Telescopic Tent Pole Locking Structure for Stable Intermediate Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tent poles limit the minimum storage size and portability due to their rigidity, and extending and collapsing telescopic tent poles can be cumbersome, especially in large tents.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic tent pole with a fixation device that allows adjustable blocking and release states, enabling intermediate positions to prevent collapse and facilitate intuitive extension, and a non-circular cross-section for stability and rotation prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If telescopic tent pole is extended to provide sufficient length for large tents, then the pole can support the canopy and provide interior space, but the pole becomes difficult to extend and collapse due to large length difference
Solution Approach 1:
The tent pole is divided into multiple pole elements (first pole element, second pole element, third pole element) that can be independently extended and collapsed. The fixation device is also segmented with separate blocking and release functions distributed along the pole elements, allowing staged extension rather than requiring full extension at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is configured to automatically enter blocking state at predetermined intermediate positions during extension. This preliminary blocking action prevents the pole from collapsing back before the user is ready, allowing safe partial extension without requiring full extension immediately. The biasing element pre-loads the fixation device to engage blocking positions automatically.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixation device is configured to prevent collapsing at intermediate state, then the tent pole remains stable for partial extension, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device uses a biasing element (spring) to automatically enter and maintain the blocking state without requiring active control or complex mechanisms. The biasing element self-regulates to engage blocking positions at predetermined locations during extension and retraction, providing automatic stabilization without user intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device transitions between blocking and release states dynamically based on the pole's extension position. The blocking state is not fixed but changes along the length of the pole elements, with different blocking positions available at different extension stages. This dynamic adaptability provides stability where needed while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Strength
If tent pole is made large and heavy to provide sufficient rigidity for large tents, then the pole can support the canopy weight, but the portability of the tent is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic pole elements are nested within each other when collapsed, with the second pole element inserted into the first, and the third pole element inserted into the second. This nesting arrangement allows the pole to be compact during storage and transport while providing full extension length when deployed, effectively reducing the weight and size burden without sacrificing supporting strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structure transitions from a compact nested configuration during storage to a fully extended rigid configuration during use. This dynamic transformation allows the same pole to satisfy both portability requirements (when collapsed) and strength requirements (when extended), eliminating the need to choose between weight and strength.
4Stability of the object's composition
If tent poles are extended fully before erecting the tent, then the canopy can be properly tensioned, but unwanted tensioning and jamming may occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device provides preliminary blocking at intermediate positions that prevent premature collapsing while allowing controlled extension. This preliminary stabilization allows the user to extend poles to appropriate lengths and attach the canopy without the risk of the poles collapsing back and causing unwanted tensioning or jamming during the erection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element in the fixation device automatically maintains the blocking state to prevent collapsing, eliminating the need for manual holding or complex tensioning control. This self-stabilizing feature allows the pole to maintain its extended position naturally during canopy attachment, preventing unwanted movements that could cause jamming.
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 tent pole provides a compact storage solution, easy erection with minimal manual intervention, and improved weather resistance by preventing unwanted tensioning and jamming, while maintaining structural stability.
Implementation Method 1
The fixation device may be configured to be biased towards its blocking state
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a telescopic tent pole extendable between an extended and collapsed state, in particular for a vehicle roof top tent. The tent pole includes a first pole element and a second pole element connected to each other and moveable relative to each other in an axial direction to extend or collapse the tent pole. The tent pole further includes a fixation device configured to be adjustable between a blocking state and a release state, with the fixation device biased towards its blocking state. The fixation device, in its blocking state, is configured to prevent collapsing of the tent pole in the extended state or at least one intermediate state of the tent pole. Alternatively, the fixation device, in its blocking state, is configured to permit further extending of the tent pole towards its extended state in the intermediate state of the tent pole.