Collapsible artificial tree
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible artificial Christmas trees face labor-intensive processes when transitioning limbs from a collapsed to a deployed orientation, as they require adjustable positioning of each limb.
Innovation Solution
The design features a collapsible artificial tree that inverts its main trunk from a deployed to a collapsed orientation, with pivotably attached limbs that adjust automatically, allowing for easy transition between configurations while maintaining light connectivity and using a base with a riser and wheels for support and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If limbs are pivotably attached to allow transition between collapsed and deployed orientations, then the tree can be stored in compact form, but the transition process becomes labor intensive requiring adjustable positioning of each limb
Solution Approach 1:
The limb positioning mechanism automatically adjusts limb orientation during the trunk inversion process without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the gravitational force and mechanical linkage inherent in the inversion motion to self-position the limbs from collapsed to deployed orientation, eliminating the need for labor-intensive adjustable positioning of each individual limb.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic mechanical linkages that automatically adjust limb angles as the trunk inverts. The limb positioning is not fixed but dynamically changes during the transition process, allowing limbs to move from a collapsed orientation parallel to the trunk to a deployed orientation perpendicular to the trunk through the inversion motion itself.
2Volume of moving object
If the tree is designed to be collapsible by inversion, then space requirements are reduced, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trunk serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as the inversion mechanism, and serves as the mounting structure for limbs. The base with riser also performs multiple roles including support, locking, and facilitating the inversion motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall mechanism complexity while achieving collapsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inversion of the trunk as the core mechanism for collapsing and deploying the tree. Instead of using complex expansion/contraction mechanisms, the design inverts the entire trunk structure to achieve compact storage and deployment, using a simple yet effective approach that reduces mechanism complexity.
3Productivity
If limbs are repositioned automatically during inversion, then labor requirements are reduced, but precision of limb positioning must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism incorporates pre-designed mechanical stops and positioning features that ensure limbs reach the correct deployed orientation during inversion. These pre-positioned elements cushion and guide the limb movement, ensuring precise positioning is achieved automatically without requiring manual adjustment, thereby maintaining both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system provides inherent feedback through the inversion process itself. As the trunk inverts, the linkage mechanism naturally guides the limbs to their correct positions, with the physical constraints of the mechanism ensuring proper orientation is achieved. This passive feedback system maintains positioning precision while enabling automatic operation.
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 quick and easy setup and storage of the tree, reducing labor and space requirements while ensuring lights remain connected throughout the transition, facilitating efficient deployment and storage.
Implementation Method 1
When in the deployed orientation the second end of the main trunk is above the first end. When in a collapsed orientation, the first end of the main trunk is above the second end.
Implementation Method 2
a base which provides a support which can hold the main trunk in the deployed orientation and which can also hold the main trunk in the collapsed configuration
Implementation Method 3
Limbs are pivotably attached to the main trunk between the first end and the second end. These limbs are pivotably attached so that the limbs can pivot between a first position when the main trunk is in the deployed orientation to a second position when the main trunk is in the collapsed orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
The artificial tree is collapsible by inverting a main trunk thereof to swap positions of a first end and second end. The limbs are pivotably attached to the main trunk so that they sag under force of gravity from a deployed more horizontally extending orientation to a collapsed more vertically extending orientation when the main trunk is inverted. A base is preferably provided which has wheels and static portions in contact with the ground for supporting the tree thereon. A riser extending up from the base is configured to have an end of the main trunk rest therein. A lock is also preferably provided to hold an end of the trunk within the riser of the base. A separate treetop portion is removably attachable to ends of the trunk to complete the tree when in a deployed configuration and for storage of the treetop when the tree is not collapsed.