Collapsible Cone Tree with Folding Leg Mechanism for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial Christmas trees with large, cumbersome stands pose storage challenges in smaller spaces due to their size and complexity, making it difficult to store them during the off-season.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cone tree design featuring a mast, base plate, legs, struts, and a support member that can be easily collapsed and expanded, with a locking mechanism to stabilize the tree in both states, allowing for compact storage and easy setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large circular base stand is used for stability, then the tree is stable, but the storage space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base stand is segmented into multiple legs that can be folded relative to the mast. Each leg is a separate component that pivots at the base, allowing the overall footprint to be reduced when folded while maintaining stability when extended. This segmentation enables the transition from a large circular base to a compact folded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The base stand transitions from a static large circular base to a dynamic folded structure. The legs are designed to be movable, pivoting at the base plate to achieve a compact folded state for storage and extending to a wide stance for stability during use. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to satisfy both storage and stability requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If the stand is made collapsible for easy storage, then storage space is reduced, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible mechanism is achieved through segmentation into modular components (mast, base plate, legs, struts) connected by simple pivotal joints. Each segment is relatively simple in design, and the overall complexity is managed by the straightforward articulation between segments rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs and struts are designed to fold against the mast in a nested configuration when collapsed. The smaller components fold along the larger components, creating a compact nested structure that minimizes storage space while avoiding the need for complex disassembly mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the legs are extended wide for stability, then the tree is stable, but the space required for storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed with dynamic folding capability, allowing them to transition from a wide extended stance that provides stability to a compact folded configuration for storage. The pivotal joints enable the legs to be positioned at optimal angles for stability when in use and folded flat against the mast when stored, dramatically reducing the required storage volume.
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 collapsible design enables efficient storage and easy setup of the tree, maintaining stability and aesthetics with a wide stance and low profile when open, while minimizing space requirements when collapsed.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member can include a biased button mounted in the mast and a cooperating opening in the sleeve such that when in the open state, the button extends into the opening.
Implementation Method 2
The LED light strings can be attached to the legs' free ends by biasing elements, such as coil springs.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible cone tree includes a mast, a base plate mounted to an end of the mast and a plurality of legs, each having a first end pivotally mounted to the base plate and a free end, a plurality of struts, each having a first end pivotally mounted to a respective one of the legs intermediate the first end and the free end. A support member is slidably positioned on the mast, and the second end of each strut is pivotally mounted to the support member. The support member is moved away from the base plate to collapse the legs toward the mast to a closed state, and is moved toward the base plate to open the legs away from the mast to an open state. Flexible stringers, such as LED light strings extend between the legs' free ends and a top of the mast.