Spherical Tree Stand Locking for Upright Trunk Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Christmas tree stands fail to provide a cost-effective solution that securely supports a range of tree sizes and shapes, maintains the tree upright, and allows for easy assembly and hydration, while being stable and simple in construction.
Innovation Solution
A Christmas tree stand comprising a supporting base with an annular cavity and a positioning sphere, secured by a compression collar, which allows for adjustable positioning and hydration of the tree, using a combination of threaded engagement and optional fins and wedges for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional Christmas tree stand is used, then the tree can be supported upright, but it cannot accommodate a range of tree sizes and shapes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into distinct functional components: a base unit, a positioning sphere, and a compression collar. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the sphere accommodates various trunk shapes while the collar provides adjustable compression, achieving versatility without overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning sphere serves multiple functions: it cradles the tree trunk, provides positioning adjustment, and interfaces with the compression collar. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, achieving adaptability across different tree types while maintaining simple construction
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is added to hold the tree firmly, then the tree stability improves, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression collar integrates the attachment and compression functions into a single component that wraps around the tree trunk and secures to the base. This merging eliminates the need for separate fasteners, clamps, or adjustment mechanisms, achieving reliable tree holding with minimal parts
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of securing the tree to the base directly with multiple fasteners, the invention inverts the approach by using a compression collar that applies radial pressure from the tree outward to the base through the positioning sphere. This inversion achieves secure attachment through friction and compression rather than mechanical fastening
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex adjustment mechanism is provided to position the tree straight, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning sphere is designed to rotate freely within the base before final securing, allowing dynamic adjustment of tree position. The user can easily rotate the sphere to achieve proper alignment, then the compression collar locks the position. This dynamic adjustment provides positioning accuracy without complex mechanisms
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 stand effectively secures trees of varying sizes and shapes in an upright position, allows for easy assembly and hydration, and maintains stability with minimal parts and tools, while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a compression collar. The compression collar is comprised an outer threaded wall engageable with the upper threaded portion of the supporting base, and a first flange contactable with an upper portion of the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere. When the positioning sphere is disposed in the hemispherical socket, and the compression collar is maximally threadably engaged with the supporting base, the flange of the compression collar is contacted with the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere and immobilizes the sphere in the socket.
Implementation Method 2
The annular cavity is bounded by an outer side wall including an upper threaded portion. The compression collar is comprised an outer threaded wall engageable with the upper threaded portion of the supporting base
Data Source
AI summary
A tree stand comprising a supporting base, a positioning sphere, and a compression collar. The supporting base is comprised of an annular cavity surrounding upwardly facing hemispherical socket. The annular cavity comprises an outer side wall including an upper threaded portion. The positioning sphere includes an outer spherical surface and a cavity for receiving a trunk of the tree. The compression collar comprised an outer threaded wall engageable with the upper threaded portion of the supporting base, and a first flange contactable with an upper portion of the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere. When the positioning sphere is disposed in the hemispherical socket, and the compression collar is maximally threadably engaged with the supporting base, the flange of the compression collar is contacted with the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere and immobilizes the sphere in the socket, thereby securing the tree in a desired upright position.