Pull-Down Locking Mechanism for Foldable Tent Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of folding and unfolding foldable tents is complex and requires multiple people due to the large size of the tent, making it inconvenient, especially when unlocking and locking the pull rod at multiple areas.
Innovation Solution
A pull-down type device that includes a movable element base, locking tongue supporting plate, symmetrically arranged locking tongues, and a pull rod, where the locking tongues are slidably positioned and biased by springs, allowing for unlocking by a down-pulling action, enabling easy disengagement of the pull rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional locking mechanisms are used for the pull rod in a foldable tent, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and requires multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking approach by using a pull-down action to unlock rather than requiring complex manual manipulation of multiple locking points. The movable element base with central column and slanted surfaces converts a simple downward pulling force into lateral movement that automatically disengages the locking tongues from the pull rod, achieving unlocking through inverted operational logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through the interaction of the central column slanted surfaces and the locking tongue slanted surfaces. When the movable element base is pulled down, the central column automatically pushes the locking tongues laterally outward through the slanted surface interaction, causing the locking latches to disengage from the pull rod without requiring additional manual intervention.
2Reliability
If multiple locking points are used to secure the large tent, then stability is improved, but the time required for folding and unfolding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tongues are pre-positioned in a ready-to-lock state, biased by springs to engage with the pull rod. The central column and slanted surfaces are pre-configured to automatically trigger the unlocking action when downward force is applied, eliminating the need for sequential manual unlocking at multiple points and significantly reducing the time required for folding and unfolding operations.
3Ease of operation
If a single person operates the large tent, then labor requirement is reduced, but the ability to manipulate the tent is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved slanted surfaces on both the central column and the locking tongues that convert vertical pulling force into lateral movement. This curved surface interaction provides mechanical advantage, allowing a single person to generate sufficient unlocking force through a simple pull-down motion on the movable element base, overcoming the limitation of insufficient manual manipulation force.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables straightforward and convenient operation for unlocking the pull rod with a single down-pulling action, simplifying the folding and unfolding process, which can be performed by one person.
Implementation Method 1
a locking latch on one lateral side of the locking body, and a vertical column on a bottom side of the locking tongue body; the vertical column passes through the locking tongue supporting plate; a locking tongue slanted surface is arranged at a bottom free end of the vertical column
Implementation Method 2
the movable element base and the movable element cap are connected via fasteners and springs
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-down type device, including a base, a supporting plate, two locking tongues slidably positioned on the supporting plate, a cap and a pull rod; the supporting plate is fixed to the cap; each locking tongue has a body, a latch, a vertical column, and a slanted surface at a bottom end of the vertical column; the latch passes through a reset spring abutting against an inner side of the cap; a column having a body and an accommodation space is provided at the center of the base; a protrusion of the pull rod is fitted in the space. The space has a diameter larger than the column; slanted surfaces are provided at outer surfaces of the space, slidably cooperating with the slanted surfaces of the vertical columns; the space is located beneath the body of the locking tongue. The pull rod can be unlocked by pulling down the base.