Folding Tent Central Self-Lock Mechanism Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional folding tents with central unlock structures are complex, costly to produce, and prone to wear, making them cumbersome and inefficient for deployment and storage.

Innovation Solution

A folding tent with a central self-lock structure featuring a telescopic lock rod assembly, self-lock unit, and disc assemblies that simplify the locking and unlocking mechanism, reducing production costs and improving stability through optimized design and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional single-point lock structure is used in the center tube, then the tent can be locked at a single point, but the structure becomes complicated, processing costs increase, and individual spare parts are prone to wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle point lockingVSAvoidlocking structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate modular components: lock rod assembly, self-lock unit, upper disc member, and lower disc assembly. This segmentation allows each part to be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the single-point locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted from the center tube and implemented through the telescopic lock rod assembly that extends outward. This separates the locking mechanism from the main tube structure, simplifying the center tube design and reducing processing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional single-point lock structure is used in the center tube, then the tent can be locked at a single point, but production processing costs become higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle point lockingVSAvoidprocessing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate modular components: lock rod assembly, self-lock unit, upper disc member, and lower disc assembly. This segmentation allows each part to be independently manufactured using simpler processes, reducing overall processing costs while maintaining the single-point locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a traditional single-point lock structure is used in the center tube, then the tent can be locked at a single point, but individual spare parts are prone to wear and tear during long-term use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle point lockingVSAvoidparts durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate modular components: lock rod assembly, self-lock unit, upper disc member, and lower disc assembly. This segmentation isolates wear to specific components like the self-lock unit's elastic member, making it easier to identify and replace worn parts without affecting the entire locking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic lock rod assembly provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the locking mechanism to adapt to wear and maintain reliable engagement through adjustable positioning rather than fixed rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If multiple people are required to complete folding storage or deployment, then the locking buckle on the leg pole can be secured, but the operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoiddeployment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The self-lock unit incorporates an elastic member that automatically engages with the lock rod assembly when the tent is deployed, providing automatic locking without requiring manual operation by multiple people. The mechanism self-secures through the elastic member's inherent spring force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual multi-person locking operation is replaced by a spring-based elastic member that automatically performs the locking function through mechanical energy storage and release, eliminating the need for coordinated manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10995514B2Folding tent with central self-lock structure

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 ZHEJIANG JIANSHENG LEISURE PRODUCTS CO LTD

AI summary

A folding tent with central self-lock structure comprises a plurality of tent leg tubes, a plurality of side cross units, a plurality of middle cross units and at least one central self-lock mechanism. The central self-lock mechanism is configured to be installed in cooperation with one end of the middle cross units. The central self-lock mechanism includes a lock rod assembly, a self-lock unit, an upper disc member and a lower disc assembly. When the folding tent is in an unfolded state, the self-lock unit and the lock rod assembly are locked, and a spacing between the upper disc member and the lower disc assembly is the smallest; when the folding tent is in a retracted state, the self-lock unit and the lock rod assembly are unlocked, the lock rod assembly is telescopic, and the spacing between the upper disc member and the lower disc assembly increases with the retraction.