Tent Stake Assembly With Asymmetric Gripping Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tent stakes often rotate in the ground when used for anchoring tents, which can lead to instability and increased risk of dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A tent stake with a tapered end for easy penetration and a head with gripping elements that extend downwardly to engage the ground, preventing rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple tent stake design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stake rotates in the ground causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing gripping elements that extend downwardly from the head at asymmetric angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the stake. These gripping elements are positioned at different angles and orientations, creating an asymmetric configuration that prevents the stake from rotating in the ground while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple linear stake design to a three-dimensional structure by adding gripping elements that extend downwardly from the head at various angles. This dimensional addition creates multiple engagement points with the ground, preventing rotation without significantly increasing overall complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gripping elements are added to prevent rotation, then the stake stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stake is segmented into distinct functional components: a shaft for penetration, a head for striking and anchoring, and multiple gripping elements extending from the head. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are strategically positioned at the head portion of the stake where they provide maximum rotational resistance. This local concentration of anti-rotation features at the critical area (the head) prevents rotation without requiring complex structures along the entire length of the stake.
Data Source
AI summary
A tent stake assembly for securing a tent includes a tent stake that has a tapered end which tapers to a point to penetrate ground. A head is attached to the tent stake such that the head defines a striking surface which can be struck by a tool for driving the tent stake into the ground. The head is distally positioned with respect to the tapered end of the tent stake. The head has a plurality of gripping elements each extending downwardly from the head to engage the ground when the tent stake is driven into the ground. In this way the gripping elements inhibiting the tent stake from rotating in the ground.