Modular Christmas Tree with Segmented Structure for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional artificial Christmas trees are bulky and environmentally unfriendly due to their use of PVC, requiring substantial storage space for most of the year and lacking in eco-friendly materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular Christmas tree design featuring interconnected side structures and central support structures made from wood or metal, using dowelled butt joints and cam nut connections to create a compact, disassemblable, and environmentally friendly tree that can be easily stored and customized in height and design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional artificial Christmas trees are used, then the tree provides a complete Christmas tree appearance, but the tree occupies substantial storage space for eleven months of the year
Solution Approach 1:
The Christmas tree is divided into multiple discrete components including a base unit, several tier units, and a top unit. Each tier unit contains branches that can be independently folded against the central support. This segmentation allows the tree to be completely disassembled into compact components for storage, reducing the volume occupied during the non-Christmas period while maintaining the ability to reconstruct the full tree appearance when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional artificial Christmas trees are used, then the tree provides a complete Christmas tree appearance, but the tree makes extensive use of PVC which is not environmentally friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the central support, tiers, and branches are constructed from environmentally preferable materials such as wood, metal, or recyclable plastics instead of traditional PVC. This material parameter change reduces environmental harm while the modular design with standardized connectors and assembly methods maintains ease of manufacture, allowing the tree to be produced efficiently despite the material substitution.
3Volume of moving object
If the Christmas tree is designed to be disassembled for storage, then the tree reduces storage space requirements, but the tree structure becomes more complex with multiple components and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal connectors and standardized interface designs that allow the same connection mechanisms to be used throughout the entire tree structure. The central support, tiers, and branches all utilize compatible connection points and fastening methods, creating a modular system where components can be easily assembled and disassembled. This universality reduces the complexity that would otherwise arise from having different connection types for different parts, making the disassemblable structure more manageable despite the multiple components.
4Shape
If the Christmas tree uses a tapering shape with side structures, then the tree achieves an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but the tree requires more materials and increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tapering shape is achieved through segmented tier units, each comprising a set of branches arranged to create the tapered silhouette. Each tier unit is a self-contained module that can be manufactured independently and then assembled in sequence to build the overall tapering form. This segmentation allows the complex tapering shape to be constructed from simpler, standardized components rather than requiring a single complex piece, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a modular Christmas tree (10) comprising three or more sides (12) that rise from a floor to give the tree a tapering shape, and central support structures (14b) that extend outwardly to support the sides. Each side (12) comprises elongate pieces (16a-c) joined together with connectors that allow the series of elongate pieces to be separated for storage of the disassembled Christmas tree. Each central support structures includes a hub that supports each side, and may also comprise spokes that extend from the hub to each side. The hubs, spokes and sides are joined by connectors that allow the tree to be disassembled for storage.