Water-Filled Tent Pole Anchor Prevents Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tent pole anchoring systems face instability on various surfaces, particularly on asphalt, due to the tendency of water-filled barrels to tip over and leak, and stakes that loosen with wind, causing damage and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A stackable barrel member with a cover and internal chamber for filling with liquid, featuring a drain for easy emptying, a V-groove for securing the tent pole, and a strap attachment at the bottom to enhance stability and prevent tipping, allowing for secure anchoring without surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a water-filled barrel is used to anchor a tent pole, then the barrel provides significant weight for anchoring, but the barrel easily tips over and leaks when wind blows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from attaching the tether at the top of the barrel (vertical dimension) to attaching it at the bottom (horizontal dimension relative to the center of gravity). This dimensional change in attachment position creates a stabilizing moment that prevents tipping, while maintaining the anchoring weight function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the tether attachment at the bottom of the barrel to counteract the tipping moment caused by wind. This pre-configured opposing force prevents the harmful effect of tipping before it occurs, rather than reacting after the barrel has already tipped.
2Force
If stakes are driven into the ground to hold tent poles, then the stakes provide anchoring force, but they loosen with wind gusts on various ground textures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the water-filled barrel as a counterweight to provide anchoring force, replacing the ground-penetration stakes. The weight of the water (typically 5-10 gallons) creates sufficient friction and downward force to prevent the anchor from being pulled out by wind loads, while avoiding the loosening problem of stakes on sandy or loose surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the tether is attached to the top of the barrel, then the barrel can be secured to the pole, but it forms a mechanical disadvantage that promotes tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional attachment arrangement by moving the tether attachment point from the top of the barrel to the bottom. This inversion changes the mechanical advantage relationship, creating a stabilizing moment arm that resists tipping rather than promoting it, while still allowing secure attachment to the tent pole.
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 secure anchoring system that prevents barrel tipping and surface damage, allowing for easy setup and dismantling of tents on diverse surfaces, with improved weight distribution and reduced risk of leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The barrel member and cover together form an internal chamber that is to be filled with a liquid, preferably water, so as to provide a significant weight for anchoring the barrel member
Data Source
AI summary
A tent pole anchor apparatus that includes a barrel member and a cover disposed on the barrel member. The barrel member and cover together form an internal chamber that is filled with water so as to provide a significant weight for anchoring the barrel member. The barrel member has at least one drain to enable liquid to be removed from the barrel member. At least one of the barrel member and cover has a passage for receiving an adjustment strap that interconnects the barrel member with the tent pole.