Tent Pole Assembly Using Non-Elastic Cord and Push-Button Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastic cords in tent poles often break with repeated assembly and disassembly, leading to loss of segments and difficulty in maintaining the correct assembly order.
Innovation Solution
A non-elastic cord connects tent pole segments, secured by a push button spring clip mechanism to lock the segments in place, ensuring easy and correct assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elastic cord is used to connect pole segments, then the segments can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the elastic cord breaks with repeated assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the connecting element from elastic to non-elastic. The non-elastic cord with push button spring clip mechanism provides reliable, consistent connection without the degradation issues of elastic materials, while still allowing easy assembly and disassembly through the push button release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastic mechanical system with a non-elastic mechanical system. Instead of relying on elastic deformation and recovery, the connection uses a non-elastic cord combined with a push button spring clip mechanism that provides secure attachment through mechanical interlocking rather than elastic tension.
2Reliability
If a non-elastic cord is used to connect pole segments, then the connection is more reliable and prevents segment loss, but the assembly mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection function into two distinct components: the non-elastic cord for continuous connection and the push button spring clip mechanism for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall system relatively simple and intuitive to use.
3Ease of operation
If the first end segment fits over the adjacent pole segment, then the assembly is easy to construct, but the segments may become misaligned or lose correct positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The non-elastic cord running through the hollow interior of the pole segments provides continuous guidance and positioning as the segments are assembled. The cord ensures that segments maintain correct alignment throughout the assembly process, with the push button spring clip mechanism then locking the segments in their proper positions.
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 reliable assembly process for tent poles, preventing segment loss and ensuring correct alignment without the need for elastic cords, facilitating easy setup and teardown.
Implementation Method 1
a push button spring clip or push button mechanism to lock in place the assembled pole segments
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented tent pole set having a non-elastic cord connecting the pole segments, which allows the segments to be easily assembled to form the pole, always in the correct order. The pole set has pole segments including a first end segment and a second end segment; additional pole segments may be positioned therebetween. The second end segment is sized and shaped to fit over the adjacent pole segment, whether the first end segment or an additional pole segment; that is, the adjacent pole segment is received within the second end segment. A non-elastic cord connects the first end segment and the second end segment. The second end segment includes a push button spring clip and the adjacent pole segment includes a hole for receiving the push button. The pole segments can be expanded and collapsed, with the push button inhibiting collapse and the cord inhibiting overexpansion.