Telescopic Canopy Leg With Cam Lever Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional canopy structures with telescoping legs lack the ability to adjust height infinitely and securely fix the legs at desired positions, limiting their adaptability and stability under varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
The canopy structure incorporates telescoping support members with a locking mechanism that allows for infinite height adjustment and secure fixation of the legs through a lever-activated lock, applying a radial inward force to frictionally engage the legs, enabling them to be locked at any desired height within a range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping legs are used for height adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but stability and secure fixation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between two states: unlocked allowing telescopic movement for height adjustment, and locked providing rigid fixation. The cam lever dynamically changes the constraint condition on the telescoping legs, enabling both adaptability during adjustment and stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile geometry is designed to transform a small rotational movement of the lever into a large radial displacement of the locking surface. This parameter transformation allows the locking surface to move between engaged and disengaged positions, controlling whether the legs are fixed or movable.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to fix leg positions, then stability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the telescoping leg structure. The cam lever assembly is mounted on one leg and engages with the other leg, combining the locking function with the existing telescopic support members rather than adding separate external locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring additional tools or complex actuation systems. The lever itself serves as both the operating handle and the mechanical element that creates the locking engagement through its cam profile geometry.
3Ease of operation
If friction engagement is used for locking, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile utilizes curved surfaces that provide gradual engagement and disengagement of the locking action. The rounded cam surface allows smooth transition between locked and unlocked states, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining effective friction-based locking when engaged.
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
This solution provides a canopy structure that can be adjusted to any desired height and securely fixed, offering improved adaptability and stability by allowing the legs to be locked at any position within the available range, enhancing usability and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a friction member engageable with the cam portion of the locking lever, wherein the friction member is configured to apply a radial inward force received by an area of the second leg of the one of the plurality of support members when the locking lever is in the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a canopy structure includes a plurality of support members, each including a first leg and a second leg telescopically slideable within the first leg to infinitely adjust a height of the canopy structure. The canopy structure can include a plurality of eaves including scissor-jack members moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The canopy structure can include a plurality of locking members. The locking members can be coupled to the first legs. The locking members can be adjustable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking members can be configured to apply a radial inward force received by an area of the second legs when the locking members are in the locked position.