Rotatable Connector for Tent Support Pole Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tents face challenges such as time-consuming and physically demanding assembly due to independent support poles, instability, high manufacturing costs, and large size when folded, primarily due to complex structural requirements for integrated folding/unfolding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The use of rotatable connectors and connection sleeves with tapered openings and elastic ropes allows for easy assembly and disassembly of tent support poles, enhancing stability and reducing assembly time, while also minimizing material and labor costs by simplifying the folding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If independent and separate support poles are used, then the tent structure is simpler to manufacture, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support poles into an integrated support structure where poles are pre-connected through connectors and coupling mechanisms. This merging allows the tent to be set up as a single unit rather than assembling separate poles, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support poles and connectors are pre-assembled into integrated structures before reaching the user. The connectors are pre-positioned and the poles are pre-aligned, so that when the tent is deployed, the support structure is already configured and ready for immediate installation, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If independent and separate support poles are used, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the tent becomes unstable during setup
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple support poles into an integrated structure with interconnected connectors, the tent gains structural stability. The coupled poles support each other and distribute loads more effectively, preventing instability during setup while keeping manufacturing costs reasonable through the use of standardized connector components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or angled connector designs that allow support poles to meet at optimized angles, creating a more stable geometric structure. The curved connector surfaces distribute forces more evenly across the joint, enhancing stability without requiring expensive reinforcement materials.
3Device complexity
If through-holes for inserting supports are sewn into the tent fabric, then the tent structure is simpler, but the assembly process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as attachment clips, snap-fasteners, or magnetic connectors that mediate between the support poles and the tent fabric. These intermediaries eliminate the need for sewn through-holes while providing secure attachment, making assembly easier and more straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of sewn through-holes with alternative attachment mechanisms such as friction-fit connectors, snap-latches, or adhesive-mounted attachments. These substitutions eliminate the need for precise hole alignment and sewing, significantly reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If structural parts like connectors and extensible members are added for integrated folding/unfolding, then the tent can fold and unfold as a single unit, but the size of the tent when folded increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where support poles are telescopic or nested within each other, and connectors are designed to collapse or fold into compact forms. When the tent is folded, the support structure components nest within one another like dolls, minimizing the overall volume while maintaining integrated folding/unfolding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic, collapsible connectors and extensible members that can change their configuration between extended and retracted states. These components are designed to fold flat or collapse into compact shapes, allowing the tent to be folded as a single unit while keeping the folded size small through controlled deformation of the structural parts.
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
The solution enables quick and stable tent setup, reduces assembly time, and decreases material costs by simplifying the structural components needed for folding and unfolding, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective tent support system.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic rope, having each end connected to a corresponding hollow pole at a corresponding end of the tent support pole
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are tents and tent support frames. A tent support frame includes a rotatable connector and tent support poles. The rotatable connector includes first and second connectors configured to be coupled in a vertical direction with one above another, and rotatable with respect to each other. The first connector includes a first through-hole in a horizontal direction, and the second connector includes a second through-hole in the horizontal direction. Tent support poles include a first tent support pole configured to pass through the first through-hole of the first connector, and a second tent support pole configured to pass through the second through-hole of the second connector.