Self-Deploying Artificial Tree with Telescopic Trunk and Nested Limbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial Christmas trees require time-consuming assembly and disassembly, and their storage can be cumbersome due to the need for repositioning branches, leading to potential loss of parts and user frustration.
Innovation Solution
A self-deploying tree system comprising a top tree assembly, a main tree assembly, and a base with a deployment mechanism that automatically converts between a collapsed and deployed configuration, using telescopic pole tubes and flexible tether assemblies to adjust limb positions, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional artificial trees require manual assembly and disassembly, then the tree can be set up and stored, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The tree limbs are pre-configured in a collapsed position within the trunk during manufacturing. The branches are预先 arranged to be contained within the trunk sections, so that when the trunk is extended, the branches automatically deploy into their proper positions without requiring manual assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The tree assembly system performs its own assembly automatically through the telescoping mechanism. When the trunk sections are extended, the branches self-deploy from the collapsed to the extended configuration without human intervention, making the system assemble itself
2Volume of moving object
If branches are removed for storage, then the tree can be compacted, but parts may be lost and repositioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The tree branches are nested within the trunk sections during storage. Each limb is contained within the hollow interior of the telescoping trunk tubes, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement allows the entire tree to be compacted into a small storage volume while keeping all branches securely attached and preventing any parts from being lost
Solution Approach 2:
The storage configuration merges the branches and trunk into a single integrated unit. The branches are combined with the trunk structure by being contained within it, eliminating the need to separate them for storage. This unified configuration ensures no parts are lost while achieving compact storage
3Ease of operation
If the tree is in deployed configuration, then it can be displayed, but it occupies large space for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The tree trunk employs a dynamic telescoping structure that can change its length and volume. The trunk sections can be extended to provide full display size when needed, and retracted to a compact form for storage. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve both display and storage functions efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The trunk is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can be extended or retracted independently. This segmentation allows the tree to be collapsed into a compact storage configuration by retracting the sections, while maintaining the ability to fully extend for display. The segmented structure enables volume reduction without compromising display readiness
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for a self-deploying tree are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a self-deploying tree system comprises a top tree assembly, a main tree assembly, and a base. The lower end of the top tree assembly may be coupled to the upper end of the main tree assembly, and the lower end of the main tree assembly may be coupled to the base, providing a vertical orientation of the self-deploying tree system. The self-deploying tree system further comprises a deployment mechanism which may be activated to automatically convert the tree from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration or from a deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration. The collapsed configuration comprises a reduced height and a reduced circumference to allow for ease of handling and storage. The deployed configuration provides for the tree to be extended to a desired height and for deployment of the limbs as desired for display.