Tent Pole Connection Member With Segmented Elastic Cord
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tent pole connection systems are heavy due to extensive use of elastic rubber cords, lead to uneven cord tension and shortened lifespan, and are inconvenient to assemble and repair.
Innovation Solution
A connection member for tent poles using a minimal length of elastic cord only at the ends, with integrally formed insert members and a braided layer welded during injection molding, allowing for simplified assembly and independent cord tension management, and a detachable jig for precise fitting and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic rubber cords are used throughout the whole poles to bind individual poles, then the poles are connected securely, but the total weight of the poles becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into multiple independent connection members, each with its own elastic cord. Instead of using a single continuous rubber cord throughout all poles, each connection member is a separate unit that connects adjacent poles independently. This segmentation allows for weight reduction while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the elastic cord from the pole structure itself and places it only in the connection members where it is truly needed. By removing the continuous rubber cord that ran through the entire pole length and retaining elastic cords only in the connection points, the system achieves weight reduction while preserving essential connection functionality.
2Device complexity
If a single rubber cord is used to connect multiple poles, then the structure is simplified, but the elasticity varies depending on folding positions causing excessive tension in certain regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single continuous rubber cord into multiple separate elastic cords, each contained within its own connection member. This segmentation ensures that each elastic cord operates independently with consistent tension characteristics, regardless of the overall folding configuration of the pole assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies elastic cords locally at each connection point rather than using a uniform continuous cord throughout. This local application ensures that each connection member has consistent elastic properties and tension characteristics, preventing the uneven stress distribution that occurs with a single continuous cord in folded configurations.
3Reliability
If elastic rubber cords pass through the inside of poles to connect multiple poles, then the poles are securely bound, but the assembling process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assembly process by providing pre-assembled connection members that already contain the elastic cords. Instead of requiring workers to thread continuous rubber cords through multiple poles during assembly, each connection member arrives pre-configured with its elastic cord, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure pole binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the elastic cord installation in advance during connection member manufacturing. The elastic cords are pre-installed within the connection members before they are deployed to the final application, eliminating the need for complex cord threading operations during the pole assembly process.
4Device complexity
If a single continuous rubber cord connects all poles, then the structure is unified, but if the cord breaks, all poles must be taken for repair or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into multiple independent connection members, each with its own elastic cord. This segmentation means that if one elastic cord breaks, only that specific connection member needs to be replaced, not the entire pole assembly. This dramatically reduces repair scope and costs while maintaining the unified appearance and function of the complete pole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables selective replacement of individual connection members rather than requiring replacement of the entire continuous rubber cord system. When an elastic cord fails, only the affected connection member is discarded and replaced, while the remaining connection members and poles continue to function, optimizing resource utilization and reducing waste.
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 results in a lightweight tent pole system with reduced repair costs and extended cord lifespan, simplified assembly, and precise disassembly, preventing imbalance and user injury during handling.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic cord which includes opposite end parts respectively fixed to the pair of insert members while being inserted in the through hole of the connecting pipe body and provides elasticity so that the end parts of the pair of adjacent unit poles can be in contact with each other
Implementation Method 2
the braided layer is welded to an insert member while the insert member is molded, thereby preventing the insert member from being separated from the elastic cord
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a connection member for a tent pole, and a detachable jig of the same. The connection member for a tent pole, which connects unit poles of which opposite end parts are internally formed with insertion holes, the connection member including: a pair of insert members which are respectively fitted in and fixed to insertion holes at end parts of a pair of adjacent unit poles; a connecting pipe body which is formed with a through hole in a middle thereof to be arranged between the insert members and includes opposite end parts respectively inserted the insertion holes of the unit poles; and an elastic cord which includes opposite end parts respectively fixed to the pair of insert members while being inserted in the through hole of the connecting pipe body and provides elasticity so that the end parts of the pair of adjacent unit poles can be in contact with each other.