Foldable Tree Stand Design for Compact Storage and Transportation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decorative lighted trees face challenges with inconvenient transportation and storage due to their large volume and space occupation, primarily due to the design of the tree stand, which is often bulky to enhance visual effect.
Innovation Solution
A tree stand with a pole assembly, support mechanism, and support arm that can switch between unfolded and folded states using a locking mechanism, allowing for reduced volume during storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the tree stand is designed with a larger overall volume to enhance visual effect, then the decorative effect is improved, but the convenience of transferring and storage space is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed to be movable between unfolded and folded states through a hinged connection with the support mechanism. The locking mechanism allows the support arm to be fixed in the unfolded state for decorative use, and folded for storage and transportation, making the tree stand dynamic rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is divided into a movable segment that can be folded relative to the support mechanism. This segmentation allows different parts of the tree stand to be positioned independently - the support arm can be folded while the base remains stable, enabling compact storage without compromising the overall structure.
2Shape
If the tree stand is designed with a larger overall volume to enhance visual effect, then the decorative effect is improved, but the storage space is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm transitions from a static large-volume configuration during use to a dynamic folded configuration for storage. This reduces the storage volume significantly while maintaining the decorative volume when deployed, resolving the contradiction between visual effect and storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
When the support arm is folded, it nests closer to the support mechanism and pole assembly, creating a more compact overall structure. The folded support arm occupies minimal additional space, allowing the tree stand to be stored in a compact form similar to nesting smaller objects within a larger structure.
3Volume of stationary object
If the support arm is hinged to allow folded state, then the volume reduction is improved, but the stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the support arm when it is in the unfolded position, providing self-stabilization. The mechanism uses the position of the support arm itself to trigger the locking action, ensuring stability without requiring external support or complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the movable support arm and the support mechanism. It transfers and secures the positional relationship between these components, ensuring that when the support arm is unfolded, it is firmly held in place, and when folded, it is securely locked in the compact position.
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 solution enables the tree stand to be compacted for easier storage and transportation while maintaining stability in the unfolded state for decorative use.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is disposed on the movable base and is movable in a first direction to allow the locking member to have a locked position and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
The first reset member is located in the receiving cavity. At least a portion of the locking member is movably disposed in the receiving cavity. The first reset member is located between and respectively abuts against an inner wall of the receiving cavity and the locking member to bias the locking member to move in a direction of extending out of the through hole
Implementation Method 3
a support arm hinged to the support mechanism and having an unfolded state and a folded state
Implementation Method 4
a movable base movably disposed on the pole assembly and operably connected to the support arm to drive the support arm to switch between the unfolded state and the folded state
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a decorative tree and a tree stand thereof. The tree stand includes: a pole assembly configured to support a decoration; a support mechanism fixed on the pole assembly; a support arm hinged to the support mechanism and having a unfolded state and a folded state; a movable base movably disposed on the pole assembly and operably connected to the support arm to drive the support arm to switch between the unfolded state and the folded state; and a first locking mechanism disposed on the movable base and having a locked state and an unlocked state. When in the locked state, the first locking mechanism is capable of locking the support arm in the unfolded state; and when in the unlocked state, the first locking mechanism is capable of unlocking the movable base from the unfolded state. The support arms have the unfolded state and the folded state by hinging the support arm to the support mechanism, so that the overall volume of the tree stand can be changed. In this way, when the tree stand is transferred or stored, the support arms can be maintained in the folded state to reduce the overall volume of the tree stand, thereby saving the space during storage and transportation.