Control of modular lighted artificial trees
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighted artificial trees have complex and tedious wiring configurations due to multiple power plugs, limiting control over individual light strings and lamps.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting power and control system featuring a primary controller and sub-controllers, with a trunk electrical connector system that allows for efficient power and data transmission between tree sections, enabling advanced control over lighting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional power plugs and light strings are used, then power can be supplied to lighting elements, but wiring complexity increases and control capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is divided into multiple modular sections, each with integrated power and data connectors. This segmentation allows each section to be independently assembled and connected, eliminating the need for complex external wiring between sections while reducing overall wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trunk electrical connector is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both power transmission and data communication between sections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate connectors and wires needed, simplifying the overall wiring system.
2Ease of operation
If traditional power plugs are used, then power supply is achieved, but control over individual light strings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A data communication network is introduced as an intermediary between the controller and lighting elements. This network enables detailed control of individual light strings and lamps through digital signals transmitted via the existing power wiring, providing granular control without requiring separate physical connections for each light element.
Solution Approach 2:
The same electrical connector system that transmits power is also used to transmit control data. This dual-use approach enables sophisticated lighting control while avoiding the complexity of separate control wiring for each light string.
3Productivity
If multiple power plugs and light strings are used, then lighting coverage is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tree structure is segmented into pre-assembled modular sections that can be quickly connected together. Each section includes integrated lighting elements and connectors, allowing rapid assembly by simply joining sections rather than individually wiring each light string, significantly reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
Lighting elements and wiring are pre-installed and pre-configured within each tree section during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site wiring and configuration, allowing users to simply assemble the pre-prepared sections, dramatically reducing assembly time.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting power and control system for an artificial lighted tree. The system includes: a first primary controller including a processor; a first plurality of sub-controllers, each including a processor, each of the first plurality of sub-controllers in electrical communication with the first primary controller; and a first plurality of lighting elements, each of the first plurality of lighting elements in direct electrical communication with one of the first plurality of sub-controllers. The first primary controller controls each of the first plurality of sub-controllers, and each of the first plurality of sub-controllers selectively powers the plurality of lighting elements according to commands issued by the primary controller.