Rooftop Tent Folding Frame for Fast Setup and Canopy Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rooftop tents face challenges with static tent poles that increase the overall height, cause sagging and moisture buildup, and are difficult to set up, especially in harsh weather conditions, necessitating a more efficient and user-friendly deployment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A tent system with a folding mechanism featuring a frame system integrated within the canopy sleeves, allowing for manual or automatic deployment, self-tensioning, and easy expansion/collapse, along with a rain fly system that can be suspended above the canopy for weather protection and improved ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static tent poles are used to support the main tent canopy, then the canopy structure is maintained, but the overall height of the base increases and setup becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static tent poles with a dynamic folding mechanism that transitions between extended and retracted states. The folding mechanism includes movable panels and hinges that allow the base to collapse to a minimal height when closed and expand to provide structural support when deployed, eliminating the need for permanent vertical extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism employs nested panels where smaller panels are contained within larger ones during the closed state. When deployed, these nested panels unfold in a sequence to form the support structure, allowing the mechanism to achieve both compact storage and adequate support height without requiring the base to be permanently tall.
2Productivity
If static tent poles are inserted into various portions of the tent, then the canopy is supported, but the setup process becomes difficult and time-consuming especially during harsh weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is designed to self-deploy through a simple triggering action. When the user activates the mechanism, the nested panels automatically unfold and lock into position through their own mechanical geometry, eliminating the need for manual insertion of poles into multiple locations. The structure supports itself through the folding action alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are pre-configured in a nested arrangement during manufacturing with built-in hinge connections and locking features. This preliminary configuration ensures that during deployment, the panels simply need to be triggered into their extended positions rather than requiring complex assembly steps or precise manual positioning during setup.
3Reliability
If static tent poles are used, then the canopy structure is maintained, but the canopy cannot stretch which results in sagging and moisture buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism creates dynamic tension across the canopy fabric as the panels extend and lock into position. The mechanical action of unfolding the nested panels pulls the canopy taut, distributing tension evenly across the fabric surface. This prevents sagging and eliminates the stagnant air pockets where moisture would accumulate.
4Loss of time
If a folding mechanism is implemented for rapid deployment, then setup time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism divides the base into multiple independent nested panels, each capable of unfolding autonomously. This segmentation allows the structure to deploy through a series of simple, repetitive motions rather than requiring a complex single-action mechanism. Each panel follows the same folding pattern, simplifying the overall design through modularity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tent system includes a base, a canopy, and a frame system. The base is configured to mount to a vehicle. The frame system is coupled to the base and configured to expand and collapse the canopy. The frame system includes a frame member and a linkage. The frame member includes a support and a leg. The leg is configured to pivot about the support. The linkage is configured to apply a force to the frame member.