Folding Item Hoop Structure Assistance Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible articles with hoop structures, such as tents, are difficult to fold and require multiple manipulations, making them unintuitive and time-consuming for unaccustomed users, especially when the manual is lost or damaged.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of folding assistance means, including gripping elements and guide elements, that facilitate the formation of sub-loops by bringing source points to target points along the loop, satisfying specific distance and axis conditions to simplify the folding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional folding manipulations are used to create sub-loops and superimpose them, then the article can be folded into a compact configuration, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming for unaccustomed users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking source points and target points on the loop structure, and pre-configuring gripping elements at specific locations. This allows users to immediately understand the folding process without needing to learn complex manipulations, as the critical points are already identified and marked for them
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including gripping elements that connect source points to target points, and guide elements that facilitate the folding motion. These intermediaries mediate between the user's simple pulling action and the complex folding process, making it intuitive while achieving compact configuration
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed manual instructions are provided for folding, then the folding process can be accurately performed, but the manual can be lost or damaged and is not always easy to use by a single person
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by embedding folding information directly into the article structure through permanent markings and integrated gripping elements. The article folds itself through its own structural features without requiring external manuals, eliminating the risk of loss or damage while maintaining folding accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual markings such as colored tags, contrasting colors, or fluorescent indicators to mark source points and target points. These visual cues provide intuitive folding guidance that is permanently attached to the article, eliminating dependence on separate manuals and making the folding process self-explanatory
3Reliability
If multiple manipulations are required to fold the article, then the loop can be properly folded into sub-loops, but the process takes a relatively long time to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loop into distinct sections by marking specific source points and target points along its length. This segmentation allows the loop to be folded into discrete sub-loops that can be superimposed efficiently, reducing the number of complex manipulations required while maintaining structural integrity through defined folding zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple folding operations into a single intuitive action by configuring gripping elements that connect opposite points on the loop. When the user pulls these gripping elements, multiple manipulations (creating sub-loops, positioning them, superimposing them) occur simultaneously or in sequence as one continuous motion, dramatically reducing folding time while preserving reliability
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 2D~3B
Figure 4(a)~5(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to an item comprising a hoop structure and to the method of folding it, the item being foldable between a deployed configuration for use and a circular folded storage configuration, which finds a particular application in items of the tent or shelter type. The hoop structure comprises at least one loop and is secured to a flexible covering. Folding-assistance means are provided, comprising at least one element for grasping which is attached to a first source point of the loop, or of the covering along the loop, so that by pulling, the first source point can be brought toward a first target point of the loop, or of the covering along the loop, so as to allow at least two subloops to be formed by twisting the loop. The first target and source points meet the following combined conditions: a - the distance, measured along the loop, between the first source point and the first target point is greater than or equal to 2.p.Rrupt, where Rrupt is the limiting radius of curvature of the loop, b - when the loop is in a substantially non-planar form with at least one main major axis and at least one main minor axis, the {first source point; first target point} pair lies neither on the main major axis nor on the main minor axis, c - when the loop is in a substantially planar oblong shape, with at least one main major axis, the {first source point; first target point} pair does not lie on the main major axis.