Tree Platform Support Assembly With Adjustable Rings for Tree Growth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tree-mounted platforms are difficult to install, not easily adjustable for tree growth, and often cause multiple intrusions into the tree, which can harm its health.
Innovation Solution
A tree-based platform support assembly featuring a rod longer than the tree diameter, with adjustable rings and extending members that minimize tree intrusions, and a tension element system for secure suspension, allowing for easy installation and adjustment to accommodate tree growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple intrusions are made into the tree to secure the platform, then the platform stability is improved, but the tree health deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple independent support members (first support member, second support member, etc.) that are distributed around the tree trunk. Each support member makes a separate attachment point, but collectively they provide stable support while minimizing the number of intrusions compared to traditional methods that require multiple fasteners per support point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rings that encircle the tree trunk as intermediary elements. These rings act as mediators between the support members and the tree, allowing the supports to be attached to the rings rather than directly to the tree bark. This reduces the number of direct intrusions into the tree while maintaining platform stability.
2Reliability
If the platform structure is made robust and sturdy, then the safety is improved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform support system is segmented into modular components: multiple support members, rings, and crossbeams that can be independently installed and adjusted. This modular approach allows for robust construction while simplifying installation, as each component can be attached separately rather than requiring complex assembly of a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed with adjustable features that allow them to be positioned and secured at different locations around the tree trunk. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to accommodate variations in tree shape and size, simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural integrity and safety.
3Reliability
If the platform is firmly attached to the tree, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to tree growth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with adjustable attachment points that can be repositioned along the tree trunk as the tree grows. The rings can be moved to different heights and positions, allowing the platform to adapt to changes in tree diameter and shape while maintaining structural stability. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between firm attachment and growth adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changes in key parameters such as the position of rings, the orientation of support members, and the tension of attachment fasteners. These parameter adjustments enable the platform to accommodate tree growth while maintaining structural stability, as the support system can be reconfigured to match the tree's changing dimensions.
4Strength
If traditional platform installation methods are used, then the structural strength is improved, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform support system is divided into pre-fabricated modular components (support members, rings, crossbeams) that can be independently prepared and then quickly assembled on the tree. This segmentation allows for efficient installation as each component can be attached separately using standardized connection methods, reducing overall installation time while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members and rings are designed with pre-drilled holes, pre-attached fasteners, and pre-configured connection points that allow for rapid assembly. This preliminary preparation of components before installation significantly reduces the time required on-site while ensuring that each component is properly configured to provide the necessary structural strength.
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 solution provides a robust, safe, and minimally invasive platform installation that can support significant weight, is easily installed in a few hours, and adjusts for tree growth, reducing the number of tree intrusions and ensuring tree health.
Implementation Method 1
first tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the first support, and includes a second tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the second support
Implementation Method 2
first tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the first support, and includes a second tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the second support
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for a tree-based platform includes a rod having a length greater than a diameter of a tree to which the platform is intended to be attached. The assembly further includes a first ring defining an opening configured to receive a portion of a tree, and a first plurality of extending members inwardly advanceable relative to the first ring. Each of the extending members has an end portion configured to engage the tree in the opening of the first ring when sufficiently advanced. The assembly further includes a second ring defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the tree, and a second plurality of extending members inwardly advanceable relative to the second ring. Each extending member has an end portion configured to engage the tree in the opening of the second ring when sufficiently advanced. The assembly further includes first and second supports. Each support has a bottom rail, a top rail, and two side rails. The top rails of the first and second support are configured to be coupled to the second ring, and the bottom rails of the first and second supports are configured to be coupled to the first ring. The assembly further includes a first tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the first support, and a second tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the second support.