Tree Stand Assembly with Strap Tightening and Elevated Water Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support stands for elongated structures like Christmas trees and poles face issues with instability due to loose bolts, difficulty in tightening, and inadequate water management, requiring frequent water refilling and inconvenient access for users.
Innovation Solution
A stable support stand with a pyramid-shaped design featuring adjustable straps and a water supply assembly that includes a horizontally extending tube with a curved end for easy water filling and a large water reservoir to minimize frequent refilling, along with a motorized tightening mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded bolts are used to secure the tree or pole to the stand, then the tree can be held in position, but the bolts may become loose and are difficult to sufficiently tighten, resulting in instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded bolt mechanical system with a ratchet and strap system. The ratchet mechanism allows for easy one-way tightening while preventing loosening, and the strap provides continuous contact pressure around the tree trunk rather than discrete bolt points, eliminating the loosening problem while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system allows for dynamic adjustment and continuous pressure application. The ratchet mechanism enables the user to easily tighten the strap by pulling the free end, creating a dynamic tightening process that is much easier than threading and tightening multiple bolts, while the engaged ratchet teeth prevent any reverse motion that would cause loosening.
2Quantity of substance
If a water chamber is formed at the base of the tree to hold water, then water can be supplied to the tree, but the user must crawl under the tree to fill the chamber and cannot easily see the water level, causing inconvenient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the water supply system into a third dimension by adding a vertical tube that rises above the tree trunk. This allows the user to fill water from above at an accessible height rather than crawling underneath the tree to access the chamber at ground level. The tube acts as a conduit that bridges the vertical distance between the accessible filling point and the water chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical tube serves as an intermediary element between the user and the water chamber. Instead of directly accessing the chamber underneath the tree, the user interacts with the tube opening at an elevated position, and the tube mediates the water transfer to the chamber, making the operation convenient and accessible.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the water chamber conforms to the base of the tree to support the tree, then the tree is stabilized, but the chamber volume is relatively small requiring repeated filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water containment system into two parts: a compact water chamber that conforms to the tree base for stability, and an extended vertical tube that provides additional water capacity. The chamber maintains close contact with the tree trunk for support, while the tube extends upward to provide additional volume without interfering with the tree's stability or requiring the chamber itself to be larger.
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 provides enhanced stability and convenience by allowing easy adjustment of the straps for secure attachment and easy access to water filling without crawling, reducing the need for frequent water refilling and preventing spills.
Implementation Method 1
a tube that extends outward from the chamber horizontally and has an upward curved end portion that is positioned an extent away from the chamber with an opening for receiving fluid to pass within the tube and into the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A stand device having a housing with a base and an upper body, the upper body having a top opening for receiving the bottom of a tree and having an upstanding sidewall extending in a circumferential arrangement to define an inner chamber with a chamber height. The assembly having a securement assembly with at least one adjustable strap residing along a generally horizontal plane with a tightening mechanism, the tightening mechanism having at least one engagement surface aligned with a mating surface of the strap, wherein movement of the actuator forces said engagement surface against the mating surface of the strap to reduce the diameter of the strap loop. The assembly further having a horizontally extending tube that has an upward curved portion with an opening located at or below the height of the inner chamber.