Tree Skirt Snap-Fit Structure to Prevent Elastic Strip Detachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree skirts suffer from poor stability and reliability due to metal strips detaching from connecting members over time, leading to deformation and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A tree skirt design utilizing a snap-fit structure with elastic strips and snap members, where one end of each elastic strip has a snap member and the other end has a snap-fit member, allowing for a stable connection through a snap-in mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal strips are inserted into slots and positioned by friction force, then the structure is simple to assemble, but the metal strips are prone to detachment after long-term use, resulting in poor stability and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical positioning system with a snap-fit connection system. The elastic strip with snap member engages with the slot to provide positive mechanical interlocking, eliminating reliance on friction force and preventing detachment over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces elasticity as a new parameter by using an elastic strip instead of a rigid metal strip. This allows the connection structure to accommodate dimensional variations and maintain reliable engagement through elastic deformation, improving connection stability.
2Reliability
If friction force is used to position metal strips, then the assembly process is simple, but the connection reliability deteriorates over long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the friction-based positioning mechanism with a snap-fit engagement mechanism. The snap member on the elastic strip engages with the slot to provide secure, durable positioning that maintains connection reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elasticity to the connection system, allowing the elastic strip to deform and recover during assembly and use. This dynamic behavior enables easy assembly through simple insertion while maintaining durable connection through elastic retention force.
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 snap-fit structure provides a stable connection that prevents detachment of adjacent elastic strips, ensuring good stability and high reliability of the tree skirt.
Implementation Method 1
each of the elastic strips is arranged on an inner wall of the skirt piece... one end of each of the elastic strips is provided with a snap member, the other end of the elastic strip is provided with a snap-fit member
Data Source
AI summary
A tree skirt using a snap-fit structure includes: a support assembly and at least two skirt pieces, the skirt pieces are sequentially arranged along a circular track, adjacent skirt pieces are detachably connected, and the skirt pieces are enclosed to form a cavity. The support assembly comprises at least two elastic strips, each of the elastic strips is arranged on an inner wall of the skirt piece, the elastic strips are sequentially arranged in an arrangement direction of the skirt pieces, one end of each of the elastic strips is provided with a snap member, the other end of the elastic strip is provided with a snap-fit member, the snap member on one of two adjacent elastic strips is snap-fixed with the snap-fit member on the other, and the snap member and the snap-fit member are detachably connected.