Tent Pole Joint Strength via Nested Insert Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tent poles experience repetitive bending forces during assembly, leading to increased tensile stress at joint portions, which can cause cracks and damage due to the lack of adequate strength in existing coupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A tent pole design featuring a main pipe, an expanded pipe portion with an increased internal diameter, an inclined portion, and an insert connector that is bonded or press-fitted, providing additional support and distributing forces across a larger area to prevent cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a simple coupling mechanism is used to join tent poles, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the joint strength is insufficient leading to cracks and damage under bending forces
Solution Approach 1:
The insert connector is inserted inside the main pipe, creating a nested structure where the connector is housed within the pipe cavity. This nesting approach allows the coupling mechanism to be integrated within the existing pole structure rather than adding external components, thereby improving joint strength without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector extends in two directions: one portion is inserted into the main pipe while another portion protrudes from the pipe end. This dimensional extension allows the connector to span across the joint area and engage with both poles, distributing forces more effectively and increasing joint strength without requiring a completely complex multi-component system
2Strength
If the insert connector is deeply inserted into the main pipe to improve joint strength, then the resistance to cracking is improved, but the manufacturing precision required for proper fit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main pipe features a localized expanded pipe portion with a larger internal diameter at the insertion end. This local expansion creates a tapered receiving area that guides the connector during insertion and provides natural mechanical interference, ensuring proper insertion depth without requiring high-precision control throughout the entire manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The expanded pipe portion is pre-formed during manufacturing to create a tapered geometry that resists further insertion beyond the desired depth. This preliminary geometric constraint prevents over-insertion and ensures consistent positioning, reducing the need for post-assembly adjustments and lowering manufacturing precision requirements
3Reliability
If the insert connector protrudes from the main pipe to provide engagement with the second pole, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the exposed portion
Solution Approach 1:
The insert connector serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement within the main pipe, creates a mechanical engagement interface for the second pole, and distributes bending forces across the joint area. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate parts, thereby improving coupling reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The insert connector acts as an intermediary element that mediates the connection between the first and second poles. By providing a protruding engagement surface that interfaces with the second pole while being anchored in the first pole, it creates a reliable coupling mechanism without requiring complex multi-component assemblies or additional fastening hardware
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 design enhances the strength of the joint portion by distributing forces across a larger area, reducing the likelihood of cracks and damage, and improving the bending properties of the tent pole.
Implementation Method 1
The insert connector may be bond-coupled or forcibly press-fitted to the main pipe
Implementation Method 2
The insert connector may be bond-coupled or forcibly press-fitted to the main pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tent pole, and each of a first pole and a second pole forming a tent pole according to an aspect of the present invention includes a main pipe, an expanded pipe portion having an increased internal diameter from one end of the main pipe, an insert connector which is insertion-coupled to the other end of the main pipe and includes one portion exposed at an outside of the main pipe, the other end of the main pipe of the second pole is inserted into the expanded pipe portion of the first pole, and the insert connector of the second pole passes through the expanded pipe portion and is inserted into the main pipe of the first pole at a predetermined depth.