Battery-powered tree
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial trees with many lights consume significant electrical energy, increasing environmental impact and operational costs, especially when used for extended periods like in retail storefronts.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered lighted tree system where an artificial tree trunk is mechanically and electrically connected to a support structure, featuring a light source, such as LED-illuminated optic fibers, and a battery-based power system that can be charged by solar energy, with a programmable controller for customizable illumination patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an artificial tree employs many lights to enhance illumination and visual appeal, then the lighting effect is improved, but the electrical energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling lights to operate in sequences and patterns rather than continuously. The controller activates different groups of lights at different times, creating dynamic displays while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination of all lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying lighting intensity and duration based on operational needs. The system adjusts which lights are active and for how long, optimizing the balance between visual appeal and energy consumption through programmable timing parameters.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If an artificial tree remains illuminated for extended periods to meet display requirements, then the visual display is maintained, but operational costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action with programmable controllers that manage illumination in scheduled sequences. Lights operate in timed patterns rather than continuously, maintaining visual display requirements while significantly reducing total energy consumption and operational costs over extended display periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through programmable control systems that can adapt lighting schedules and patterns. The controller dynamically adjusts which lights are active based on programmed sequences, allowing flexible optimization of illumination duration versus energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized rotating color wheel is added to change lighting color over time, then color variety is improved, but additional electrical energy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating color wheel system with electronic control of multiple LED light sources. Instead of mechanically rotating components, the system uses electronic switching between different colored LEDs, eliminating mechanical wear and reducing energy consumption while achieving the same color variety effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical color wheel component entirely. By using programmable control of multiple colored LED groups, the system achieves color variation without the energy-intensive mechanical rotation, removing the problematic mechanical subsystem.
4Illumination intensity
If optical fibers are used to couple light from the base to the trunk and branches, then light distribution is improved, but optical loss reduces illumination at the top of tall trees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lighting system into multiple independent light sources distributed throughout the tree structure. Instead of using long optical fibers from a single base source, multiple LED groups are placed at different heights and locations, eliminating optical loss by removing the need for long fiber transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical wiring as an intermediary power transmission medium instead of relying on optical fibers for power delivery. Multiple LED groups are electrically connected to power sources distributed throughout the tree, eliminating the optical loss problem inherent in long fiber transmissions while maintaining good light distribution.
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
Reduces energy consumption and operational costs by using solar energy and battery power, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for seasonal displays with reduced maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
the battery may be charged from a solar cell
Implementation Method 2
the light source may be an LED-illuminated optic fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a battery-powered lighted tree formed from an artificial tree trunk adapted to be mechanically supported and electrically connected to a support structure external to the tree, artificial tree branches extending from the trunk, a light source disposed to emit light from a branch and electrically connected to the trunk, and, a base, formed from a battery, and, a structure adapted to mechanically support the trunk and electrically connect the trunk to the battery. In an illustrative example, the light source may be an LED-illuminated optic fiber. In some embodiments, the battery may be charged from a solar cell. Some designs may provide customizable illumination patterns using a programmable controller adapted to control the light source. Various embodiments may advantageously operate from battery for a seasonal display, for example, using lights and battery selected to provide a sufficient period of illumination each display season day.