Tent Support Element Curvature via External Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tent structures require significant manual effort to achieve desired curvature and tension, especially when erected or dismantled, and are not suitable for hanging use due to disruptive tension belts within the tent interior.
Innovation Solution
A tent design featuring a support element connected to a prestressing device that maintains curvature without manual intervention, using a deflection device between two attachment points to apply longitudinal tension, and incorporating flexible elastic elements for stabilization, allowing for quick erection and compact packing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional support structures with multiple attachment points are used, then the tent achieves stable curvature, but the erection process requires significant manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is pre-formed with the desired curved shape before erection. This preliminary shaping allows the element to self-stabilize into the correct curvature when tensioned between two attachment points, eliminating the need for manual curvature adjustment during erection and significantly reducing setup time while maintaining stable curvature
2Shape
If tension straps are used to tension the support elements, then the desired curvature is achieved, but the tension straps disruptively cross the interior of the tent
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning function is extracted from the tent interior and relocated to the exterior. The patent uses external anchoring points and routing paths that guide the tensioning forces around the outside of the tent structure, allowing the support elements to achieve and maintain their curved shape without any tension straps or cables crossing through the interior living space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external anchor points and routing mechanisms as intermediaries between the support elements and the ground. These intermediaries transmit the necessary tensioning forces to maintain support element curvature while remaining hidden outside the tent interior, thus achieving the desired shape without interior disruption
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple support elements are used to achieve stable structure, then the tent maintains its shape, but the packing size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into discrete, modular support elements that can be independently packed. Each element is designed to be compact when stored but provides full structural function when deployed. This segmentation allows the tent to achieve stable structure with fewer, more efficiently packed components compared to continuous or interconnected support systems
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed with dynamic properties that allow them to transition from a compact stored state to a fully functional curved support state. The elements can flex and adapt during erection, transforming from flat-packed configurations into their three-dimensional arched shapes, maximizing structural efficiency while minimizing pack volume
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
Enables rapid and efficient tent erection with maintained curvature, improved ventilation, and compact storage, while allowing for hanging use without interior disruption, enhancing usability and ease of setup.
Implementation Method 1
at least one supporting element (4, 5) has connected to it a flexible elastic erection element (10), in particular an elastic band
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tent (1) comprising a tent skin (3), at least one elongated support element (4, 5) for supporting the tent skin (3) in a tensioned state of the tent (1), and a deflection device (6) which is configured for connection with two securing points (7, 8) and with the at least one support element (4, 5) and for transmitting a longitudinal tension, applied to the deflection device (6) between the securing points (7, 8), as transverse tension to the support element (4, 5) in order to curve the support element (4, 5), wherein the at least one support element (4, 5) is connected to a pre-tensioning device (19) which maintains the support element (4, 5) in a pre-tensioned and curved state independent of the tension of the deflection device (6).