Tent Ceiling Louver With Worm Gear Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tents with fixed ceilings, whether made of cloth or metal, lack flexibility in adjusting sunlight and ventilation, leading to impaired ambiance and functionality, as they cannot be easily opened or closed to accommodate user preferences for sunlight exposure and ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A tent ceiling with a louver structure incorporating rotating louver blades, a worm gear assembly, and a draining system, allowing for adjustable sunlight control and easy installation/disassembly, featuring a unique aluminum design that prevents rainwater ingress and facilitates water drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed ceiling made of cloth or metal is used, then the tent structure is simple and durable, but the ability to adjust sunlight and ventilation is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of sunlight and ventilationVSAvoidceiling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling is divided into multiple independent louver blades that can be adjusted individually or collectively. Each blade is a separate component that can rotate independently around the ring beam, allowing flexible control of sunlight and ventilation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed ceiling is transformed into a dynamic structure where louver blades can rotate between open and closed positions. This dynamic capability allows the ceiling to adapt to different environmental conditions (sunlight control, ventilation needs) while using simple mechanical components like the worm gear assembly for actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a cloth ceiling is used, then the tent is lightweight and easy to assemble, but the ceiling material deteriorates over time affecting appearance and ambiance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveceiling durability and appearance retentionVSAvoidsunlight adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The static cloth ceiling is replaced with dynamic louver blades that can adjust their position. This allows the ceiling to maintain its aesthetic appearance (when closed) while providing functional adaptability (when opened for sunlight or ventilation), solving both durability and versatility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a metal ceiling is used, then the ceiling is durable and weather-resistant, but it cannot be opened to enjoy sunshine and ventilation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopenability for sunshine and ventilationVSAvoidceiling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solid metal ceiling is segmented into multiple adjustable louver blades. This segmentation allows portions of the ceiling to be opened while maintaining structural integrity, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex replacement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The worm gear assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual input and the louver blade rotation. This simple mechanical intermediary provides the necessary functionality (opening/closing) without introducing excessive complexity into the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If louver blades are made adjustable and removable, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and disassemblyVSAvoidconnecting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The louver blade assembly is segmented into independent components (blades, fasteners, connecting strips) that can be assembled and disassembled separately. This segmentation enables easy installation and maintenance while using simple connection mechanisms like snap-fit fasteners and basic connecting strips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 louver structure enables users to freely open and close the tent ceiling, enhancing sunlight enjoyment and ventilation while maintaining a beautiful appearance, with easy installation and maintenance, and a draining system that effectively manages rainwater.

Implementation Method 1

Said louver blades (1) can rotate with a certain degree to said ring beam (2) by an essentially perpendicular transmission of a rotation of a worm screw of the worm gear assembly (7) to a rotation of the worm shaft (7a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm gear mechanism: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentEP3757317B1Ceiling of a tent with a louver
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 ZHEJIANG YOTRIO GRP CO LTD
  • EP3757317B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3757317B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3757317B1 patent drawingFigure 9~11

AI summary

The invention relates to an opening and closing structure (louver) in the ceiling of a tent, comprising louver blades (1) located in a frame, wherein said louver blades (1) can be rotated by means of a worm mechanism relative to said frame and can be installed or disassembled at will.