Pole-Mounting Stand With Flexible Clamping Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stands for mounting rod-shaped parts, such as Christmas trees, are expensive to produce due to their complex composition and susceptibility to faults, and simpler designs lack stability in holding the tree firmly.
Innovation Solution
A stand with holding elements pivoted by a flexible force transmission element, where the holding elements are integrated with elastic components and bearing blocks, allowing for a reduced number of components and easier assembly, using plastic materials and eliminating the need for separate pivot axes, with guide surfaces providing lateral guidance and spring force counteracting pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple steel components and complex parts are used in the stand, then the stability and clamping force are improved, but the production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into integrated plastic parts. The bearing block integrates the guide opening, pivot axis reception, and holding element mounting into a single molded component. The holding element itself integrates the elastic element, guide opening, and engagement features into one piece, eliminating the need for separate steel components like pivot axes, retaining plates, and springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining plastic material for the bearing block and holding elements with steel cable for the force transmission element. This allows the non-critical structural components to be made from inexpensive plastic while maintaining clamping functionality, reducing overall complexity compared to all-steel constructions.
2Ease of manufacture
If simpler designs with fewer components are used, then the production cost is reduced, but the stability and firm clamping of the tree are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, pivoting about an axis within the bearing block. This dynamic design allows the holding element to actively engage and clamp the tree trunk when the cable is tensioned, while automatically returning to its original position when released. The elastic element provides automatic return force, ensuring stable holding without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element uses its own elastic element to provide the return force needed for operation. When the cable releases, the elastic element automatically pushes the holding element back to its initial position, eliminating the need for separate return springs or manual resetting mechanisms. The guide opening in the bearing block automatically guides the cable and constrains the pivoting motion, providing self-guidance without additional components.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used instead of steel components, then the production cost is reduced, but the durability and resistance to wear and dirt are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable-like plastic components (bearing block, holding element) that can be easily replaced if worn or damaged. These inexpensive molded parts serve as sacrificial elements that protect the more critical cable and tensioning mechanism. If the plastic components wear from dirt or friction, they can be replaced without replacing the entire stand or the expensive steel cable assembly.
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 solution results in a cost-effective, robust, and easy-to-assemble stand that maintains stability during clamping without physical pivot axes, using injection-molded plastic parts and a foot-operated tensioning mechanism for secure clamping and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The holding elements can each be pivoted against spring force from an open position into a holding position in a pivot plane
Implementation Method 2
The holding elements consist in their upper area of a dimensionally stable holding area and of a downwardly extending elastic element
Implementation Method 3
at least one flexible force transmission element that can be actuated by means of a tensioning device and can be subjected to tensile loads
Implementation Method 4
the force transmission element engages around the holding elements above their pivot axes in guide openings of the holding elements so that they can be slid transversely
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The stand (1) has retaining elements (8) which comprise a flexible element below a form-rigid retaining area (14). The retaining element is mountable in the mounting block (7) by flexible element, where the flexible element and its retainer (17) are formed such that, the retaining element is pivoted in the mounting block from an open position into a retaining position. The retaining element is led in the mounting block under withdrawal of a physical drag axis in this motion and that it makes available a spring action working against pivoting.