Motorized Tree Stand with Vertical Drive Track and Swivel Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tree stands are fixed, limiting access to hunters with physical disabilities and offering no safe way to descend in case of a fall, leading to potential injury or prolonged suspension.
Innovation Solution
A motorized tree stand with a frame assembly that allows vertical movement and rotation (0-180 degrees) via a seat assembly and drive systems, controlled by a joystick or digital touch screen, providing safe ascent and descent using side supports as a ladder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fixed tree stands are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but hunters with physical disabilities cannot access the stand and safe descent is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical climbing system with an electric motorized lifting system. The motor assembly with drive wheel and track system eliminates the need for manual climbing, enabling hunters with physical disabilities to access the stand easily while maintaining structural simplicity through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tree stand incorporates a motorized lifting system that automatically raises and lowers the seat assembly without requiring manual climbing. The system serves itself by providing automated ascent and descent capabilities, making the stand accessible to hunters with physical limitations while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed tree stands are used, then the structure is stable and simple, but the hunter cannot rotate or swing to position themselves for wild game appearing from different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic movement capabilities to the traditionally static tree stand. The swivel plate and swing mechanism enable the seat assembly to rotate and swing freely, allowing the hunter to position themselves according to wild game approach directions. This dynamic adjustment capability adapts the fixed structure to varying hunting conditions without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The tree stand is divided into separable functional components: a fixed frame assembly and a movable seat assembly with swivel and swing capabilities. This segmentation allows the seat to be independently positioned relative to the fixed structure, providing positional adaptability while maintaining the stability of the overall frame.
3Reliability
If conventional fixed tree stands with harness suspension are used, then the hunter can be secured, but prolonged suspension may cut blood circulation and cause injury or death
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized lifting system provides automated safe descent capability, eliminating the need for prolonged harness suspension. The system can lower the hunter safely to the ground or to a lower platform, providing a self-service escape mechanism that prevents the harmful effects of extended suspension while maintaining security during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety harness and lifting system are pre-configured to work together, with the motorized system ready to provide immediate assistance in case of fall or emergency. This preliminary preparation ensures that safe descent is always available without requiring prolonged manual suspension, preventing blood circulation restriction and other harmful effects.
4Productivity
If conventional fixed tree stands are used, then the setup is simple and quick, but the hunter may miss wild game appearing from opposite directions due to fixed positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel and swing mechanisms enable the seat assembly to dynamically reposition itself relative to the fixed frame. This dynamic positioning allows the hunter to turn and swing to face wild game approaching from any direction, significantly improving detection and engagement opportunities without requiring complete structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable seat assembly serves multiple positioning functions: it can swivel to face different directions and swing to adjust lateral position. This multi-functionality allows a single fixed frame to accommodate various hunting scenarios and target directions, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized tree stand includes a frame assembly for attachment to a tree. The frame assembly includes a rear wall that includes a vertical drive track and at least one vertical gliding rail spaced laterally therefrom. A seat assembly is operatively coupled to the rear wall of the frame assembly and provides a seat on which a user can sit. A first drive assembly is coupled to the seat assembly and includes a first motor that is connected to a driven wheel that seats against the vertical drive track to controllably move the seat assembly in a vertical direction along the frame assembly. A second drive assembly is coupled to a swivel plate for controllably moving the swivel plate resulting in swiveling of the seat assembly relative to the frame assembly. A controller and a power source are also provided.