Mast Dressing Assembly With Zigzag Lights for Christmas Tree Effect

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flagpoles often stand unused for long periods, and existing decorative solutions for masts like flagpoles fail to effectively utilize the mast's structure and suggest a Christmas tree appearance with inadequate illumination placement.

Innovation Solution

A dressing device is suspended from a flagpole using existing suspension means, featuring flexible connecting elements that form a conical shape, with strands of lights suspended in a zigzag manner to create a Christmas tree branch effect, and includes illumination elements for a pleasant appearance, along with a secure fastening system to prevent unwanted movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dressing device is suspended from a mast using existing suspension means, then the mast can be reused for decorative purposes, but the structural complexity of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability of mastVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing device is designed to be suspended from existing suspension means on the mast (such as flag ropes or pulleys), allowing the same mast structure to serve multiple purposes - both its original function and decorative function. This multi-functionality approach enables reuse without adding complex mounting structures to the mast itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing device is divided into modular components: a support structure with multiple arms, connecting elements, and illumination elements that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows for easier installation and adaptation to different mast types without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If connecting elements form a conical shape with peripheral elements, then a Christmas tree appearance is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveChristmas tree appearanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements are configured to form a conical shape with curved surfaces, creating the characteristic Christmas tree silhouette. The peripheral elements are arranged along these curved surfaces at different heights and radii, naturally producing the desired festive appearance without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing device employs a hierarchical structure where peripheral elements are nested along the conical connecting elements, with smaller elements positioned within the volume defined by larger ones. This nesting approach creates the layered branch appearance of a Christmas tree while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If strands of lights are suspended in a zigzag manner between connecting elements, then a natural branch-like effect is created, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebranch-like effectVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strands of lights are pre-configured in zigzag patterns and pre-attached to the connecting elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site installation, as the branch-like effect is achieved simply by suspending the pre-assembled strands between connecting elements, greatly simplifying the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Illumination intensity

If illumination elements are added to the dressing device, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Illumination elements are strategically placed only at specific locations on the dressing device - primarily on the peripheral elements and at key junction points of the conical structure. This localized illumination approach maximizes aesthetic impact while minimizing energy consumption, as lights are concentrated where they provide the greatest visual effect rather than uniformly distributed throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP1710772B1Assembly of a mast and dressing device and a dressing device for such an assembly and a method for dressing a mast
Publication Date: 2011.06.15 HEMSSON
  • EP1710772B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1710772B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3A
  • EP1710772B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An assembly comprising a mast (1) and a device (9) that can be fastened to the mast (1), wherein the device (9) comprises a dressing device which comprises a peripheral element (10) or a series of mutually connected peripheral elements and is suspended from a top part (4) of said mast (1). Further, a dressing device (9) is described for use in such an assembly, and a method for dressing a mast, wherein a dressing device (9) is hoisted into the mast (1), such that one peripheral element (10) of the dressing device (9) extends spirally around the mast, and/or a series of peripheral elements (10) which are mutually connected by connecting elements (14) are located in vertical direction at a distance from each other.