Connector system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional artificial Christmas tree trunk connectors are prone to damage during shipping and storage, leading to assembly issues due to deformed or bent ends, which can prevent the successful assembly of the tree system.

Innovation Solution

A connector system comprising a sleeve with a cylindrical shape and a notch or shoulder to protect the ends of the tree trunk sections, along with a cutout to prevent rotation and secure the sections together, using securement devices like nails or screws for added stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional artificial Christmas tree trunk connectors are used without protective features, then the assembly process is simpler, but the connectors are prone to damage during shipping and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector durabilityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating protective notches and shoulders into the connector design before shipping and storage. These features are pre-formed structural elements that proactively prevent damage during handling and transport, rather than requiring corrective actions after damage occurs. The notches and shoulders are built-in protective features that prepare the connector for potential mechanical stresses during logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the design of notches and shoulders that act as protective elements against impact and mechanical stress. These features create structural cushioning zones that absorb and distribute forces during shipping and storage, preventing damage to the critical connection interfaces before damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the tree trunk sections are designed to be easily assembled, then the assembly process is faster, but rotation during assembly may occur causing misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by incorporating notches and shoulders at specific asymmetric positions on the tree trunk connectors. These asymmetric features create a unique geometric interface that guides proper alignment during assembly. The asymmetric design allows easy insertion while preventing rotation, as the notches and shoulders only match in one orientation, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The notches and shoulders act as intermediary elements that mediate between the two tree trunk sections during assembly. These features serve as alignment guides and mechanical stops that facilitate easy connection while preventing misalignment. The intermediary notches and shoulders translate the simple insertion motion into precise aligned positioning, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connector system allows free assembly and disassembly, then the tree can be easily stored, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector interface into distinct functional elements: notches for alignment and positioning, shoulders for mechanical support and load bearing, and securement device receptacles for additional fixation. This segmented design allows the connector to provide reliable, multi-mechanism attachment while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly. Each segment performs a specific function that contributes to overall connection reliability without compromising flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by designing a connector system that transitions from a simple static insertion to a dynamic multi-stage securement process. The notches and shoulders provide initial dynamic alignment and positioning during insertion, while the securement devices (screws, nails, or clips) provide dynamic adjustment and final locking. This dynamic approach allows the connection to be easily made and taken apart while ensuring reliable attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240358177A1Connector system
Publication Date: 2024.10.31 POLYGROUP MACAU BVI
  • US20240358177A1 patent drawing
  • US20240358177A1 patent drawing
  • US20240358177A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector system facilitates the connection of a first tree trunk to a second tree trunk of an artificial tree system. The connector system can prohibit rotation of the first tree trunk relative to the second tree trunk.