Multi-functional Curtain Merging Tarp and Tent Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camping tarps and tents require separate carrying and pitching, leading to increased weight, volume, and complexity, making them inconvenient for outdoor activities such as short-term travel and lightweight hiking.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional curtain that can be pitched to form either a camping tarp or a tent, featuring a flysheet with symmetric outer tent curtain portions and an inner tent with a detachable tent bottom, allowing for easy conversion between uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate camping tarp and tent products are carried and used, then both shelter and closed cavity functions are provided, but weight and volume of equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a camping tarp and a tent into a single multi-functional curtain product. The curtain includes a flysheet body portion, inner tent portions, and outer tent curtain portions that can be configured to form either an open tarp structure or a closed tent cavity, eliminating the need to carry separate products and reducing total equipment weight
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional curtain is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve as an open shelter tarp, as a closed tent cavity, and can be configured in various intermediate states. The detachable inner tent portions and adjustable outer curtain portions allow the same product to adapt to different shelter requirements, providing universal functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate camping tarp and tent products are carried and used, then both shelter and closed cavity functions are provided, but volume of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tarp and tent into a single integrated curtain structure with detachable components. The inner tent portions can be detached from the flysheet body, allowing the components to be packed more efficiently and reducing the overall volume required to carry both products
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain is divided into separable segments including the flysheet body portion, inner tent portions, and outer tent curtain portions. This segmentation allows the components to be stored in a more compact configuration when not in use, reducing equipment volume while maintaining full functionality when assembled
3Adaptability or versatility
If tent product is pitched with additional struts to develop roof function, then closed cavity is achieved, but shelter area and ventilation effect are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, adjustable outer tent curtain portions that can be positioned to either enclose the inner tent cavity or be opened to maximize shelter area and ventilation. The detachable connections allow the structure to transition between enclosed and open configurations based on weather conditions and user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the inner tent portions from the outer curtain portions allows independent configuration of each component. The inner tent can be fully enclosed for maximum shelter area, or the outer curtains can be opened to create ventilation pathways, providing flexible control over both enclosure and airflow
4Adaptability or versatility
If tent product uses additional struts and components to achieve closed cavity, then shelter function is improved, but pitching becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the inner tent and outer curtain into a single unified structure with detachable connections, eliminating the need for separate struts, poles, and components. The multi-functional curtain uses a simplified attachment system that reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the ability to form a closed cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable inner tent portions and adjustable outer curtain portions provide universal functionality that can create a closed cavity when needed, while also allowing for simplified pitching operations. The same components serve both enclosure and ventilation functions without requiring additional specialized parts
5Adaptability or versatility
If two products of camping tarp and tent are carried and used, then functional requirements are met, but pitching difficulty and storage time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the tarp and tent into a single multi-functional curtain product, the patent eliminates the time required to pitch and store two separate products. The integrated design allows users to pitch one structure that provides both tarp and tent functions, significantly reducing pitching time and storage requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional curtain includes an flysheet and an inner tent. The flysheet includes a body portion and two outer tent curtain portions arranged symmetrically. The inner tent includes a tent bottom and an inner tent curtain portion, where a tent curtain rim of the inner tent curtain portion is respectively connected to the tent bottom and the body portion. The tent bottom has a first inner tent rim detachably connected to the body portion, the tent bottom, the inner tent curtain portion and the body portion enclose an inner cavity after the first inner tent rim being separated from the body portion. The flysheet is formed with a plurality of corners. At least one of the corners is a connection corner of the body portion with two of the outer tent curtain portions, and a first inner tent rim of the tent bottom is detachably connected with the connection corner.