Portable Tree Swing with Integrated Carrier Bag and Retrieval Line

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tree swing systems are difficult for a single person to transport and install, especially when the overhead support member is distant, as they require permanent attachment and lack a convenient packaging solution for easy transportation of support devices and hardware.

Innovation Solution

A portable tree swing system with a planar seat, integrated carrier bag, support rope, and retrieval line, featuring a looped end and stopper mechanism, allowing for easy transportation and quick assembly on out-of-reach overhead objects, including tree limbs, with all necessary equipment housed in a functional carrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanently installed or affixed swings with linear support devices are used, then the swing structure is stable and reliable, but the system becomes difficult for a single person to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswing structure stabilityVSAvoidtransportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The swing system is divided into separate components: a seat assembly, a support rope, and a carrier bag. These segmented parts can be individually packed and transported, then assembled at the destination to achieve both portability and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier bag is integrated with the seat and contains the support rope and other components. This nested arrangement allows all necessary parts to be compactly stored together, enabling single-person transport while maintaining complete functionality for reliable installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If permanently installed swings are used, then the attachment to overhead support is secure, but the system lacks portability and requires multiple people for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval line with closeable fastener enables the user to independently secure the support rope to overhead structures that are out of reach. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for assistance during installation while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retrieval line acts as an intermediary tool that extends the user's reach to secure the support rope to high overhead structures. This mediator component enables single-person installation on out-of-reach supports while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If traditional tree swing systems are used, then the support devices are durable, but they lack integrated packaging for easy transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport device durabilityVSAvoidtransport convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier bag merges multiple functions: it serves as packaging for transport, storage for the support rope and hardware, and an integrated part of the seat assembly. This combination maintains durable support devices while adding transport convenience through unified packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9452365B2Portable tree swing system and methods of use

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 MORGAN MATTHEW DOUGLAS

AI summary

A planar seat having a center hole and a perimeter rim, a carrier bag affixed on one end to the perimeter rim of the planar seat and the other open end of the carrier bag having a closure mechanism to close the carrier bag, a support rope with a looped end and the other end with a stopper mechanism, and a retrieval line with a closeable fastener.