Monolithic Climbing Stick Structure for Quiet Stable Tree Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable treestand systems are either too heavy and bulky due to the use of cast metals, prone to catastrophic failure, noisy, and lack stability when attached to a tree, leading to potential safety issues and disturbance of game during hunting.
Innovation Solution
A portable treestand system manufactured using a monolithic platform made from strengthened metal, such as aluminum alloy, with structural supports and tree engaging structures formed by CNC machining to reduce weight, enhance strength, and minimize noise, while maintaining stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If cast metal platforms are used to minimize weld points and reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but the platform becomes heavier and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using pre-strengthened/toughened metal plates instead of cast metal, allowing the platform to be both lightweight and quiet without the bulkiness of cast metal constructions
Solution Approach 2:
The platform uses a composite construction with a pre-strengthened metal plate base combined with structural supports made from the same material, creating a unified quiet structure that avoids weld noise while maintaining light weight
2Weight of moving object
If climbing sticks are made from lightweight metal tube with welded steps, then weight is reduced, but noise increases due to flexing materials and poor welds
Solution Approach 1:
The steps and tree engaging features are merged into a single monolithic piece of pre-strengthened metal, eliminating weld joints that cause noise and flexing issues while maintaining lightweight construction
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing stick uses a composite structure where steps and tree engaging features are integrally formed from pre-strengthened metal, creating a unified quiet structure that avoids weld-related noise
3Weight of moving object
If the system is made as lightweight and compact as possible, then portability is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pre-strengthening and toughening processes to the metal plates, changing the material parameters to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio that maintains structural integrity while keeping the system lightweight and portable
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is segmented into a base plate and structural supports that are machined as separate pieces but designed to work together, allowing weight optimization while maintaining overall structural integrity through precise CNC machining and assembly
4Stability of the object's composition
If downward shifts of position on a tree occur, then stability is reduced, but this can cause climber fright, loss of balance, or falls
Solution Approach 1:
The tree engaging structures are designed with preliminary engagement features that bite into the tree bark upon initial contact, preventing downward shifts before they can occur and ensuring safety from the start of the climbing process
Solution Approach 2:
The tree engaging structures have localized high-grip surfaces with specific surface qualities designed to maximize friction and biting into tree bark, providing exceptional stability at the critical contact points with the tree
Data Source
AI summary
A climbing system includes a treestand and a plurality of climbing sticks. The treestand includes a monolithic platform formed from strengthened material. Each of the climbing sticks includes a frame having a plurality of weight-reduction apertures formed therethrough. Tree engaging structures include ramped surfaces to facilitate smooth downward sliding on a tree. Methods of manufacturing a treestand and climbing sticks are also disclosed. The method of manufacturing a treestand includes providing a solid, strengthened piece of material and removing portions of the material to form openings between structural supports. The method of manufacturing a climbing stick includes providing a frame and forming a plurality of weight-reduction apertures therethrough.