Pivoting Tree Stand Design for Relocation and Storage Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Decorative trees face challenges during relocation and storage due to wear and tear from frequent handling and movement, which can lead to premature degradation.

Innovation Solution

A pivoting tree stand with a support base and pivotally coupled tree support that allows the tree to be displayed vertically and easily transitioned to a non-vertical position for storage and transportation, featuring wheels or castors for mobility and a resistance mechanism for controlled pivoting, along with an optional storage bag for complete containment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the decorative tree is frequently handled and moved for relocation and storage, then the tree can be relocated and stored as needed, but the tree experiences wear and tear leading to premature degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelocation capabilityVSAvoidtree integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tree stand incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows the tree to transition dynamically between vertical display position and horizontal storage position. This dynamic capability enables easy relocation and storage without requiring frequent manual handling of the tree itself, thereby preserving tree integrity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the tree from its support structure, allowing the tree to remain stationary in the stand while the entire stand unit is moved on wheels. This segmentation reduces direct handling of the tree, minimizing wear and tear while enabling easy relocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the tree is moved frequently for storage and transportation, then the tree can be stored when not in use, but handling difficulties and wear and tear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting mechanism allows the tree to be quickly transitioned from vertical to horizontal position for storage, and back to vertical for display. This dynamic transformation eliminates complex assembly/disassembly operations, improving storage efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tree stand is equipped with wheels that enable self-propelled movement without requiring lifting or carrying of the tree. The structure serves itself by providing integrated mobility, reducing handling difficulties while improving storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the tree is kept in a vertical position for display, then the tree maintains its aesthetic appearance, but movement and storage become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidstorage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stand allows the tree to maintain its vertical display position for aesthetic purposes, then pivots to a horizontal position for efficient storage. This dynamic position change enables the system to optimize for display capability when needed and storage efficiency when not in use, without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The pivoting tree stand reduces handling difficulties and wear and tear by enabling efficient movement and storage, minimizing damage during transport and storage, while maintaining the tree's stability and integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a resistance mechanism for controlled pivoting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10617249B2Decorative tree stand and associated systems and methods
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 SHINING SEA TRADING CO
  • US10617249B2 patent drawing
  • US10617249B2 patent drawing
  • US10617249B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A decorative tree stand that can include a support base and a tree support pivotally coupled to an upwardly facing surface of the support base is disclosed and described. The tree support can selectively pivot to allow the decorative tree to move from a display position to a storage position.