Artificial Tree Trunk Power Transfer Without Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of artificial Christmas trees is frustrated by the need to rotationally align electrical prongs and slots in trunk sections, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A power transfer system with a male end having a central prong and a channel prong, and a female end with a central void and a circular channel void, allowing for electrical connection without precise rotational alignment, facilitated by a sleeve system for alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connection systems with fixed prong and slot orientations are used, then precise rotational alignment is required for proper electrical connection, but this increases assembly difficulty and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrical connection system flexible rather than fixed. The female end incorporates a circular channel void that can receive the channel prong at multiple rotational positions, allowing the connection to adapt to different orientations. This dynamic reception capability eliminates the need for precise rotational alignment while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface. The channel void is designed as a circular cross-section rather than a fixed orientation slot, and the channel prong is positioned eccentrically relative to the central prong. This parameter change allows the prong to engage the void at multiple rotational positions, solving both the reliability and ease of operation requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple trunk sections are connected with fixed rotational alignment requirements, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time and user frustration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic design of the channel void reception system allows trunk sections to be connected without precise rotational alignment. Users can insert sections at any orientation, and the eccentric channel prong will naturally engage with the circular channel void, ensuring reliable power transfer while significantly reducing assembly time and eliminating the need for repeated alignment attempts.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional plug and slot systems are used, then electrical connection is possible, but rotational alignment precision is required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by changing the geometric parameters of the connection interface. The circular channel void and eccentric channel prong configuration are simpler to manufacture than precision-machined oriented slots and prongs. The design inherently provides alignment tolerance through its geometry, eliminating the need for high-precision rotational alignment features while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.