Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bases for erecting objects like umbrellas and Christmas trees lack flexibility and convenience in use, particularly in terms of stability and ease of transportation, as they require direct insertion of ballast weights and often compromise on weather resistance and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A base design featuring a radially arranged receiving position for a removable ballast weight with a raised transport surface, allowing gravity-assisted movement and secure positioning, combined with a two-part structure for weather protection and easy assembly, and adaptable holding inserts for various objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the receiving position is arranged radially to the outside, then the tilting moment and stability of the base are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for raised regions and transport surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The transport surface is designed with a curved, conical frustum shape that guides the ballast weight from the infeed region to the radially outer receiving position. This curved geometry enables gravity-assisted movement while achieving the desired radial placement for optimal stability without complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised region and transport surface are designed to automatically guide the ballast weight into the receiving position using gravity and the object's own weight, eliminating the need for external assistance or complex positioning mechanisms. The ballast weight self-positions itself as it moves down the transport surface.
2Ease of operation
If a transport surface is introduced to facilitate ballast weight insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The transport surface utilizes a conical frustum geometry with a specific angle (5°-30°) that enables the ballast weight to slide or roll under gravity from the infeed region to the receiving position. This curved surface design simplifies the insertion operation while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport surface acts as an intermediary element between the infeed region and the receiving position, facilitating the movement of the ballast weight. This intermediate structure enables easy insertion operations by providing a gravity-assisted path without requiring direct placement into the receiving position.
3Ease of manufacture
If the base is designed as a two-part structure with top and bottom elements, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into a top element and a bottom element that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each part, simplified manufacturing processes, and easier assembly/disassembly operations while maintaining the overall structural integrity and weather protection functionality.
4Force
If the receiving position is arranged radially to the outside, then the tilting moment is increased, but the weight of the base increases due to the extended radial structure
Solution Approach 1:
The conical frustum transport surface enables the ballast weight to be positioned radially outward to maximize the tilting moment while the curved geometry efficiently channels the weight, minimizing the need for additional structural support material and reducing overall base weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised region is designed to pre-position the ballast weight on the transport surface at an optimal angle, ensuring that the weight contributes maximally to the tilting moment from the beginning of its movement, thereby reducing the need for excessive base structure to compensate for suboptimal weight positioning.
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
The base provides enhanced stability through efficient ballast weight placement, ease of use, and adaptability for different objects, while allowing for convenient transportation by separating the base and ballast weight.
Implementation Method 1
the ballast weight moves across the transport surface into the receiving position under gravity after being inserted
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a base comprising a holding device for holding an object that is to be erected, the base having a receiving region for receiving a removable ballast weight in a receiving position. The receiving position lies radially outwards and starting from the receiving position, at least some sections of the base have a raised region arranged radially inwards in the direction of the periphery.