Tent Pole Assembly Tension Line Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pop-up tent structures face difficulties in assembly, particularly for users who infrequently assemble them or in low light or adverse weather conditions, due to complex coupling mechanisms and potential jamming issues with pole sections.
Innovation Solution
A tent pole assembly featuring hollow, semi-rigid or elastic pole sections with a tension line and line centering components that facilitate smooth engagement and alignment of pole sections, utilizing spherical or elongated centering components and compression springs to ease assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple shorter pole sections are connected using two different coupling elements (male and female) with a connection line, then the pole assembly can be rapidly assembled by pulling the connection line, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function and connection function into a single coupling element design. The connection line passes through both pole sections, and a single coupling element at each end provides both the mechanical connection and the alignment function, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole assembly is divided into multiple shorter pole sections connected by connection lines, allowing the poles to be collapsed into a compact configuration for transport and rapidly assembled by pulling the connection lines. Each pole section is a separate, manageable component.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple shorter pole sections are connected using two different coupling elements, then the pole sections can be kept centered during assembly, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming due to manual manipulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed to automatically align and center the pole sections as they are being connected. The connection line passes through both sections, and the coupling elements self-adjust to maintain proper alignment without requiring manual intervention, allowing rapid assembly by simply pulling the connection line.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pole sections are connected with gaps between them, then the pole assembly allows for flexibility and collapse, but fabric or objects can get caught between sections causing jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection line acts as an intermediary element that passes through both pole sections, maintaining their relative positions and preventing fabric or objects from becoming trapped in the gap. The line keeps the sections properly spaced and aligned, eliminating the jamming problem while preserving the collapse capability.
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 simplifies the assembly process by ensuring smooth insertion of pole sections, reduces manufacturing complexity and cost, and prevents jamming, while allowing for rapid and reliable transition between assembled and unassembled states.
Implementation Method 1
A tension line passes through an interior cavity of each pole section, and is secured to the first end pole section. The tension line passes outside the second end pole section... Applying tension on the tension line (e.g. via pulling) may act to draw together the pole sections
Implementation Method 2
Springs may be provided within the pole connectors, which act to eject pole sections from pole connectors upon release of tension in the tension line
Data Source
AI summary
A tent pole assembly includes multiple pole segments with a tension line running through them. Line centering components, such as spherical components threaded on the tension line, are provided between adjacent pole sections. Pole sections also include pole connectors, into which or over which adjacent pole sections may be removably positioned. When tension is applied to the tension line, the line centering components facilitate smooth insertion of adjacent pole sections into or over the pole connectors. Springs within the pole connectors or within the pole sections may facilitate ejection of adjacent pole sections upon release of tension from the tension line.