Multi-point fixed attachment system for collapsible shelter stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional collapsible shelters face issues with insecure attachment of sidewalls and banners due to the use of straps like Velcro or rope, leading to sagging or disconnection, especially in windy conditions, and lack a system for attaching structures to the interior of the shelter.

Innovation Solution

A multi-point fixed attachment system featuring brackets with sockets and handles that receive fasteners, allowing secure attachment of structures to the center and corner points of the shelter's frame, including leg brackets and center brackets with multiple sockets and handles for improved stability and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If straps like Velcro or rope are used to attach sidewalls and banners, then the attachment system is simple and easy to implement, but the attachment becomes insecure leading to sagging or disconnection in windy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into multiple discrete attachment points distributed along the frame structure. Each bracket provides multiple sockets and handles that can independently secure different portions of sidewalls and banners, creating multiple secure anchor points rather than relying on a single continuous strap attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Brackets serve as intermediary components between the frame and the sidewalls/banners. These brackets with sockets and handles provide a mechanical interface that translates the frame structure into secure attachment points, mediating the connection between the structural frame and the attached elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If conventional strap attachment systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the attachment reliability deteriorates under wind loads causing sagging and disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidattachment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system divides the attachment function into multiple discrete brackets distributed along the frame. Each bracket is a self-contained unit with multiple sockets and handles, providing localized strong attachment points that collectively enhance overall attachment strength without requiring a single complex continuous attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system adds a dimensional aspect by providing multiple attachment points in space along the frame structure. Rather than a single-plane or linear attachment, the brackets are positioned at multiple locations and orientations, creating a three-dimensional distribution of attachment points that enhances strength against multi-directional wind loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3577290B1Multi-point fixed attachment system
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 CARTER
  • EP3577290B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3577290B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3577290B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A collapsible shelter is presented. The collapsible shelter includes a bracket. The bracket include a socket for receiving an end of a pole for supporting the collapsible shelter. The bracket also includes a handle for receiving a fastener. The collapsible shelter also includes multiple legs for supporting the collapsible shelter. The bracket is coupled to one of the multiple legs.