Portable Shelter Pole Locking Structure for Wind and Snow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable shelters, such as hub blinds and tents, tend to collapse when left out for extended periods due to wind or snow, lacking sufficient durability and stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of telescopically movable pole structures with spring-biasing mechanisms and locking mechanisms to maintain rigidity, combined with flexible and rigid portions, allows for adjustable tension and support, preventing collapse in adverse weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional portable shelters use flexible support poles with central hub structure, then the shelters are easy to set up and portable, but they collapse when left out for extended periods due to wind or snow
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structures incorporate telescoping sections that can dynamically adjust between extended and retracted positions, allowing the shelter to adapt to different conditions. The poles transition from a static flexible state to a dynamically adjustable structure that can extend for stability or retract for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the pole structures by introducing adjustable length through telescoping mechanisms. The poles can change their effective length and rigidity parameters, transitioning from short flexible poles during setup to extended rigid poles for weather resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If portable shelters are designed for temporary use with simple structures, then they are easy to manufacture and portable, but they lack durability for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structures are segmented into multiple telescoping sections rather than being single rigid pieces. This segmentation allows the poles to maintain manufacturing simplicity while providing extended durability, as the segmented structure can better absorb stress and remains easier to transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping pole sections are nested within each other, with smaller sections inside larger ones. This nesting principle allows the poles to compact for easy manufacturing and transport while extending to full length for durable, long-term outdoor use, effectively combining simplicity with extended duration.
3Strength
If the pole structures are made rigid to resist wind and snow, then structural integrity is maintained, but the shelters become difficult to transport and set up
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structures incorporate telescoping sections that can dynamically adjust between extended and retracted positions, allowing the shelter to adapt to different conditions. The poles transition from a static flexible state to a dynamically adjustable structure that can extend for stability or retract for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the pole structures by introducing adjustable length through telescoping mechanisms. The poles can change their effective length and rigidity parameters, transitioning from short flexible poles during setup to extended rigid poles for weather resistance.
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 provides sturdy and durable shelters that resist collapse over extended periods, maintaining structural integrity under various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biasing mechanism configured to bias one pole portion away from the other, tending to extend the pole structure along its length
Data Source
AI summary
A portable shelter includes a frame structure with a plurality of pole structures. In some embodiments, a pole structure includes telescopically movable pole portions and a spring-biasing mechanism configured to bias one pole portion away from the other. In some embodiments, a center hub structure of the portable shelter includes a locking mechanism for engaging one of the pole portions to interfere with telescopic movement of the pole structure. In some embodiments, a pole structure includes a flexible portion attached to a first rigid portion, and a second rigid portion that is movable relative to the first rigid portion. The second rigid portion is pivotable or telescopically movable between a first position in which the second rigid portion overlaps the first rigid portion such that the flexible portion is free to flex, and a second position in which the second rigid portion overlaps and restrains the flexible portion.