Spring-Loaded Control Wire Clamp for One-Handed Tree Branch Stowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp designs fail to securely and easily adjust the control member of an artificial Christmas tree to transition between stowed and deployed positions, often requiring two hands and being cumbersome in managing tension or slack.
Innovation Solution
A control wire clamp with a clamping mechanism that includes a spring-loaded handle allowing single-handed operation to secure or release the control member, enabling easy adjustment between clamped and unclamped states, and utilizing base channels with frictional surfaces to secure the control member in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing clamp designs are used to secure the control member, then the control member can be held in place, but the clamp is cumbersome and difficult to operate with a single hand
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a spring-loaded handle that can be dynamically adjusted between clamped and unclamped states. The spring mechanism allows the handle to be easily pressed to release the control member and automatically returns to the clamped position, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining secure holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the handle to the clamped position after being pressed. This eliminates the need for manual resetting or complex adjustment mechanisms, simplifying operation while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If existing clamp designs are used to secure the control member, then the control member can be held in place, but it is difficult to apply or release clamping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to automatically apply clamping pressure as soon as the handle is released. This preliminary action ensures the control member is immediately secured without requiring manual adjustment or complex mechanisms, maintaining reliability while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism performs the work of applying and maintaining clamping pressure automatically. The user only needs to press the handle to release, and the spring handles all clamping actions, making the device reliable and easy to operate simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control member is secured with existing clamps, then the branches can be held in stowed or deployed position, but the clamp requires two hands to adjust tension or slack
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded handle allows dynamic adjustment of the control member tension by simply pressing the handle to release and repositioning the control member. The spring automatically maintains appropriate tension, providing adaptability for different positions (stowed/deployed) while requiring only one hand for adjustment.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple clamp design is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot adequately secure the control member to maintain tension or slack
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism adds dynamic clamping capability that reliably secures the control member in various tension states. The spring automatically adjusts to maintain appropriate clamping force, providing reliability while keeping the overall design simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically adjusts and maintains clamping pressure, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components. This self-adjusting feature provides reliable securing of the control member while keeping the design simple for manufacturing.
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 secure, single-handed adjustment of the control member to easily transition the tree branches between stowed and deployed positions, facilitating storage and deployment while maintaining tension or releasing slack efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to apply a spring force to the clamp handle
Implementation Method 2
base channels with frictional surfaces to secure the control member in place
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a control wire clamp for securing a control member, such as a control wire, in place. The default state of the control wire clamp may be a clamped state. The control wire clamp may be placed in an unclamped state by applying force to a clamp handle.