Tree Stand Jaw Assembly Crosswise Strap Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ladder tree stands lack stability during the process of securing the tree stand to a tree, as the force applied to the jaws can cause the stand to move inadvertently, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
A tree stand design featuring a ladder assembly, a support structure, a jaw assembly with pivotally secured jaws, and a strap assembly that applies tension to the jaws in a crosswise orientation behind the tree, ensuring the jaws are drawn inwardly without applying force to the ladder assembly, thereby enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional jaw closure mechanisms are used to secure the tree stand to the tree, then the tree stand can be attached to the tree, but the force applied during jaw closure causes the stand to move inadvertently, leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
A cable assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism to transmit the closing force to the jaws. The cable assembly includes a cable that passes through a pulley system, allowing the user to apply force at a convenient location while the force is transmitted to close the jaws securely against the tree, eliminating direct manual manipulation of the jaws and preventing unwanted movement of the ladder assembly
2Ease of operation
If the tree stand is positioned by leaning against the tree without preliminary securing, then the ladder assembly can be accessed, but the stand is unsupported and may move inadvertently during climbing, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed to engage the tree preliminarily before the user climbs the ladder. The jaws can be opened and closed to grip the tree trunk in advance, providing initial support and stability. This preliminary securing action ensures the stand is firmly attached before any climbing occurs, eliminating the safety hazard of an unsupported ladder during ascent
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 design provides increased stability by redirecting the force applied during jaw closure, preventing unwanted movement of the ladder assembly and ensuring a secure attachment to the tree, even when the user is climbing.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning force applied to the strap assembly forces the first and second jaws inwardly towards the tree
Implementation Method 2
a jaw assembly with first and second jaws that are pivotally secured to the support structure such that each of the first and second jaws is inwardly movable to close the jaw assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A tree stand is disclosed for use in supporting an occupant in an elevated position in a tree. The tree stand includes: a ladder assembly; a support structure secured to the ladder assembly; a jaw assembly; a strap assembly; and an anchor that is securable to the tree. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaws, and is pivotally secured to the support structure such that the jaws are inwardly movable to close the jaw assembly. The strap assembly includes a first strap that extends from the support structure into contact with the first jaw, and a second strap that extends from the support structure into contact with the second jaw. The strap assembly is connectable to the anchor such that the straps are arranged in overlapping, crosswise relation behind the tree, whereby a tensioning force applied to the strap assembly forces the jaws inwardly towards the tree.