and a folded state. When the tent is in the folded state, the cross rods and the branch rods are stored in the storage cavities of the branch tubes.