Tent Rod Linkage Structure with Muff-Coupled Locking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tents with foldable structures face issues of insufficient strength and rigidity in their beams, leading to instability and difficulties in transport and storage due to large packaging volumes, and existing splicing mechanisms require high manufacturing precision and are prone to defects.

Innovation Solution

A multiple rod linkage structure comprising muff-coupled rod pieces with locking elements that secure them together, providing greater strength and stability, and a stretchable stand column mechanism with a screw locking system for enhanced friction and compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If foldable structures are used for beams, then transport and assembly convenience is improved, but strength and rigidity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport and assembly convenienceVSAvoidbeam strength and rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is divided into multiple rod pieces that can be folded and assembled separately, improving transport convenience while maintaining structural integrity through the splicing mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rod pieces are designed to be nested within each other when folded, reducing packaging volume for transport while allowing assembly into a rigid structure when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If single rod pieces are used for beams, then strength is improved, but packaging volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam strengthVSAvoidpackaging volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is segmented into multiple rod pieces that can be folded and nested together, reducing packaging volume while maintaining the strength of individual rod pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic foldable structure, allowing it to compact into a smaller volume for transport while recovering its rigid strength-bearing form during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If vertical plug pin and vertical plug seat are used for splicing, then beam splicing is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam splicing capabilityVSAvoidplug pin and plug seat fit precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A locking element acts as an intermediary component between rod pieces, providing a standardized interface that simplifies manufacturing while ensuring precise alignment and connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism uses threaded fastening parameters to achieve precise positioning and secure connection, reducing the precision requirements for the rod pieces themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If vertical plug pin and vertical plug seat are used for splicing, then beam connection is achieved, but structural stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam connection capabilityVSAvoidtent frame stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element serves as a reliable intermediary that secures the connection between rod pieces, preventing deflection and ensuring the stability of the overall tent frame structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed in advance to compensate for potential fit clearances and prevent deflection of the plug pin, ensuring stable connection before assembly errors can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 multiple rod linkage structure enhances the stability and strength of tent components, reduces packaging volume, and simplifies installation and operation, while the stretchable stand column mechanism provides greater bearing capacity and stability with reduced packaging size.

Implementation Method 1

presses against another sidewall of the first rod piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

locking element is connected between the first rod piece and the second rod piece, movably passes through a sidewall of the second rod piece and a sidewall of the first rod piece from outside to inside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

is screw-thread fitted with a sidewall of the first rod piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS10689877B2Multiple rod linkage structure and tent with such multiple rod linkage structure

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 WITH U E COMMERCE SHANGHAI CO LTD

AI summary

A multiple rod linkage structure includes at least a first rod piece and a second rod piece which are muff-coupled. The first rod piece having a rod opening end sleeved within the second rod piece, and a rod strip opening being opened on a sidewall of the rod opening end. A locking element is connected between the first rod piece and the second rod piece, movably passes through a sidewall of the second rod piece and a sidewall of the first rod piece from outside to inside, is screw-thread fitted with a sidewall of the first rod piece, and then presses against another sidewall of the first rod piece. A tent uses the multiple rod linkage structure as a beam and/or a top rod.