Pushrod Tent Frame with Telescopic Rod Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rooftop tents require inconvenient and time-consuming manual operation at multiple joints and fixing members for setup and takedown, and existing automatic systems have a long and risky traction rope path that can malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A pushrod-type tent frame with a simplified structure and enhanced stability, featuring a base, frame linkage, and controlling mechanism with telescopic rod-pushing mechanisms that shorten the path of the telescopic assembly and improve structural strength, allowing for easier expansion and retraction through a driving device connected to pivotal support sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional rooftop tent with multiple interconnected poles and joints is used, then the tent can be supported, but the setup and takedown process requires manual operation at each joint and fixing member, making it inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple poles into integrated support sets where poles are pivotally connected in sequence (first support pole, second support pole, third support pole) to form a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of independent joints and fixing members that need manual operation, allowing the entire support set to be deployed or retracted as a single unit through one operating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deploy the entire support set from a compact state to an extended state, and also retract it back. The mechanism handles both the structural support function and the deployment control function, eliminating the need for separate operations at each joint.
2Extent of automation
If an automatic tent frame with a long traction rope path is used, then the setup process is automated, but the exposed traction rope is highly risky to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic long traction rope from the system and replaces it with a compact operating mechanism. The new mechanism uses a rotating component (such as a crank or reel) that winds or unwinds a short cable or chain, eliminating the need for a long exposed rope that could malfunction. The automation is maintained through this more reliable mechanical approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical component (the rotating operating mechanism with cable or chain) that mediates between the user's manual input and the automatic deployment action. This intermediary converts a simple rotational motion into the linear motion needed to deploy the support sets, providing automation while avoiding the reliability issues of long exposed ropes.
3Productivity
If a telescopic rod assembly with a long path is used, then the tent frame can be expanded, but the structural strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic support sets that can transition between compact and extended states. The poles are pivotally connected to allow controlled movement and adjustment during deployment. This dynamic design enables the structure to achieve full expansion capability while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical movement rather than relying on a long, potentially weak telescopic rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the support structure into segmented poles connected by pivotal joints. Instead of using a single long telescopic rod, the structure is segmented into multiple shorter poles (first, second, and third support poles) that can be deployed in sequence. This segmentation maintains structural strength by using shorter, stiffer individual poles while still achieving the required expansion capability through their coordinated movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A pushrod-type tent frame includes a base, a frame linkage and a controlling mechanism. The frame linkage has two support sets arranged in parallel, each having a supporting pole, an upper supporting pole and a lower supporting pole pivotally connected in sequence. The supporting pole has an outer end pivotally connected to a front edge of the base, and the lower supporting pole has an outer end pivotally connected to a rear edge of the base. The controlling mechanism has two rod-pushing mechanisms pivotally connected to the two support sets, respectively. Each of the rod-pushing mechanisms has a driving device for driving a telescopic rod assembly to change its reach and thereby prop up or release the frame linkage, so as to expand the tent frame or allow the tent frame to be retracted.