Decorative tree with insertable, interchangeable branches system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative trees lack a robust and easy-to-use system for inserting, removing, and replacing branches, particularly in commercial settings or environments where durability and versatility are required.
Innovation Solution
A decorative tree system featuring a tree trunk with limb stubs designed to receive insertable, removable, and interchangeable branches, utilizing a reversible coupling system that includes alignment protuberances and channels, as well as optional magnetic connections, to ensure secure and easy branch attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If branches are permanently installed using bolts and cables attached to a clamp, then the connection is robust, but the branches cannot be removed and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The branch attachment system is divided into separate components: a clamp assembly that attaches to the trunk and a branch holder that secures the branch. This segmentation allows the branch holder to be removed and replaced while the clamp remains fixed to the trunk, providing both secure attachment and replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The branch holder incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic tension to secure the branch in place. The spring allows for easy insertion and removal of branches while maintaining a strong, secure connection during use, resolving the contradiction between robust attachment and ease of replacement.
2Ease of operation
If the trunk is disassembled to install layers of branches, then branches can be installed, but the process is time-consuming and not suitable for recurring substitution
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into independent components (clamp, branch holder, branch) that can be assembled and disassembled without affecting the entire tree structure. This allows individual branches to be quickly installed or replaced by simply detaching the branch holder from the clamp, eliminating the need to disassemble the trunk.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is pre-installed on the trunk and the branch holder is pre-assembled with the branch, so that installation requires only connecting these two components. This preliminary preparation of components significantly reduces installation time and makes recurring substitution practical.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment protuberances and channels are used for branch insertion, then alignment and positioning are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features (protuberances and channels) are implemented only at the specific locations where branches connect to the trunk, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach provides precise alignment where needed while keeping the rest of the system simple and easy to manufacture.
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 system allows for quick and easy replacement of branches, providing a sturdy connection that supports the branches while enabling multiple visual configurations, reducing labor costs in commercial installations and enhancing aesthetic versatility.
Implementation Method 1
optional magnetic connections, to ensure secure and easy branch attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A fabricated decorative tree with insertable branches system is provided that includes a tree trunk configured with at least one limb stub that is configured to receive a branch. The trunk, stub, and branch all have internal supports and an external decorative skin. The stub internal support has a proximal end fixedly attached to the trunk internal support and has a stub distal end having a receptor with a channel cut at least through the internal support distal edge. Only the distal end of the branch internal support is covered with the external skin. The uncovered proximal end of the branch internal support is a male sleeve insert having an outwardly projecting alignment protuberance sized to fit within the stub's channel. Means to further secure the stub-branch joint and methods by which one set of interchangeable branches are replaced by a second set of branches are also provided.