Pickup Truck Bed Tent Frame for Fast Stake-Free Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Assembly of camping tents often requires significant time and expertise, and campers face challenges with uneven or unsuitable ground conditions, as well as environmental factors like water, insects, and animals, when setting up tents.
Innovation Solution
A tent apparatus designed for easy assembly and disassembly, featuring a frame that integrates with the tent body, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic erection and stowing, specifically configured for positioning in a pickup truck bed, providing a stable and predictable surface for camping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tent assembly methods are used, then the tent can be set up on various terrains, but the assembly requires significant time and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple support members that can be independently assembled and configured. Each support member can be separately attached to the tent body at specific coupling points, allowing for modular assembly that reduces complexity and time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed to be self-supporting once assembled, with the support members naturally stabilizing the tent body through their geometric arrangement and coupling mechanisms, reducing the need for continuous manual adjustment or expert intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional tent structure is used, then the tent can provide shelter, but it requires suitable ground conditions and stake insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tent body, creates a rigid platform that can serve as additional living space, and eliminates the need for ground stakes by self-supporting through its geometric configuration. This multi-functionality allows the tent to be used on various terrains including rocky, snowy, or uneven ground where traditional staking would be difficult
3Strength
If a frame structure is added to the tent body, then the tent provides rigidity and structural support, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and tent body are integrated into a unified structure where the support members are directly coupled to the tent body at specific coupling points. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces the number of discrete components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining structural rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-configured with support members positioned and oriented to provide optimal structural support. The coupling points on the tent body are pre-positioned to align with the frame components, allowing for quick connection without complex alignment procedures during assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A tent apparatus and method of manufacture are described herein. The tent apparatus may comprise a tent body, a frame, and/or other components. The tent body may include a first portion configured to be substantially enclosed within the bed of the pickup truck in an as-used mode of the tent apparatus, and a second portion that extends from the first portion such that the second portion is exposed to an environment above a bed of a pickup truck in the as-used mode. The frame may be integrally coupled to the tent body, and configured to articulate between a closed position and an open position. The frame may comprise a central hub coupled to the tent body at a central coupling point; and support members that extend from the central hub to coupling points on the tent body to integrate the frame with the tent body.