Tent Frame Rod Stability via Non-Stretching Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tent frames, particularly those for conical-shaped tents, struggle to withstand extremely strong winds due to insufficient stability, which can lead to structural instability and damage.
Innovation Solution
A tent frame design featuring non-stretching elements that interconnect every second rod in the circumferential direction, combined with rigid members to maintain rod positions, mimicking the stability of a bicycle wheel with overlapping spokes, effectively distributing wind and snow loads across the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional tent frame arrangements are used to interconnect rods, then the structure is relatively simple and easy to assemble, but the stability and ability to withstand strong winds is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangement is segmented into multiple independent components: non-stretching elements that form star patterns and rigid members that connect adjacent rods. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural stability against wind and snow loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-stretching elements are pre-configured in star patterns that internally pass through rods, creating predetermined stable geometric configurations. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when wind or snow applies strain to any rod, the force is already positioned to be distributed to all other rods through the pre-formed star geometry.
2Strength
If non-stretching elements interconnect every second rod in a star pattern, then wind and snow strains are distributed to all rods enhancing stability, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple non-stretching elements are merged to form complete star patterns that collectively interconnect all rods. The star patterns are positioned to internally pass through each rod, merging the strengthening effect across the entire structure. This combining approach achieves comprehensive strength enhancement while the modular star design keeps individual components manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tent frame for carrying a tent cloth comprises at least five rods (2) each configured to have one end (3) resting on a ground, to extend from that end divergingly towards a top (4) of a said tent and to carry a tent cloth bearing outside thereon, as well as an arrangement configured to interconnect said rod so as to hold them in a determined mutual position. This arrangement comprises non-stretching elements (8) interconnecting every second said rod in the circumferential direction of said frame as seen from above so that each said rod will be internally passed by a said element interconnecting the two adjacent rods on both sides thereof.