Modular Tent Purlin Connection with Self-Aligning Cylindrical Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular structures of the marquee or tent type face difficulties in assembly due to instability and breakage during the attachment of purlins to gantries, requiring precise alignment and manual manipulation, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The modular structure incorporates purlins with cylindrical elements and U-shaped members that cooperate with profiled parts on the gantries, featuring an insertion ramp and guided means for easier assembly, allowing for secure attachment and reduced risk of breakage, with the male part having a varying diameter to facilitate engagement with the female part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple hook-forming elements are used on purlins, then manufacturing is easier and cost is reduced, but assembly stability decreases and breakage occurs during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The purlin connection system is segmented into distinct functional elements: a hook-forming element at one end for engaging gantry members, and a cylindrical element at the other end for engaging profiled tubes. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The gantries are pre-assembled with receiving members (slots and tubes) before purlin installation. The cylindrical elements are designed with diameters that facilitate preliminary engagement - with an external diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the tube for secure fitting, and smaller at the opposite end for easier insertion. This preliminary preparation of receiving structures enables stable assembly without requiring complex manipulation during the connection process.
2Device complexity
If hook-forming elements are used to attach purlins to gantries, then device complexity is reduced, but assembly precision requirements increase and manipulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical element acts as an intermediary component between the purlin and the gantry's profiled tube. Its diameter is designed to be substantially equal to the internal diameter of the tube, creating a near-perfect fit that serves as a self-aligning mechanism. This intermediary element eliminates the need for precise manual alignment by the fitter, as the geometry itself guides the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical element's diameter varies along its length - with one end having an external diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the receiving tube for secure engagement, and the opposite end having a smaller diameter for easier insertion. This parameter variation enables both easy assembly and secure connection without requiring high precision manipulation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If purlins are assembled on vertically erected gantries at arm's length, then structure stability is maintained during assembly, but assembly time increases and操作 difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The cylindrical element's diameter matches the internal diameter of the profiled tube, creating a self-correcting connection that does not require precise manual alignment. The hook-forming element automatically engages with the receiving slot when the purlin is positioned. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manipulation at arm's length, enabling faster assembly while maintaining stability.
4Device complexity
If simple receiving slots are used on gantries, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of element breakage during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gantries are pre-equipped with receiving members - slots for hook engagement and profiled tubes for cylindrical element engagement - before purlin installation. These receiving structures are designed with dimensions that match the purlin elements, creating a secure fit that prevents breakage during assembly. The profiled tube's internal diameter being substantially equal to the cylindrical element's external diameter ensures proper support and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled tube on the gantry serves as an intermediary receiving structure for the cylindrical element. Its dimensions are specifically designed to match the cylindrical element, providing a secure fit that distributes loads evenly and prevents stress concentration that could lead to breakage. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall device while enhancing reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The structure has two gates each comprising vertical posts (2) that are connected by cross-pieces. A male part (6) is cooperated with a female part (7). The male part comprises cylindrical elements (6a, 6e) arranged between two protruding elements. The cylindrical elements have outer diameter that is equal to inner diameter of an inner tube at an end of a breakdown tip (5). The outer diameter of the cylindrical elements is less than diameter of a tube of the female part at an opposite end of the tip.