Tent Center Hub Solar Lighting Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tents lack integrated lighting solutions, requiring users to bring and mount external lighting apparatus, which is complicated and poses safety risks due to tangled wires, especially in outdoor settings.
Innovation Solution
A tent center hub with a solar energy conversion and storage mechanism that powers light beads on top rods, featuring a frame with a top seat and press ring to secure the mechanism at the tent's center, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and a USB charging port for cloudy days.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If external lighting apparatus is brought and mounted on the tent frame using metal wires, then lighting function is achieved, but the mounting procedures become complicated and safety risks increase due to tangled wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lighting apparatus directly into the tent center hub structure, merging the lighting function with the existing support framework. The light source is positioned within the hub assembly and directs light through the transparent or translucent tent fabric, eliminating the need for separate external lighting equipment and complex mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tent center hub is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, rain shielding, and integrated lighting. By incorporating the lighting apparatus into the hub, the same structural element performs both mechanical and illumination functions, reducing overall system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If external lighting apparatus is mounted on the tent frame, then lighting function is achieved, but the apparatus must be dismounted when the tent is unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting apparatus is merged with the tent center hub, which is an integral part of the tent structure. This integration ensures that the lighting system moves with the tent and requires no separate mounting or dismounting operations during tent assembly and disassembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the top seat is tightly connected to the frame, then structural stability is improved, but the tent covering fabric may be damaged due to lack of mounting space
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure employs different properties at different locations: the annular press ring provides localized compression force to secure the fabric, while the annular block ring provides a harder, more rigid stopping surface. This gradient of local properties allows the fabric to be held firmly without concentrated stress points that would cause damage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the press ring presses the tent covering fabric tightly against the frame, then rain shielding effect is improved, but the fabric may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The press ring is designed with a specific hardness and thickness that allows it to exert sufficient radial pressure to seal the fabric against the frame for rain protection, while the distributed nature of this pressure and the presence of the block ring prevent localized stress concentrations that would damage the fabric.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular block ring is positioned to make contact with the fabric before the press ring applies full compression force. This preliminary action creates a protective barrier that distributes the stress and prevents the press ring from directly damaging the fabric during the tightening process.
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
Provides a safe and convenient lighting solution within the tent, powered by solar energy, with easy assembly and disassembly, and ensures lighting functionality in various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the solar energy conversion and storage mechanism converts solar energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the press ring press the tent covering fabric tightly against the frame
Implementation Method 3
a gap exists along a longitudinal direction between a bottom side of the press ring and the frame
Implementation Method 4
Another purpose of this slanted configuration is to allow water to slide down so that water will not enter into the tent through the tent center hub
Implementation Method 5
the cavity inside of the top seat and the cavity inside the frame are in mutual communication with each other, wires can be extended to the cavity inside the top seat through the cavity inside the frame to achieve electrical conduction
Data Source
AI summary
A tent center hub, having a frame that hinges with top rods of the tent, also containing a top seat wherein a solar energy conversion and storage mechanism is mounted; a bottom side of the top seat is provided with an annular press ring protruded away from the top seat; a top side of the frame is provided with an annular block ring protruded away from the frame; the top seat is removably connected to the top side of the frame; a cavity inside the top seat and a cavity inside the frame are in mutual communication with each other; the block ring is disposed within an enclosure of the press ring; a gap exists along a longitudinal direction between a bottom side of the press ring and the frame. The tent center hub can provide lighting inside the tent.