Christmas Tree Stand Inserts for Non-Penetrating Trunk Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Christmas tree stands are difficult to deploy and can damage the tree due to the need for set screws to penetrate the trunk for stability, leading to potential injuries and premature tree deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A Christmas tree stand with concentric cylinders and a locking mechanism that allows legs to rotate from a retracted to a deployed position, using removable inserts with varying inner diameters and tree retention devices to secure the tree without penetrating, and a locking mechanism to stabilize the stand in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If set screws are used to secure the tree to the stand, then the tree can be held in place, but the tree trunk is damaged and requires penetration
Solution Approach 1:
An insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the set screw and the tree trunk. The insert receives the penetrating set screw while providing a non-penetrating interface with the tree through friction engagement, thus mediating between the need for secure attachment and the need to preserve tree integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The tree holding function is segmented into two separate mechanisms: (1) the set screw penetrates the insert to provide secure anchoring to the stand, and (2) the insert's outer surface frictionally engages the tree trunk without penetration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without causing damage
2Stability of the object's composition
If set screws are extended to lock the base in deployed position, then the stand is stable, but the operation becomes complex and requires tree insertion before locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to enable preliminary action in a specific sequence: first the base is rotated to the deployed position, then the locking mechanism is engaged to secure it. This preliminary positioning before final locking simplifies the operation by separating the positioning and securing actions into distinct, manageable steps
3Force
If set screws are used to support larger trees, then greater support force is achieved, but hand strength requirements increase and tree damage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The insert serves as a force-distributing intermediary that receives the concentrated force from the set screw and distributes it through friction along its outer surface contact with the tree. This allows greater support force to be achieved without increasing penetration depth or requiring excessive hand strength for screw insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a dynamic element where the set screw can be rotated to adjust the clamping force on the insert, which in turn adjusts the frictional force on the tree trunk. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different tree sizes and weights without requiring excessive initial force
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 easy and secure deployment of Christmas trees without damaging them, providing stability and preventing injuries during setup, and allowing the stand to support trees of varying sizes with minimal user effort.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of tree retention devices disposed on an inner surface of the insert and configured to frictionally engage an outer surface of a Christmas tree
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.