Battery-powered tree
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial trees require significant electrical energy for illumination, especially when equipped with many lights and motorized rotating color wheels, leading to high operational costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered lighted tree system where the artificial tree trunk is mechanically and electrically connected to a battery-powered base, using LED-illuminated optic fibers and a programmable controller for customizable illumination patterns, with solar charging to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If artificial trees are equipped with many lights and motorized rotating color wheels, then illumination intensity and visual appeal are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using programmable controllers to activate lights in sequential patterns rather than continuously illuminating all lights. The motorized rotating color wheel is also activated periodically to create dynamic color transitions. This approach provides visually appealing illumination while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation of all lighting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing programmable control systems that can dynamically adjust lighting patterns, intensities, and sequences. The motorized rotating color wheel provides dynamic color changes over time. This dynamic operation allows the tree to display varied illumination patterns while consuming less energy than static full-illumination systems, as lights are activated only when needed for specific display patterns.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If artificial trees remain active for extended periods, then display duration is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to enable extended display duration at reduced operational cost. Programmable controllers manage lighting patterns that activate only during specific time periods or sequences, rather than continuous operation. The motorized color wheel rotates periodically to create dynamic displays. This allows the artificial tree to provide visually appealing illumination for extended periods while consuming significantly less energy than continuous full-power operation would require.
3Adaptability or versatility
If motorized rotating color wheels are added, then color variety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a programmable controller that serves multiple functions: it controls the motorized rotating color wheel, manages sequential lighting patterns, and coordinates various illumination elements. This single programmable control system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms, thereby achieving high color variety and display versatility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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
This solution reduces energy costs and environmental impact by using solar energy to power the tree, providing a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for seasonal displays with sufficient illumination throughout the display season.
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
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Figure 3
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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.