Tent and Awning Split-Flap Zipper-Magnetic Closure for Weather Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional tent closures, such as zippers, are noisy and can allow water or wind ingress, while magnetic closures may not provide sufficient weather resistance.

Innovation Solution

A tent or awning door design featuring wings with split flaps, where one flap has a zipper and the other a magnet, allowing users to choose the closure type based on conditions, with complementary magnet patterns for enhanced weather resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a zipper closure is used, then the closure is effective for keeping insects out, but it creates noise when operated and may allow water or wind ingress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure effectivenessVSAvoidnoise and water/wind ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two separate flaps: a first flap with zipper closure means and a second flap with magnetic closure means. This segmentation allows each closure type to perform its specialized function - the zipper provides reliable insect exclusion while the magnet provides quiet, weather-resistant sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two different closure mechanisms (zipper and magnetic closure) into a single door assembly. The zipper closure and magnetic closure are integrated on opposite flaps of the same door, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both closure types to resolve the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a magnetic closure is used, then the closure is quiet and effective, but it may not provide sufficient weather resistance against strong wind or water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidweather resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two separate flaps: a first flap with zipper closure means and a second flap with magnetic closure means. This segmentation allows each closure type to perform its specialized function - the zipper provides reliable insect exclusion while the magnet provides quiet, weather-resistant sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two different closure mechanisms (zipper and magnetic closure) into a single door assembly. The zipper closure and magnetic closure are integrated on opposite flaps of the same door, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both closure types to resolve the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single closure type is used, then the design is simple, but it cannot adapt to different weather conditions and user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure system simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two separate flaps: a first flap with zipper closure means and a second flap with magnetic closure means. This segmentation allows each closure type to perform its specialized function - the zipper provides reliable insect exclusion while the magnet provides quiet, weather-resistant sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The door assembly is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both zipper and magnetic closure mechanisms. This allows the same door to adapt to different conditions - the zipper can be used for secure closure, the magnet for quiet operation, or both together for maximum weather resistance, without requiring multiple separate doors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Provides a quiet, weather-resistant closure that can be adapted to different conditions, ensuring effective sealing against wind and water ingress.

Implementation Method 1

wherein the first flap comprises a zipper or other closure means, such as snap closures or hook and loop fasteners, and wherein the second flap comprises a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3757319B1Tent or awning with combined zipper and magnetic closure
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 OASE OUTDOORS
  • EP3757319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3757319B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3757319B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tent or awning with combined zipper and magnetic closure. Each left and right wing of the door has a side part that is split into a first and a second flap. The first flap comprises a zipper or other closure means, such as snap closures or hook and loop fasteners, and the second flap comprises a magnet.