Spring-Biased Latch Mechanism for Rapid Tent Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible fabric-covered structures, such as tents, face challenges with complex and time-consuming assembly and disassembly processes due to multiple separate pieces, which complicates their deployment and storage.
Innovation Solution
A folding tent frame system featuring leg elements with a spring-biased latch mechanism and arch brackets that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling rapid deployment and secure attachment of a flexible tent body, with self-resetting lock mechanisms for efficient setup and teardown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pieces are used for the frame, then the structure can be collapsible and portable, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate frame pieces into integrated assemblies with pre-attached components. The arch brackets have latches pre-mounted, and legs have feet and latches integrated, reducing the number of separate pieces handlers must manage during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latches automatically engage with the arch brackets when legs are inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The system serves itself by automatically securing components in place through the spring-loaded latch mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pieces are used for the frame, then the structure can be collapsible and portable, but the deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latches are pre-positioned on the arch brackets and legs are pre-configured with feet and latch mechanisms. This preliminary arrangement of components allows for rapid deployment without requiring handlers to search for or manually position each component during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latches automatically engage with the arch brackets when legs are inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. This self-securing mechanism dramatically reduces the time required to complete assembly compared to manual locking procedures.
3Ease of operation
If simple frame designs are used, then assembly is easier and faster, but the structure may not provide sufficient stability in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The arch brackets use curved, tapered surfaces instead of flat surfaces. These curved surfaces provide larger contact areas and better load distribution, enhancing structural stability while maintaining simple assembly through the tapered wedge-shaped insertion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latches automatically engage with the arch brackets when legs are inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. This self-securing mechanism provides reliable stabilization without adding operational complexity.
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 system simplifies the assembly and disassembly of collapsible structures by using a sliding leg element and arch bracket design, reducing setup time and improving ease of use, especially in adverse conditions like high winds.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased latch element for securing the outer sliding leg element at selected vertical locations on the inner leg element
Data Source
AI summary
A purlin connection assembly including a purlin, a frame segment and a spring. The purlin has a protrusion that is receivable in a first end of a slot of the frame segment. The purlin is slidable to a smaller second end of the frame segment. Locking engagement is achieved in a direction parallel to the frame segment by a pair of push buttons projecting from the frame segment that flank the purlin when in the second end, and in a direction perpendicular to the frame segment by constraining of a flared head of the protrusion in an interior of the frame segment when in the second end. The push buttons are part of a spring compressingly disposed in the interior of the frame segment, wherein the first button and the second button are biased to extend outwardly through button holes of the frame segment.