Self-Centering Tree Stand Clamp for Irregular Trunks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Christmas tree stands are labor-intensive and time-consuming to assemble, require complex securing mechanisms, and often fail to securely hold trees due to irregular trunk shapes and rigid designs, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
A stand with offset, pivotable holding elements connected to a tensioning device, where the weight of the tree automatically adjusts and secures the elements, eliminating the need for additional fixing devices and ensuring the tree is centered and held firmly with a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a functional tree stand with pivotable holding elements and tensioning device is used, then the tree can be securely held, but the assembly work becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into modular components: a base unit with holding elements and a separate receiving vessel. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where the tree trunk is simply placed into the vessel, automatically engaging the holding elements without complex manual assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are designed to automatically adjust and secure the tree trunk through self-centering mechanisms. The system performs the securing function automatically when the tree is placed, eliminating the need for manual operation of clamping devices or pump-like actuation sequences.
2Reliability
If a complex clamping device with multiple actuations is used, then the tree can be secured, but the securing process becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex pump-like clamping mechanism is extracted and replaced with simpler holding elements that naturally engage with the tree trunk. The receiving vessel is designed to guide the trunk into position, where the holding elements automatically adapt to the trunk's diameter and shape without requiring multiple actuation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active clamping device that requires actuation to close onto the tree, the design uses passive holding elements that are naturally positioned to cradle the trunk. The weight and position of the tree itself activate the securing mechanism through gravitational force and geometric alignment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid holding elements are used, then the structure is stable, but irregular trunk shapes cannot be compensated leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements incorporate dynamic adjustment capabilities through pivotable connections and spring-loaded mechanisms. These elements can adapt their position and angle to accommodate irregular trunk shapes while maintaining structural stability, allowing the system to respond to varying geometries without compromising overall stand stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the holding system have different properties: the base structure maintains rigidity for stability, while the contact points with the tree trunk are designed with flexibility and adaptability. This local differentiation allows the structure to remain stable while accommodating irregular trunk shapes at the interaction points.
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, automatically centers and securely holds trees of varying diameters without additional actuation, enhancing stability and reducing assembly time and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of the tree automatically adjusts and secures the elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an improved stand for supporting mast-shaped or rod-shaped parts, in particular Christmas trees, comprising a receiving device (10) to which at least two holding elements (30) are fastened and are arranged offset about a central axis (16) of a receiving space (14) of the receiving device (10) and which are each pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis (32) away from the central axis (16) in the direction of a release position and towards the central axis (16) in the direction of a fixing position. The receiving device (10) is mounted such that the distance thereof from a base plate (2) of the stand is variable, and is connected to at least one coupling device (20) that is coupled in respect of movement to a clamping device (40, 42). The clamping device (40, 42) is connected to a tensioning device (81, 82), which is coupled to a holding element (30) or to a plurality of holding elements (30). By reducing the distance between the receiving device (10) and the base plate (2) the receiving device (10) drives the clamping device (40, 42) by means of the coupling device (20) in such a manner that the tensioning device (81, 82) is pulled by the clamping device (40, 42) in a tensioning direction (Z) and/or is subjected to a force such that the clamping device (40, 42) counteracts or prevents pivoting of the holding element (30) or the holding elements (30) away from the central axis (16) towards a release position.