Stand for elongated objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Christmas tree stands often require two people to install and remove elongated objects due to complex cable mechanisms that stress cables and necessitate manual manipulation of individual fasteners, leading to wear and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A stand with equiangularly secured arm assemblies, each comprising a base, upper and lower arm, and springs that bias the arms to securely engage and release elongated objects, allowing single-person installation and removal using a foot pedal for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable mechanisms are used to secure elongated objects, then the objects can be held securely, but the cables experience stress and wear throughout the holding process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable mechanism entirely from the system. Instead of using cables to secure the elongated object, the invention uses spring-biased arms with gripping surfaces that directly contact and hold the object. This extraction of the harmful cable element eliminates the stress and wear problems while maintaining secure holding capability through the spring-biased gripping arms.
2Reliability
If individual threaded rods are used to engage the tree trunk, then the tree can be held upright, but installation requires two people and is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual fastening elements into a single integrated arm assembly. Instead of requiring separate manipulation of multiple threaded rods, the invention uses a unified spring-biased arm structure with gripping surfaces that automatically engage the elongated object. This merging of functions allows one person to easily install and remove the object while maintaining reliable upright positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased arm assemblies are designed to automatically engage and secure the elongated object without requiring manual tightening or complex operations. The springs provide automatic biasing force that causes the gripping surfaces to contact and hold the object as it is placed in the stand, enabling easy single-person operation while ensuring reliable positioning.
3Reliability
If manual manipulation of fasteners is required, then secure engagement is achieved, but operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased arm assemblies automatically engage the elongated object when it is placed in the stand, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of fasteners. The springs provide automatic biasing force that causes the gripping surfaces to contact and secure the object instantly, significantly reducing installation and removal time while maintaining reliable engagement.
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
Enables single-person installation and removal of elongated objects without stressing cables throughout the holding process, ensuring durability and ease of use while minimizing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
The arm assembly includes a first spring that is structured to bias the second end of the arm base towards the center of the stand, and a second spring that is structured to bias the lower arm portion towards the center of the stand.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand for Christmas trees and other elongated objects includes spring biased, movable arm assemblies, with each arm assembly including a base arm and a gripping arm pivotally secured to the base arm. The gripping arm includes upper and lower elongated object engaging surfaces. When a Christmas tree or other elongated objects is pressed to downward between the arm assemblies, the elongated object contacts the lower object engaging surfaces, bringing the upper object engaging surfaces into contact with the elongated object. Spring pressure supplied by springs within the arm assemblies retains the elongated object within the stand.