Illumination system for an artificial tree

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Solution Overview

Problem

Artificial Christmas trees face challenges in illumination, particularly during assembly and disassembly, as existing lighting systems are not effectively integrated into the tree trunk sections, leading to inefficiencies and user discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A system for internally illuminating artificial tree trunk sections using modular lighting modules with a housing, light emitting devices, optical devices, and a controller that can adjust lighting effects based on ambient conditions or user input, allowing for even or uneven distribution along the trunk and multiple color or pattern options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If lighting systems are externally attached to artificial tree trunk sections, then installation is simple, but illumination effect is poor and aesthetics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination effectVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting module is nested within the hollow interior cavity of the tree trunk section. The housing fits inside the trunk's internal space, with the light emitting device positioned to radiate light outward through the trunk wall or internal void, creating an internal illumination effect that enhances aesthetics while maintaining structural integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system transitions from external surface mounting to internal three-dimensional placement within the trunk's hollow cavity. This dimensional change allows light to emanate from within the trunk structure itself, creating a more realistic and aesthetically pleasing illumination effect while the modular housing maintains ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If modular lighting modules are used with removable housings, then assembly and disassembly is easier, but connection reliability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into modular components: a removable housing containing the light emitting device and battery, and a fixed mounting structure integrated with the trunk. This segmentation allows the housing to be easily attached and detached while the mounting structure remains permanently secured, balancing ease of operation with connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities through coupling mechanisms that allow easy assembly and disassembly during setup and storage, while maintaining secure connection during operation. The coupling can be permanently positioned or adjustable between multiple positions, providing flexibility without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If multiple lighting modules are distributed along the trunk, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into multiple identical lighting modules that can be distributed along the trunk at different heights and positions. Each module is a self-contained unit with housing, light emitting device, and power source, allowing flexible placement to achieve desired illumination coverage without requiring complex centralized control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each lighting module is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can operate independently or in combination with other modules. The standardized coupling mechanism allows any module to be placed at any position on the trunk, and each module can provide both structural support and illumination functions, reducing overall system complexity while improving coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances user experience by providing selective and dynamic internal illumination of artificial trees, improving aesthetics and reducing assembly complexity while being energy-efficient and adaptable to varying lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The light emitting device may be a light emitting diode, an incandescent bulb, or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10327576B2Illumination system for an artificial tree
Publication Date: 2019.06.25 POLYGROUP MACAU BVI
  • US10327576B2 patent drawing
  • US10327576B2 patent drawing
  • US10327576B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosed technology includes an illumination system for a tree trunk of an artificial tree. The system may include a cylindrical shaped body, such that the outer surface of the body has a cylindrical shape. The inner surface of the body may include one or more diameters. One or more lighting modules may be positioned along the tree trunk to impart an internal lighting and/or glowing effect radiating therefrom.