Artificial Tree Trunk Connector with Rolling Protrusion for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial Christmas trees suffer from trunk sections that can shift and pivot due to differences in diameters, leading to uneven loading and potential bending or breaking over time.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a sleeve with axially and circumferentially extending ribs provides a slip and press fit to reinforce the connection between trunk sections, reducing or eliminating movement and pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tapered extending portion is inserted into a receiving end with different diameter, then the trunk sections can be connected, but the trunk sections are permitted to shift and pivot causing uneven loading
Solution Approach 1:
A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second trunk sections. The connector features a receiving portion that receives the extending portion of the first trunk section, and a body portion that extends into the receiving end of the second trunk section. This intermediary connector prevents direct contact between the mismatched tapered surfaces, eliminating pivot points and ensuring uniform load distribution across the connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into three distinct components: the first trunk section with extending portion, the connector with receiving portion and body portion, and the second trunk section with receiving end. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the connector can be precisely engineered with matching dimensions and geometric features to eliminate the dimensional mismatches that cause pivoting in direct connections.
2Ease of operation
If the extending portion diameter is smaller than the receiving end diameter, then insertion is possible, but free play movement and pivoting occur around the pivot point
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric geometric features including a non-circular cross-section or eccentric positioning of the receiving portion relative to the body portion. This asymmetry creates a unique orientation that prevents rotational movement and pivoting, while still allowing straightforward insertion along the axial direction. The asymmetric design ensures that the connector can only be installed in the correct orientation, eliminating free play movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with specific geometric features such as tapered surfaces, cam actions, or spring-loaded elements that automatically guide and align the trunk sections during insertion. These preliminary geometric arrangements ensure proper alignment is achieved during the insertion process itself, preventing misalignment and pivoting before the connection is finalized.
3Device complexity
If trunk sections are connected directly without additional components, then the structure is simple, but uneven loading can lead to bending and breaking over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as a mediator that distributes loads uniformly across the connection interface between trunk sections. By providing a precisely fitted interface with the extending portion and receiving end, the connector prevents concentration of stresses at pivot points or mismatched surfaces, thereby preventing bending moments and reducing the risk of failure over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector may be constructed from composite materials or multi-material construction combining different properties - such as a rigid outer shell for structural strength and a slightly compliant inner layer for stress distribution. This composite approach enhances the overall strength and durability of the connection while managing the stresses imposed by the tree's weight and environmental factors.
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial tree comprising a first trunk section and a second trunk section is disclosed. The second trunk section can be configured to receive a portion of the first trunk section and can include a sleeve disposed proximate an end of the second trunk section. The sleeve can include a lower lip having an angled portion that can interact with a rolling protrusion disposed on the first trunk section. The rolling protrusion can rotate upon interaction with the angled portion of the lower lip to guide and assist the second trunk section to receive a portion of the first trunk section.