Inside-Actuated Tent Ventilation Flap Without Flexible Frame Loops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tents require a flexible element of the frame to open ventilation flaps, limiting their applicability to specific tent structures and complicating operation.

Innovation Solution

A tent design with a ventilation flap operated by an actuation device inside the tent, using a rod and zipper mechanism that moves the flap between open and closed positions without requiring a flexible frame element, allowing operation from within the tent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible element of the frame is used to open the ventilation flap, then the flap can be opened automatically, but the tent structure becomes specific to certain tent types and requires loops in the frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic opening of flapVSAvoidapplicability to different tent structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the flexible element from the frame structure and relocates it inside the tent as a separate actuation mechanism. This allows the ventilation flap to be opened without requiring flexible loops in the frame, making the system compatible with various tent structures while maintaining automatic opening functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary rod mechanism that connects the actuation element inside the tent to the ventilation flap. This rod acts as a mediator to transmit the opening force without requiring direct connection to the frame's flexible elements, thereby resolving the conflict between automatic operation and structural versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the actuation element is located inside the tent, then the user can operate the flap from inside, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation from inside the tentVSAvoidactuation mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a flexible rod that can bend and articulate to connect the actuation element to the flap. This flexible connection simplifies the internal mechanism while enabling operation from inside the tent, as the rod can navigate the limited space without requiring complex joints or rigid structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the actuation mechanism outside pulling the flap open, the invention inverts the approach by placing the actuation element inside the tent that pushes or pulls the flap through the rod mechanism. This inversion simplifies user access while maintaining mechanical efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4575147B1Tent having a ventilation flap actuated from inside the tent

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 DECATHLON SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a tent comprising: a tent fabric (20) having at least one ventilation opening; a flap (34) connected to the tent fabric, the flap being movable between a ventilation position and a closed position; an actuating device (50) for moving the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating device comprising an actuating element movable in a direction of movement, the actuating device further comprising a rod which connects the actuating element to the flap, whereby movement of the actuating element in the direction of movement moves the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position.