Collapsible Tree Limb Supports for Fast Assembly and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial tree systems are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, often leading to lost parts and requiring frequent replacement, as they involve complex and time-consuming assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible tree system with limb supports that automatically pivot from a low-profile to an in-use position when the central support is extended or collapsed, utilizing tethers to maintain spacing and nesting cups to secure limbs in a compact state, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by extending or retracting the central support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional artificial tree assembly methods are used, then the tree structure can be stable and complete, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The limbs are pre-positioned in a nested configuration within the limb supports during manufacturing. The nesting cups are pre-formed to receive the proximal ends of limbs in a stowed position. This preliminary arrangement allows the tree to be assembled simply by extending the central support, eliminating the need for complex manual assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automatic limb positioning mechanisms where limbs automatically pivot from a low-profile stowed position to an in-use position when the central support is extended. The tethers and nesting cups work together to self-position the limbs without requiring manual intervention, making the assembly process self-service and dramatically reducing assembly time.
2Reliability
If traditional artificial tree storage methods are used, then all parts can be stored, but parts may become lost and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The limbs are nested within the limb supports in a compact configuration during storage and transport. Each limb's proximal end is received within a nesting cup formed in the limb support, creating a nested doll-like structure. This nesting arrangement ensures all parts remain contained together, preventing loss while maintaining a simple overall structure that doesn't increase assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the storage function with the structural components themselves. The limb supports serve dual purposes: they provide structural support when extended and serve as storage containers for the limbs when collapsed. The tethers connect the limb supports to the central support, merging the support structure with the retention mechanism, eliminating the need for separate storage containers or complex retention systems.
3Ease of operation
If the central support is extended to an extended state, then the limbs automatically pivot to an in-use position, but the tethers must flex to permit this movement
Solution Approach 1:
The tethers are constructed from flexible elongated members such as strings or cables that can bend and flex as needed. This flexibility allows the tethers to accommodate the relative movement between limb supports and the central support during extension and collapse, permitting automatic limb positioning without requiring complex rigid mechanical linkages or adjustment mechanisms.
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 a fully assembled and disassembled artificial tree system with simplified setup and teardown, reducing the risk of lost parts and allowing for compact storage and transportation, while maintaining a visually appealing conical shape.
Implementation Method 1
the tethers may flex out of the way of the limbs to permit the limbs to pivotally seat within an adjacent nesting cup
Implementation Method 2
When no forcible contact is present between an adjacent limb support and limb, gravitational forces may permit the limbs to freely pivot to the in-use position
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a collapsible tree system having limbs which automatically pivot from a low-profile position while the tree is in a collapsed state to an in-use position when the tree is in an extended state. In an illustrative example, the system may include limb supports movably disposed along a central support. Movement of the limb supports closer together and further apart may cause the limbs to pivot to and from positions. For example, due to limb contact with an adjacent limb support, the limbs may be caused to pivot to the low-profile position. When no forcible contact is present between an adjacent limb support and limb, gravitational forces may permit the limbs to freely pivot to the in-use position. In an illustrative example, each limb support may include a nesting cup for receiving a proximal end of the limbs while in the stowed position.