Central Pole Power Connector for Auto-Aligning Lighted Ornaments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ornamental lighting systems, such as pre-lit Christmas trees, require manual and cumbersome connections of power sections during assembly due to the need to reduce their height for shipping, lacking an automatic method to connect sections both physically and electrically.
Innovation Solution
A central pole composed of two segments with a two-part joint system, featuring interconnected portions with apertures and projections for alignment and electrical engagement, including connector parts and guide mechanisms to ensure secure and automatic power connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the central pole is divided into multiple sections to reduce height for shipping, then the transportability is improved, but the complexity of connecting power sections manually increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical connection function and electrical connection function into a single integrated joint assembly. The first and second portions of the joint work together to simultaneously connect two pole segments mechanically while their respective connector parts (first block with terminals and second recess with terminals) automatically establish electrical contact. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual wiring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly is designed to automatically establish electrical connections when the pole segments are mechanically assembled. The connector parts with aligned terminals self-engage through the mechanical coupling of the joint portions, requiring no manual intervention for electrical wiring. The system serves itself by making power connections automatically during the mechanical assembly process.
2Reliability
If manual power connections are made by digging into dense tree branches, then the power connection can be established, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the dense branch structure and relocates it to the central pole's joint assembly. By placing connector parts with terminals on the joint portions that connect pole segments, the system eliminates the need to access and manipulate wiring within the dense branch canopy, making power connections accessible and easy to establish at the pole joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates power connection between pole segments. Instead of requiring direct access to branch-mounted connectors deep within the tree structure, the joint provides an accessible intermediate point where electrical connections can be easily made during assembly, mediating between the pole segments and the power distribution system.
3Ease of operation
If automatic power connection is implemented through integrated joint assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: mechanical connection of pole segments, alignment guidance through keyway slots, and electrical connection through integrated connector parts with terminals. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single standardized joint assembly, the patent achieves automatic power connection without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the same joint structure handles all three functions simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A central shaft power connector for lighted ornaments is disclosed. A central support pole, such as for a Christmas tree is made in two parts joinable with an electrical and mechanical connector which joins the pole parts and simultaneously connects power or other circuits from one part to the other. The connector has two engaging sections and an outrigger platform which locates a connector off to the side of the poles but in alignment. Final alignment is obtained by a key and keyway in the connector parts.