Collapsible Cone Tree with Segmented Folding Base for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial Christmas trees with large circular stands require significant storage space due to their large and cumbersome design, making them impractical for smaller homes and apartments.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cone tree design featuring a mast, base plate, pivotally mounted legs, struts, and a support member that can be slid along the mast to collapse and expand the tree, allowing for easy storage and setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large circular stand is used to provide stability for the artificial tree, then the stability is improved, but the storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into multiple collapsible legs that can be folded together, transforming a large circular base into a compact bundled structure for storage while maintaining the large base area when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The stand transitions from a static large circular base to a dynamic collapsible structure that can change its configuration between deployed (stable) and stored (compact) states through movable joints and folding mechanisms
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light strings are incorporated into the tree, then the visual appeal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light strings are combined and integrated into the tree structure, with lights embedded within the branches and cones, creating a unified appearance while managing the complexity through systematic integration rather than separate components
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 provides a stable and space-efficient solution for artificial Christmas trees, allowing for easy storage and setup while maintaining a large base area for stability and the ability to incorporate multiple light strings.
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
Implementation Method 3
Each leg has a first end pivotally mounted to the base plate and an opposite free end, and each strut has a first end pivotally mounted to a respective one of the plurality of legs
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible cone tree has a mast having a top and a base and a plurality of legs mounted to the base. The legs are foldable upwardly toward the mast to a storage position and pivotable to unfolded state. The legs cab lock in the unfolded state. Each leg has a free end. A plurality of first flexible stringers extend between the legs' free ends and the top of the mast and a plurality of additional flexible stringers extend from between respective ones of adjacent legs to the top of the mast.