Retractable Table Tent Structure for Insect and Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting outdoor food and objects from insects, rain, and wind are either bulky, difficult to set up, or lack ease of use, aesthetic appeal, and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A table tent with a waterproof and clear flexible roof, retractable sidewalls, and adjustable posts for easy setup and use, featuring a removable attachment system to secure the tent to a surface, with gutters to redirect precipitation and a design that allows visibility and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If large enclosed tents are used to cover dining areas, then protection from weather and insects is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulky structure and difficult setup
Solution Approach 1:
The large enclosed tent is segmented into multiple smaller table tents, each protecting an individual table. This reduces the complexity and bulk of each unit while maintaining protection effectiveness. Each table tent is a self-contained structure with its own roof, sidewalls, and attachment system, allowing independent deployment and easier setup compared to a single large tent.
Solution Approach 2:
The table tent employs dynamic, adjustable components including telescoping posts with multiple height positions and retractable sidewalls. The posts can be extended or retracted to adjust tent height, and sidewalls can be rolled up or down to control ventilation and access. This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt to different conditions without requiring complex assembly procedures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large enclosed tents are used to cover dining areas, then protection from weather and insects is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult setup
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the large tent into smaller table tent units, each unit requires less setup time and effort. The segmented design allows one or two people to assemble individual tents quickly without needing to coordinate multiple people for a large structure. Each table tent can be set up independently and then replicated across multiple tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The table tent incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features such as attachment systems that automatically engage with table surfaces, telescoping posts that lock into place without tools, and sidewalls that self-support when extended. These self-service mechanisms reduce the operational complexity and make setup intuitive, requiring minimal instruction or effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retractable sidewalls are used, then ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewalls are constructed from flexible, thin material that can be easily rolled up or down along guide rails or tracks. This flexible film approach provides the retractable function without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms. The sidewalls can be smoothly extended or retracted by simple pulling or rolling motions, maintaining low complexity while achieving high adaptability for different ventilation and access needs.
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
Provides effective protection from insects and weather while being easy to set up and aesthetically appealing, offering flexibility in use and compact storage.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment configured to removably attach one or more post to the surface upon which the table tent is resting
Implementation Method 2
a threaded member configured to impinge an opposite side of the surface from a post of a table tent
Implementation Method 3
a roof at least partially constructed of a waterproof and substantially clear flexible material
Implementation Method 4
at least one gutter is configured to at least partially redirect precipitation cascading from at least a portion of the roof
Implementation Method 5
at least one sidewall constructed of an open material, the one or more sidewalls extending vertically from the roof to a surface upon which the table tent is resting
Data Source
AI summary
A table tent includes a roof, posts connected to and supporting the roof, at least one sidewall around at least a portion of a perimeter of the table tent. The posts may be attached to a surface upon which the table tent rests. The sidewalls may extend vertically from the roof to the surface upon which the table tent is resting and may extend around the entire perimeter of the table tent. The sidewalls may be retractable such that at least a portion of the table tent is exposed when the sidewalls are in a retracted position.