Folding Tent Hinge Connector With Mechanical Spring Seat Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge-type connectors for one-touch folding tents face issues with premature aging and material incompatibility leading to loosening of the spring seat, instability in the hinge structure, and potential deformation or damage due to wind or external impacts.
Innovation Solution
A hinge-type connector that fixes the spring seat without welding or bonding, using a stopper with a fastening groove and inclined surface to securely hold the spring seat, and incorporates a keyway and key structure to stabilize the connection between swing and fixed hinges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring seat is fixed to the frame member by welding or bonding, then the spring seat can be securely attached, but the connection ages prematurely and cracks due to material difference, causing the spring seat to become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding (thermal-chemical connection) and bonding (chemical connection) with a mechanical interference fit system. The stopper with inclined surface and fastening groove creates a purely mechanical connection that avoids material incompatibility issues of welding/bonding, eliminating premature aging and cracking while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the spring seat and frame member. It features an inclined surface that guides insertion and a fastening groove that locks the spring seat in place, providing a reliable mechanical transmission path without direct welding or bonding between incompatible materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive bonding is used to fix the spring seat, then attachment is achieved, but adhesion is difficult due to material difference and the spring seat loosens as adhesive ages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding with a mechanical interference fit system featuring a stopper with inclined surface and fastening groove. This mechanical system eliminates the difficulties of adhesive application and aging, providing both ease of manufacture through simple insertion and high reliability through positive mechanical locking.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring seat bottom is uneven or eccentric, then manufacturing tolerance is acceptable, but the lower end of the spring loses its center, causing the sleeve to wobble and engage unstably
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper with inclined surface and fastening groove serves as a precision intermediary that compensates for manufacturing tolerances. It provides a reliable reference surface that ensures the spring remains centered and the sleeve engages stably with the locking lug, eliminating wobble and instability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a strong wind or gust of wind comes from the side of the frame when the tent is unfolded, or if the frame is stepped on or caught by someone passing by the tent, the frame member may be twisted, causing hinge shaft compression and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cushioning structure within the hinge assembly that provides beforehand protection against wind and impact. This cushioning mechanism absorbs excessive forces before they can cause hinge shaft compression or deformation, allowing the frame to withstand external forces while maintaining structural integrity.
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 solution provides a stable and reliable connection that prevents hinge deformation and damage, ensuring the tent remains stable under various conditions, including strong winds and external impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the stopper with an inclined surface and a fastening groove... when the stopper is forcibly fitted through the lower end of the connection part, it is elastically pushed and bent downward as much as the difference with the outer diameter of the connection part, and is elastically contracted and locked
Implementation Method 2
a spring for pressing the sleeve in a direction to lock the fixed hinge... the sleeve for compressing a spring into the end of the frame member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided relates to a hinge-type connector for connecting one-touch folding tent frame members that comprise: at least 4 base frame members and at least 2 frame members on the free end of each base frame that is connected in a line by a hinge-type connector; a spring that presses the sleeve toward the locking direction of the fixed hinge and a spring seat for supporting the lower end of the spring.