Variable Transition Sections in Tent Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pole and frame tents with rectangular footprints are inadequate for covering irregularly shaped areas, as they require multiple tents, which are costly, time-consuming to set up, and can obstruct views and allow leaks between separate tents.

Innovation Solution

A tent system with variable transition sections that allow different widths and heights to be connected under a single flexible roof, enabling a non-rectangular shape that conforms better to irregular surfaces with reduced obstructions and leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple rectangular tents are used to cover irregularly shaped areas, then coverage is achieved, but cost increases, setup time increases, and leaks between tents occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidnumber of tents

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tent system is divided into multiple modular sections (first tent section, second tent section, etc.) that can be connected together. Each section has standardized components including borders, support members, and flexible walls, allowing them to be assembled in different configurations to cover irregularly shaped areas while reducing the total number of separate tent structures needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tent sections are designed with universal, standardized components that can be used across different sections. The flexible walls, borders, and support members are configured to work together in various arrangements, enabling the same basic module to serve multiple functions and cover different area shapes without requiring specialized tents for each configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple separate tents are used, then coverage is achieved, but setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple tent sections are merged into a unified tent system through connecting structures. The flexible walls and borders of adjacent sections are configured to join together, creating a continuous covered area that functions as a single integrated structure rather than separate tents, thereby reducing overall setup time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple separate tents are used, then coverage is achieved, but leaks between tents occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidleak prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tent uses flexible walls made of continuous material that can adapt to the connecting structures between sections. These flexible membranes create seamless transitions between tent sections, preventing water and wind penetration at the joints where rigid connections might fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Area of stationary object

If multiple separate tents are used, then coverage is achieved, but views are obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidview obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10738501B2Pole tent and frame tent systems with variable transition sections

Publication Date: 2020.08.11 FREDS TENTS & CANOPIES INC

AI summary

A tent system including a first tent section having a first transition border. The first transition border is configured to receive a first support member at a first transition height. The first transition border has a first transition width. A first transition section is defined by the first transition border and a second transition border. The second transition border is configured to receive a second support member at a second transition height. The second transition border has a second transition width that is less than the first transition width. A flexible roof is configured to cover the first tent section and the first transition section. The flexible roof is configured to be supported by at least the first support member and second support member. The flexible roof is configured to cover the tent system.