Tent Leg Fixation Structure with Stop Plate and Bosses

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tent support leg fixation structures are difficult to erect and disassemble, and are prone to unintentional dismantling during strong winds or when not securely secured.

Innovation Solution

A structure comprising a connection sleeve with a first groove and a hook that couples with the tent fabric, and a leg sleeve with a second groove and a cylinder, which engages the hook and a connection ring for secure anchoring to the ground, providing a stable and easy-to-assemble solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional P-shaped connection members are used to fix tent support legs, then the tent can be disassembled into component pieces, but the tent is difficult to erect and easily dismantled when legs are not firmly secured or under strong wind

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedisassemblabilityVSAvoidease of erection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is divided into separate components: a connection sleeve that fits over the support leg bottom end, a leg sleeve with engagement features, and a stop plate mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, improving ease of erection while maintaining disassemblability through the modular nature of the segmented connection system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection sleeve is inserted into the leg sleeve, creating a nested configuration where the connection sleeve encompasses the bottom end portion of the support leg and extends into the leg sleeve. This nested arrangement provides secure fixation while allowing the entire assembly to be disassembled by simply pulling the nested components apart

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional connection members directly lock tent legs into frame legs, then structural stability is improved, but the structure becomes difficult to erect and disassemble and easily becomes unintentionally dismantled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure employs a dynamic stop plate mechanism that can be easily moved between engaged and disengaged positions. The stop plate engages with the first groove to lock the connection sleeve in place during use, providing structural stability, but can be quickly released by applying force to move the stop plate, simplifying disassembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The first groove acts as an intermediary feature between the connection sleeve and stop plate, providing a mechanical interface that enables easy engagement and disengagement. The groove guides the stop plate into position and maintains the locked state during use, while allowing quick release when needed, thus reducing assembly complexity without compromising stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If tent support legs are not firmly secured, then assembly is easier, but the tent is easily dismantled when subjected to wind or improper securing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidresistance to dismantling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stop plate is pre-positioned to engage with the first groove, creating a preliminary locking action that prevents the connection sleeve from being pulled out during use. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the forces that would otherwise cause unintentional dismantling under wind load or improper securing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The bosses on the connection sleeve are pre-configured to engage with the first groove, establishing a preliminary mechanical interlock before final assembly completion. This preliminary action ensures that once the stop plate is engaged, the connection is immediately secure and resistant to dismantling forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10208504B2Structure for fixing tent support legs
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 XIAMEN INNOVATION METAL PRODUCING
  • US10208504B2 patent drawing
  • US10208504B2 patent drawing
  • US10208504B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A structure for fixing tent support legs comprise a connection sleeve which encompasses a bottom end portion of a support leg, and a leg sleeve provided with a first groove. The structure also includes a hook comprising a first end coupled with a tent fabric and a second end engaged and coupled with the leg sleeve. The first groove is configured to engage and couple the connection sleeve internally. The first groove is formed in such a way that a first opening at a first end of the first groove comprises a stop plate which locks the connection sleeve into the first groove. Moreover, the periphery of the connection sleeve comprises a plurality of bosses configured to engage the first groove, and a top portion of the bosses engage a bottom of the stop plate thereby coupling the connection sleeve to the leg sleeve.