Tent Folding Reserved Space for External Support Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tents with external support structures face issues during folding, as the longer leg tubes exceed the elastic extension range of the fabric, causing the tarpaulin to block the folding process and potentially leading to fabric bursting due to insufficient folding space.
Innovation Solution
A tent design with a top-middle connecting piece and first connecting sheet forming a folding reserved space, allowing the support rods to be retracted inward when folding, preventing tarpaulin obstruction and fabric damage, while maintaining the tarpaulin shape with elastic reverse positioning of support rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support rods are arranged outside the tarpaulin to maintain aesthetic appearance and avoid occupying interior space, then the tent interior aesthetics and usable space are improved, but the leg tube length increases beyond the elastic extension range of the fabric, causing folding obstruction and potential fabric bursting
Solution Approach 1:
A folding reserved space is preliminarily formed above the tent top by the first connecting sheet enclosing the top-middle connecting piece and the central breach. This reserved space is prepared in advance to accommodate the support rods during folding, preventing fabric bursting and enabling smooth folding operation without requiring the fabric to stretch beyond its elastic limit.
2Area of stationary object
If the leg tubes are made longer to achieve the same opening size with external support structure, then the tent opening area is maintained, but the folding process is obstructed as the leg tubes exceed the elastic extension range of the fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The folding reserved space utilizes the vertical dimension above the tent top to provide additional folding room. By enclosing the top-middle connecting piece and central breach with the first connecting sheet, a three-dimensional space is created that allows the long leg tubes to fold downward without obstructing the tarpaulin, solving the folding obstruction problem caused by extended leg tube length.
3Device complexity
If the support frame is located inside the tent to simplify structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the support frame occupies interior space and affects aesthetics during use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the support frame inside the tent as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the arrangement by locating the support frame outside the tarpaulin. The top-middle connecting piece and support rods are positioned externally, with the first connecting sheet enclosing them above the tent top. This inversion resolves the contradiction by preventing interior space occupation and aesthetic degradation while maintaining structural simplicity through the external configuration.
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
Enables smooth folding of the tent without blocking the tarpaulin, preventing fabric damage and ensuring the tent can be used normally by providing additional folding space and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the tent's interior.
Implementation Method 1
a shape of a tarpaulin is maintained by elastically reverse positioning of the support rods
Data Source
AI summary
A tent is formed from a tarpaulin and support rods that form an external support structure. The support rods are radially connected to a top-middle connecting piece in the center of the top of the tent to form a tent ceiling. The tent ceiling is supported and maintains its shape by elastically reverse positioning of at least three support rods. The tarpaulin has a breach formed in the center. The top-middle connecting piece is connected with the tarpaulin on the top surface of the tent through a first connecting sheet. The first connecting sheet encloses the top-middle connecting piece and the breach at the center of the top of the tent to form a folding reserved space. The folding reserved space makes up the difference between the length of the support rods and the length of the fabric of the tent ceiling.