Modular Artificial Tree Assembly for Compact Storage and Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial trees are heavy, difficult to store and transport, and expensive due to their size, shape, and material requirements, making them impractical for repeated use throughout multiple holiday seasons.
Innovation Solution
An artificial tree assembly constructed from lightweight materials like polypropylene or foam, with a conical configuration and removable connectors, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and storage in a compact, nested or flattened state, maintaining decorative elements in both orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional artificial trees are made to maintain attractive appearance and structural integrity, then they achieve durability and visual quality, but they become heavy and difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial tree is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected together. Each segment is lightweight individually, but when assembled they form a structurally sound complete tree. The segments include connection mechanisms that allow easy assembly and disassembly, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and weight by distributing the structural requirements across multiple lightweight components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tree structure incorporates flexible and adjustable components that can adapt to different assembly states. The branches and segments are designed with movable joints and flexible materials that maintain structural integrity when assembled but reduce overall weight compared to rigid conventional designs. This dynamic design allows the tree to be both sturdy when assembled and lightweight for storage and transport.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional artificial trees are made large to provide adequate decoration coverage, then they achieve visual impact and coverage area, but they become difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The large tree is segmented into multiple smaller modular units that can be assembled to achieve the desired coverage area. When storage or transport is needed, these segments can be disassembled and stored separately in compact spaces. This segmentation allows the tree to provide adequate visual coverage when assembled while being manageable and easy to store when disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The tree segments are designed with nesting capabilities where smaller segments can be placed within larger segments during storage. The branches and decorative elements are configured to nest within the tree structure itself, allowing the entire tree to be collapsed into a compact form that fits in small storage spaces while maintaining the ability to expand to full size for display.
3Reliability
If conventional artificial trees use realistic materials and processes to create imitation evergreen needles, then they achieve visual realism and decorative quality, but they become expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive realistic materials throughout the entire tree, the invention applies different levels of visual detail to different parts of the tree. The segments closer to the center or lower visibility areas use simpler, less expensive materials, while only the most visible portions use higher-quality realistic materials. This local quality approach maintains overall visual realism while significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simplified geometric shapes and patterns that replicate the visual appearance of evergreen needles without requiring complex realistic materials. By using stylized representations and optical illusions through arrangement and coloring, the tree achieves visual realism through clever design rather than expensive materials, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining decorative quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved artificial tree of the present invention is directed to a decorative artificial tree assembly which may be dimensioned and configured to fit on any supporting surface including, but not limited to, an interior floor, outside grounds, etc. The artificial tree may be disposed in an assembled or collapsed state. As such, the artificial tree may include a plurality tree segments and a cap member, vertically interconnected or stacked upon each other via a plurality of connectors. The artificial tree may be constructed from lightweight materials with decorative items attached to its outer surface.