Louver Canopy Snap-Fit Mounting Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing louver tent assembly methods require high precision, are labor-intensive, and prone to hinge pin screw failure over time, leading to increased costs and reduced product durability.

Innovation Solution

A long louver canopy buckle structure featuring snap-fit mounting components, including louver board fixing seats and rotating parts with slots and back teeth, which simplify assembly and reduce material costs by eliminating the need for perforations and screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If louver boards are fixed by hinge pin screws and rivet nuts on the ring beam, then the louver boards can be securely mounted, but the assembly process requires high production precision and results in accumulated errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole spacing precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the mounting system into modular components: louver boards, connecting pieces (fixing seats), and the ring beam. Each component has standardized interfaces with slots and insertion portions that can be assembled independently without requiring precise hole alignment across the entire structure, thereby eliminating accumulated errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameter from fixed-point screw fastening to slot-based insertion fit. The slots provide adjustment range and tolerance accommodation, allowing components to be connected without requiring high precision hole spacing, thus resolving the accumulated error problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If rivet nuts are assembled on each hole and louver board rotating parts are assembled by hinge pin screws, then secure mounting is achieved, but the process is tedious and results in high labor cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated connecting piece (fixing seat) that simultaneously provides slot-based positioning, snap-fit connection via back teeth and grooves, and support for the louver board rotating part. This eliminates the need for separate rivet nuts and hinge pin screws, dramatically simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit connection mechanism with back teeth and grooves enables self-aligning and self-locking during assembly. The insertion portions fit into slots and the back teeth snap into grooves automatically, eliminating the need for manual screw fastening and reducing labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If hinge pin screws are used to mount louver board rotating parts, then the parts can be securely fixed, but the screws are at risk of falling off after the louver boards have rotated many times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection durabilityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the connecting piece with built-in wear compensation features. The slot-based connection allows for movement and adjustment that compensates for wear and stress accumulation over time. The snap-fit mechanism with elastic deformation capability absorbs stress cycles, preventing the connection failure that occurs with rigid screw fastening after repeated rotations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static screw fastening to a dynamic snap-fit connection that can accommodate movement and stress. The back teeth and grooves design allows for controlled movement and self-adjustment during operation, maintaining connection integrity over time whereas fixed screws become loose and fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3929374A1Long louver canopy mounting structure for a louver canopy
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 ZHEJIANG YOTRIO GRP CO LTD
  • EP3929374A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3929374A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3929374A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The utility model pertains to the field of outdoor supplies and specifically relates to a long louver canopy buckle structure for a louver tent. The long louver canopy buckle structure comprises a cross beam and louver boards fit and mounted on the cross beam by means of provided mounting components, the mounting components include louver board fixing seats and louver board rotating parts, one end of each louver board fixing seat is snap-fit with the cross beam and the other end is fit with a louver board rotating part in an articulated manner, and the louver board rotating part is snap-fit with a louver board. In the present utility model, the louver board fixing seats are snap-fit and assembled with the cross beam, which simplifies the assembly method of the louver boards, and reduces labor costs and material costs.