Rigid Step Plate Aider with Flexible Suspension for Tree Climbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rope-type aiders used in tree climbing are cumbersome and unsafe due to their flexibility, which makes it difficult to locate and use the foot loops, especially when descending, and they can bind the foot, causing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A tree climbing aider device featuring a rigid step plate with grip-enhancing features and a flexible, inelastic suspension line that provides side-to-side and front-to-back stability, allowing the step plate to be securely positioned and easily accessed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rope or strap type aider is used, then the aider can be made flexible and adaptable to different tree conditions, but the flexibility makes it difficult to locate and use the foot loops, especially when descending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible suspension line made of rope or strap material that can adapt to different tree conditions and positions. This flexible line is attached to the step plate and allows the step plate to move and position itself relative to the tree trunk, providing adaptability while maintaining a stable platform for the user's foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The aider is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid step plate for foot support, a flexible suspension line for positioning and adaptability, and tree braces for anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the rigid plate provides stability while the flexible line enables easy positioning and adaptation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rope or strap type aider is used, then the aider can swing and move with the tree, but this causes the foot loops to come to rest against the trunk or off to one side, making access challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible suspension line allows the step plate to move and swing with the tree naturally, maintaining stability relative to the tree trunk. At the same time, the flexibility enables the step plate to position itself optimally for foot access, preventing the foot loops from being forced against the trunk or to the side.
Solution Approach 2:
The aider system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - the flexible suspension line allows the step plate to move, swing, and reposition itself in response to tree movement and user needs. This dynamic behavior maintains both stability relative to the tree and ease of foot access.
3Reliability
If a rope or strap type aider is used, then the aider can be made flexible and inelastic, but this creates a binding effect that binds the foot and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible suspension line provides reliable foot support by naturally conforming to the foot's shape and position. The flexibility of the rope or strap material allows it to adapt to different foot sizes and positions without creating binding or discomfort, while still providing secure support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the suspension line by using flexible, inelastic rope or strap material. This material choice allows the suspension line to maintain its shape and provide consistent support without stretching or binding the foot, improving comfort while maintaining reliability.
4Ease of operation
If a rigid step plate is used, then the step plate provides stable and comfortable foot support, but the rigid structure reduces adaptability to different tree conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The aider is segmented into a rigid step plate for comfortable foot support and a flexible suspension line for adaptability. The rigid plate maintains its shape and provides stable, comfortable support, while the flexible line allows the entire assembly to adapt to different tree conditions and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible suspension line acts as a flexible connector between the rigid step plate and the tree-mounted structure. This flexible element allows the rigid plate to maintain its stabilizing function while the overall system adapts to different tree conditions through the flexibility of the suspension line.
Data Source
AI summary
A tree climbing aider assembly includes at least one flexible support having portions spaced laterally from one another for suspended attachment to a tree climbing stick. At least one rigid or semi-rigid step member is provided having a width extending between laterally opposite side edges of the at least one step member and a depth extending laterally between opposite fore and aft edges of the at least one step member. The at least one step member is supported by and spans the lateral space between the flexible support portions.