Christmas Tree Stand Elastic Tensioning for Trunk Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Christmas tree stands face difficulties in aligning trees, especially when the trunk is not round, due to the lack of initial retaining force from the retaining elements, which can cause the tree to fall over during alignment, and the ratcheting mechanism's step-wise tensioning makes it hard to achieve precise alignment without damaging the trunk.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastic buffer element into the force transmission element, such as a steel cable, that allows for an intermediate alignment position where the retaining elements exert a sufficient force to prevent the tree from falling but is lower than the full retaining force, enabling easy alignment without damage, and using curved or roller-shaped support surfaces on the retaining elements to prevent digging into the trunk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ratcheting device tensions the force transmission element in steps/stages, then the retaining elements are pressed against the trunk with increasing force, but the trunk cannot be aligned during tensioning because the retaining force becomes too great too quickly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretaining forceVSAvoidalignment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic buffer element is pre-installed in the force transmission element to provide initial cushioning. When the ratcheting device begins tensioning, the elastic element absorbs the initial force spikes and provides a gradual transition, allowing the trunk to be aligned before full retaining force is applied. This beforehand cushioning prevents the abrupt force application that previously made alignment impossible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic buffer element changes the force transmission characteristics by introducing elasticity into the previously rigid force transmission system. This parameter change allows the force to be transmitted more gradually and controllably, transforming the force application from abrupt and damaging to gradual and manageable, enabling alignment during the tensioning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the retaining elements are designed with pointed tips or claws to increase retaining force, then the retaining force is improved, but the trunk is damaged during alignment attempts because the pointed tips dig into the trunk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretaining forceVSAvoidtrunk damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic buffer element provides beforehand cushioning that prevents the pointed tips from digging into the trunk during alignment. By absorbing and distributing the force gradually, the elastic element ensures that even though the retaining elements have aggressive pointed tips for maximum retaining force, these tips do not damage the trunk during the alignment phase when forces are being applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If the retaining elements are made with little flexibility to transmit tensioning steps accurately, then the tensioning steps are transmitted precisely, but the trunk cannot be aligned because the rigid structure transmits all tensioning force immediately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensioning step transmissionVSAvoidalignment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic buffer element changes the mechanical parameter of the force transmission element from rigid to elastic. This parameter change allows the system to maintain precise tensioning step transmission while introducing the flexibility needed to enable alignment. The elastic element deformable under load allows controlled movement during alignment while still accurately transmitting the ratcheting device's tensioning steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates the alignment of non-round tree trunks by providing a temporary holding force without immediate full retention, allowing for precise alignment without damaging the tree, and ensures the tree remains stable during the process.

Implementation Method 1

allocated to the force transmission element, for instance a steel cable that is only slightly extensible as such, is an elastic buffer element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7484703B2Christmas tree stand with elastic element that engages power transmission element

Publication Date: 2009.02.03 KRINNER INNOVATION GMBH

AI summary

Tree stand in which a tensioning device can move a plurality of retaining elements that are arranged about the axis of the receiving area of the stand, by means of a flexible force transmission element that can be loaded with tension, out of a loose position in which the trunk can be adjusted into a support position in which the retaining elements are positioned largely force-free on the trunk, then into an alignment position in which the retaining elements hold the trunk so that it can be aligned, finally into a retaining position in which the trunk is clamped upright, whereby the lower retaining force of the plurality of retaining elements, which force is required in the alignment position, is produced by an elastic buffer element allocated to the force transmission element.