Tree Stand Cable-Drum Clamping for Single-Lever Trunk Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Christmas tree stands are labor-intensive and time-consuming to assemble, require complex trunk securing mechanisms, and necessitate pump-like actuation of tensioning devices to secure trees of varying diameters, leading to inefficient force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A stand with a base plate, angularly offset holding elements, a flexible force transmission device, a clamping hoist, and a winding body, where the clamping lever's actuation winds the force transmission device onto the winding body, allowing for efficient force transfer and secure tree fixation with a single actuation, regardless of trunk diameter, through a gear-like drive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tensioning cable runs through upper lever arms of pivoting levers to allow adjustment for different trunk diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to pump-like actuation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A cable drum is introduced as an intermediary component between the clamping lever and the tensioning cable. The cable drum winds the cable during actuation, providing mechanical advantage and eliminating the need for pump-like repeated actuations. This mediator transforms the direct linear motion into a winding motion that efficiently tensions the cable for different trunk diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a planar lever system to a three-dimensional winding mechanism. The cable drum adds a rotational dimension to the actuation process, allowing the cable to be wound around the drum in a spiral pattern. This dimensional change enables efficient cable tensioning for various trunk diameters without complex pump-like actuation.
2Reliability
If the tensioning cable is tightened very tightly to reliably secure the trunk, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to increased actuation effort
Solution Approach 1:
The cable drum is designed with a radius that is smaller than the lever arm radius, creating a mechanical advantage where a single partial actuation of the clamping lever produces excessive cable winding. This ensures the cable is tightened sufficiently for reliable trunk fixation without requiring full or repeated actuations, reducing the operational effort needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable drum pre-winds the tensioning cable during the actuation process, storing mechanical energy in the twisted cable. This preliminary winding action ensures that when the clamping lever is actuated, the cable is already tensioned and ready to securely fix the trunk, eliminating the need for additional tightening efforts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a clamping device with multiple pivoting levers and tensioning cables is used to hold Christmas trees, then adaptability is improved, but assembly work and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cable drums are merged into a single integrated component or a minimal set of components. The tensioning cables from multiple pivoting levers are combined and wound around shared cable drums, reducing the number of individual drum components needed. This merging simplifies the overall structure, reduces assembly work, and lowers production costs while maintaining the ability to hold different Christmas tree sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable drum is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: it winds the tensioning cable, provides mechanical advantage, and accommodates different cable lengths for various trunk diameters. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining adaptability.
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 simplifies assembly and securing processes, reduces production and assembly costs, and ensures secure tree fixation with a single actuation of the clamping lever, eliminating the need for repeated pump-like actuation, thereby improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the force transmission device is wound up on the winding body, so that the holding elements are pivoted by means of the force transmission device in the direction of the fixing position
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved stand for pole- or rod-shaped parts, in particular Christmas trees, is characterized by the following features: - a clamping lever (39) comprises an operating section (31) and a drive section (32) opposite thereto; - The drive section (32) has an at least partially circular outer contour with a toothed outer surface (33); - The tensioning lever 30 is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (35) which extends through a circle center defined by the part-circular outer contour of the drive section (32) and is arranged between the actuating section (31) and the drive section (32); - A winding body (40) is non-rotatably connected to a drive gear (41) and rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation (45) offset parallel to the first axis of rotation; - The drive section (32) meshes with the drive gear (41), so that the winding body (40) is set in rotation by actuating the clamping lever (30).