Flexible Connecting Strip for Tent Gable Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of large tents with gabled ends is hazardous and time-consuming due to the need for assemblers to use ladders to zip together fabric panels at the peak of the tent, which increases risk and requires more time.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a flexible connecting strip that allows adjacent fabric panels to be connected from the ground, eliminating the need to access the peak of the tent, with the strip engaging keders and keder channels for easy sliding and remaining rigid enough to prevent buckling during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a zipper is used to secure the two gable panels together, then the panels can be connected in back-to-back relation, but assemblers must use a ladder to reach the peak of the gable, increasing danger and assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting strip is introduced as an intermediary component between the two gable panels. This strip engages with keder channels attached to the panels and can be manipulated from ground level, eliminating the need for assemblers to climb ladders to the peak while still securely connecting the panels together.
2Reliability
If a zipper is used to secure the two gable panels together, then the panels can be connected in back-to-back relation, but assembly time increases due to the need to lug around and use a ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting strip serves as a mediator that can be engaged and manipulated from ground level. The strip includes engagement portions that interface with keder channels on both panels, allowing assemblers to work from the ground rather than climbing ladders, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting strip is made flexible to allow ground-level assembly, then assemblers can remain on the ground, but the strip may buckle during sliding installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting strip exhibits different mechanical properties at different locations and under different conditions. It is flexible enough to be manipulated from ground level and conform to the installation geometry, yet sufficiently rigid to maintain structural integrity and prevent buckling during the sliding installation process along the keder channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A tent and method of assembling a tent is provided. The tent includes a connecting strip for connecting first and second panels of a fabric shell of the tent. The connecting strip slides axially along sides of the adjacent panels during assembly to connect them together. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting strip and sides of the connected panels utilize cooperating keder strips and keder channels to cooperatingly connect the two panels. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting strip is flexible to permit using connecting strips that are longer than the legs of the tent.