Synchronized Four-Bar Linkages for Rapid Tent Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard tent designs require substantial setup time due to inefficiencies in structural deployment and packaging, particularly with scissor linkages that lack structural depth and lead to increased weight and inefficient packaging.

Innovation Solution

A system of synchronized four-bar linkages that transform into a structural truss in the extended state for optimal deployment and compact packaging, using shared common links and mechanical means like additional links or geared connections to ensure synchronized movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If scissor linkages are used for rapid deployment, then setup time is reduced, but structural depth becomes inefficient and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup timeVSAvoidstructure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into multiple four-bar linkages that can be segmented and reconfigured. Each linkage unit can operate independently yet synchronously, allowing the structure to deploy rapidly while maintaining efficient structural depth. The segmentation enables compact packaging while preserving structural integrity during deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic four-bar linkages that can transition between different configurations. The linkages are designed to change their structural depth dynamically during deployment, providing optimal depth characteristics at each stage of deployment rather than maintaining a fixed depth throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If scissor linkages are used for rapid deployment, then setup time is reduced, but structural depth varies widely causing structural inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment timeVSAvoidstructural depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple four-bar linkages are merged and synchronized to work together as a unified system. The linkages share common links and are coordinated through mechanical means to move simultaneously, ensuring consistent structural depth across the entire structure during deployment. This merging eliminates the wide variation in structural depth that occurs with individual scissor linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronized four-bar linkage system incorporates mechanical feedback mechanisms that ensure all linkages move in coordination. The shared common links and mechanical synchronization create a feedback system where the movement of one linkage influences and coordinates the movement of adjacent linkages, maintaining consistent structural depth throughout the deployment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If scissor linkages are used, then rapid transformation is achieved, but packaging efficiency decreases due to increased weight and structural inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidpackaging volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The four-bar linkage structure is designed to nest efficiently when retracted. The linkages are configured to fold and compact into a space-efficient arrangement, with components nesting within each other to minimize packaging volume. This nesting capability allows rapid deployment while maintaining compact dimensions for storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7644721B2Synchronized four-bar linkages

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 RAPID DEPLOYABLE SYST LLC

AI summary

A mechanism that is comprised of two or more four-bar linkages is shown. Each linkage shares a common link with each adjacent linkage and the movement of said two or more linkages is synchronized by mechanical means such that said mechanism may move between a collapsed and an extended state. Said mechanical means may be in the form of additional links or geared connections.