Segmented Wood Decorative Tree Structure for Space-Saving Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decorative tree structures for space-saving storage have complex mechanisms that increase production costs, susceptibility to malfunctions, and deviate from the natural tree shape, often requiring expensive materials.

Innovation Solution

A decorative tree structure made primarily of wood with a central support, side supports, and arms, featuring fastening elements with anti-rotation pins for secure and detachable attachment, allowing for compact storage and easy maintenance, while maintaining a natural tree shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If complex mechanisms are used for space-saving storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decorative structure is divided into multiple detachable sections (trunk, branches, ornaments) that can be separated for storage. Each section is independently designed with simple connection features, eliminating the need for complex moving mechanisms while enabling compact storage when sections are disassembled and nested within each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If complex mechanisms are used for space-saving storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into simple components that can be manufactured separately using inexpensive materials and processes. The connection features are designed as simple detachable joints rather than complex mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, replaceable connection elements and ornaments that can be easily manufactured or replaced if needed. This approach uses inexpensive materials and simple construction methods, making the overall structure cost-effective while achieving the storage function through basic detachable design rather than expensive complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Volume of moving object

If complex mechanisms are used for space-saving storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidmalfunction susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the structure into separate sections with simple detachable connections, the design eliminates complex moving parts that are prone to malfunction. Each section is structurally simple and robust, and the connection features are designed for reliable attachment and detachment without the reliability issues inherent in complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If complex mechanisms are used for space-saving storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design allows each component to be made from appropriate, cost-effective materials without the need for expensive materials required by complex mechanisms. The simple connection features use minimal material, and the overall structure achieves storage efficiency through clever geometric arrangement of segments rather than through material-intensive mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3659472B1Tree-shaped decorative structure
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 MATERA PRODUCTMANAGMENT GMBH
  • EP3659472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3659472B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3659472B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A tree-shaped decorative structure (1) for attaching decorative material, comprising a central support (2), side supports (3), and arms (4). The decorative structure (1) consists of 80 percent or more wood material by weight. Fastening elements (5) for attaching the side supports (3) are arranged in the central support (2). In its ready-to-use state, the decorative structure (1) has a longitudinal axis of the central support (2) oriented substantially in the direction of gravity. The side supports (3) are each attached to the central support (2) by one of the fastening elements (5) of the central support (2) in a rotationally fixed and detachable manner and are arranged to project laterally from the longitudinal axis of the central support (2). The arms (4) are attached to the side supports (3) and are arranged to project laterally from the respective side supports (3). The arms (4) may be detachably attached to the side supports (3).