Rooftop Tent Frame Linkage for Fast Deployment and Lower Stored Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rooftop tents face challenges such as increased height due to static tent poles, difficulty in setup during harsh weather, sagging canopy, moisture buildup, and inefficient deployment, which affect setup time and overall functionality.
Innovation Solution
A tent system with a folding mechanism featuring a frame system integrated within the canopy sleeves, allowing for manual or automatic deployment, self-tensioning, and multiple configurations to enhance rigidity, reduce setup time, and minimize moisture, while providing a single interior frame system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If static tent poles are used to support the canopy, then the canopy structure is maintained, but the base height increases and setup becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static tent poles with a dynamic folding mechanism that transitions between extended and retracted states. The folding mechanism includes linkages that can be manually or automatically deployed, allowing the canopy to be supported during use while collapsing to minimize base height during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism employs nested linkages where components are contained within each other during retraction. The linkages fold into a compact configuration within the base structure, eliminating the need for external static poles and reducing overall base height.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple tent poles are inserted into the canopy, then the canopy is supported, but setup time increases and deployment becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate tent pole functions into a single integrated folding mechanism. The linkages are interconnected and move as a unified system, allowing the entire canopy support structure to be deployed or collapsed with a single action rather than requiring multiple separate pole insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism includes self-tensioning features where the linkages automatically tension the canopy fabric as they extend into their support position. This self-tensioning action eliminates the need for manual adjustment and ensures proper canopy support without requiring additional setup steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the canopy is stretched tightly, then sagging is reduced, but moisture buildup increases due to poor ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the canopy into multiple panels that are independently tensioned by the folding mechanism. This segmentation allows for controlled tension distribution across the canopy surface, maintaining structural stability while creating channels for air flow between panels to reduce moisture accumulation.
4Productivity
If a folding mechanism is implemented, then setup time decreases and base height reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offers an automatic deployment option that replaces complex manual mechanical operations with an automated system. This substitution reduces the operational complexity for the user while maintaining the benefits of the folding mechanism, allowing rapid deployment without requiring sophisticated manual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tent system includes a base, a canopy, and a frame system. The base is configured to mount to a vehicle. The frame system is coupled to the base and configured to expand and collapse the canopy. The frame system includes a first frame member, a second frame member, a third frame member, and a fourth frame member. The first frame member includes a first support and a first leg, the first leg configured to pivot about the first support. The second frame member includes a second support and a second leg, the second leg configured to pivot about the second support. The tent system can provide a folding mechanism to easily and efficiently open and close the canopy, increase an internal volume of the canopy, increase rigidity of the canopy, decrease setup time of the canopy, decrease a height of the base, and provide an automatic self-folding canopy.