Artificial Tree Axial Electrical Connector for Radial-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial tree systems lack efficient mechanisms for easy assembly, disassembly, and multi-channel signal transmission, leading to complexity and potential electrical safety hazards during the connection of trunk segments and branch segments.
Innovation Solution
The artificial tree apparatus features axial electrical connectors that allow trunk segments to connect in any radial orientation, enabling easy assembly and disassembly, and incorporates a multi-channel signal system for transmitting power and command signals through the tree column, with self-aligning interfaces and a control system for independent control of branch segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection mechanisms are used for trunk segments, then assembly requires precise alignment and is time-consuming, but the axial electrical connectors enable connection in any radial orientation reducing assembly time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The axial electrical connector features an asymmetric design where the signal conductor is offset from the centerline of the connector body. This asymmetric configuration allows the connector to mate in any radial orientation without requiring precise alignment, enabling assembly from any orientation and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate wires are used for power and signal transmission, then electrical safety hazards increase and assembly complexity increases, but integrating conductors within the tree column reduces hazards and simplifies assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: the signal conductor, power conductors, and ground conductors are all housed within the same connector body rather than being separate wires. This merging of conductors into an integrated connector system reduces electrical safety hazards by eliminating exposed wiring and simplifies assembly by providing a single connection point for all electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial electrical connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical coupling between trunk segments, transmits power through integrated power conductors, transmits control signals through the signal conductor, and provides grounding through ground conductors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing both safety hazards and assembly complexity.
3Ease of operation
If trunk segments require radial alignment for connection, then assembly precision is required and assembly is difficult, but self-aligning interfaces enable easy assembly without precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The axial electrical connector incorporates self-aligning features including a keyed interface that automatically orients the connector during insertion. The keyway in the mating connector receives the key on the connector body, automatically establishing the correct angular relationship without requiring manual alignment. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for precise radial alignment during assembly while ensuring proper orientation of the offset signal conductor.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods may relate to an artificial tree apparatus having a plurality of trunk segments that couple together to provide a plurality of information or command signals to load devices connected thereto. In an illustrative example, one or more branch segments having light emitting devices are connected to the trunk segments to independently receive the electrical power and command signals via a control system. In some implementations, each command signal generated by the control system may include data pertaining to light color and illumination pattern. In some embodiments, each branch segment and associated light emitting devices may be independently controlled via a multi-channel arrangement. In some implementations, each group of light emitting devices may be manually configured via one or more user-interfaces. In various implementations, each trunk segment may include an axial electrical connector which permits adjacent trunk segments from being connected in any radial orientation relative to each other.