Electric Drive Tree Stand Lifting System for Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly or disabled hunters face difficulties in climbing ladder rungs to reach traditional tree stand platforms, necessitating an improved tree stand lifting system that eliminates this challenge.
Innovation Solution
A tree stand lifting system featuring a base member with a rotatable base pole assembly, a carriage assembly, and an electric drive unit, allowing for the vertical positioning of the tree stand without manual climbing, using a microcontroller to control the electric motor and gear assembly for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tree stands with ladder rungs are used, then the tree stand can be securely mounted on the tree, but elderly or disabled hunters cannot climb the ladder rungs to reach the platform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ladder climbing system with an electric drive system. The electric motor drives a gear assembly that engages with teeth on the base pole assembly, automatically lifting the carriage assembly and tree stand platform to the desired height, eliminating the need for manual climbing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the electric drive unit automatically performs the lifting function. The microcontroller controls the electric motor based on user input, and the gear assembly automatically engages and disengages from the teeth, allowing elderly or disabled users to operate the system without physical climbing effort.
2Ease of operation
If a lifting system with electric motor and gear assembly is added, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base pole assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tree stand, contains the teeth for gear engagement, and acts as the lifting mechanism when combined with the electric drive unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and mitigates the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage assembly is designed to slide along the base pole assembly, with the electric drive unit integrated into the carriage. The gear assembly is contained within the carriage structure, and the entire assembly nests within the base pole assembly when not in use, creating a compact configuration that reduces perceived complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the base pole assembly is made rotatable from horizontal to vertical position, then installation without climbing is enabled, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base pole assembly is pre-configured with a rotatable joint that allows it to be positioned horizontally during installation and then rotated to a vertical operating position. This preliminary design of the rotatable mechanism enables ground-based installation while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base pole assembly transitions from a static horizontal structure during installation to a dynamic system that can rotate to a vertical position for operation. The rotatable joint provides the necessary flexibility to adapt the structure between installation and operation phases, simplifying the installation process while maintaining operational stability.
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 hunters to install and remove tree stands safely and efficiently without climbing, enhancing accessibility and convenience for users of all abilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that drives the gear assembly. The gear assembly has a main drive gear that rotates and operably engages at least a portion of the first plurality of teeth of the base pole assembly to move the carriage assembly on the base pole assembly
Implementation Method 2
The gear assembly has a main drive gear that rotates and operably engages at least a portion of the first plurality of teeth of the base pole assembly to move the carriage assembly on the base pole assembly
Implementation Method 3
The first end portion is rotatably coupled to the base member such that the base pole assembly is rotatable from a first position to a substantially vertical position
Data Source
AI summary
A tree stand lifting system and method are provided. The system includes a base member, a first strap assembly, and a base pole assembly. The base pole assembly has a first end portion that is rotatably coupled to the base member such that the base pole assembly is rotatable from a first position to a substantially vertical position relative to the base member. The base pole assembly has a first plurality of teeth. The system includes a carriage assembly that is removably coupled to the base pole assembly, and an electric drive unit that is coupled to the carriage assembly. The electric drive unit has a gear assembly and an electric motor. The gear assembly has a main drive gear that rotates and operably engages at least a portion of the first plurality of teeth of the base pole assembly to move the carriage assembly on the base pole assembly.