Tent Frame Folding Mechanism Using Flat Support Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tents require larger and heavier frames to provide a larger shaded area, making them inconvenient to use and carry due to their increased size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A tent frame design featuring extension poles, first and second connectors, and supporting poles, where the extension poles are folded onto a flat surface of the supporting poles when folded, minimizing the frame's size, and incorporating auxiliary poles, side pole units, a hub, upper pole units, and a push-pull unit for efficient folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the tent frame is enlarged to provide a larger shaded area, then the shaded region increases, but the size and weight of the tent frame increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tent frame is divided into multiple supporting poles and extension poles that can be independently folded and stored. Each supporting pole has a flat surface portion that serves as a storage location for corresponding extension poles, segmenting the storage function across multiple components rather than requiring a single large storage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Extension poles are folded onto and stored on the flat surface portions of supporting poles during folding. This nesting arrangement allows smaller components (extension poles) to be stored on larger components (supporting poles), minimizing the overall folded size while maintaining the capability to expand to a large shaded area when unfolded.
2Area of stationary object
If the tent frame is enlarged to provide a larger shaded area, then the shaded region increases, but the portability of the tent frame decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into supporting poles with integrated flat surfaces that serve dual functions as structural elements and storage surfaces for extension poles. This segmentation allows the tent to be folded into a compact configuration that is easier to transport while maintaining the capability to expand to a large shaded area when set up.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension poles are nested onto the flat surfaces of supporting poles during folding, creating a compact nested configuration. This nesting minimizes the folded dimensions and weight distribution, making the tent more portable while still providing a large shaded area when unfolded and assembled.
3Area of stationary object
If more tent poles are added to increase the shaded area, then the shaded region increases, but the complexity of the tent frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flat surface portions of supporting poles serve multiple functions: they provide structural support as part of the tent frame and simultaneously serve as storage surfaces for extension poles during folding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate storage structures, simplifying the overall design while enabling a large shaded area through the use of multiple poles.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into supporting poles with integrated storage surfaces, allowing extension poles to be stored on these surfaces. This segmentation distributes the storage function across multiple components rather than requiring a centralized complex storage mechanism, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to provide a large shaded area.
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 design allows for a larger shaded area when unfolded while minimizing the tent frame's size when folded, reducing storage space and making the tent easier to use and carry.
Implementation Method 1
When the frame is folded, the respective extension pole is folded onto the first surface of the corresponding supporting pole, thereby minimizing a size of the tent frame when folded
Implementation Method 2
When the frame is folded, the respective extension pole is folded onto the first surface of the corresponding supporting pole
Implementation Method 3
the respective extension pole has an end pivotally connected to the second coupling member of the corresponding first connector
Data Source
AI summary
A tent frame includes extension poles, first connectors and supporting poles. For each respective extension pole, the corresponding first connector includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member facing away from a central axis of the tent frame. The corresponding supporting pole has an upper end connected to the first coupling member of the corresponding first connector and the respective extension pole has an end pivotally connected to the second coupling member of the corresponding first connector. At least a first portion of the corresponding supporting pole has a first surface that is substantially flat and faces away from the central axis of the tent frame. When the frame is folded, the respective extension pole is folded onto the first surface of the corresponding supporting pole, and thus minimizes a size of the tent frame when folded.