Tent Joint Structure with Limiting Groove for Single-Handed Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tent joint structures require multiple experienced individuals to pitch or unpitch a tent due to complex processes, making it difficult for individuals to fold or unfold tent rods synchronously.

Innovation Solution

A joint structure comprising a first assembly with an annular wall and limiting groove, a second assembly with a limiting protrusion, and a controlling button that allows for easy folding and unfolding by enabling single-handed operation, simplifying the process of pitching or unpitching a tent independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional securing pins are used to connect joints, then the connection is reliable, but the operation process becomes complicated and requires multiple experienced people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the securing function from the traditional pin mechanism and integrates it into the joint structure itself. The limiting protrusion on the rod is automatically constrained by the limiting groove in the joint body, eliminating the need for separate securing pins and their complex manipulation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint structure performs self-securing through the limiting protrusion and limiting groove mechanism. When the rod is inserted into the joint, the limiting protrusion automatically engages with the limiting groove, providing self-alignment and self-securing without requiring user intervention for pin insertion or rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple securing pins are used to ensure stable connection, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidjoint structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the securing function, positioning function, and connection function into a single integrated joint structure. The limiting groove simultaneously provides securing, positioning, and guiding functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting groove structure serves multiple functions: it secures the rod, positions it radially, guides its insertion, and prevents over-rotation. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall joint structure while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If traditional pin mechanisms are used for joint connection, then the structural strength is maintained, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the joint into distinct functional elements: the joint body with limiting groove, and the rod with limiting protrusion. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simpler processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining joint strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3276105B1Joint structure
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 SPORTSMAN
  • EP3276105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3276105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3276105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A joint structure has a first main body (11), a positioning pin (13), a second main body (21), and a controlling button (30). The first main body (11) forms with an annular wall (112) and a limiting groove (113), and the annular wall (112) forms an engaging passage (116). The positioning pin (13) is mounted in the first main body (11). The second main body (21) has a limiting protrusion (212) and is rotatably mounted on the first main body (11). The controlling button (30) is mounted on the second main body (21) and forms a positioning groove (31) and an engaging block (32) corresponding to the engaging passage (116). The positioning pin (13) can abut the positioning groove (31). With the cooperation of the positioning groove (31) and the positioning pin (13), the joint structure can be folded or unfolded easily.