Decorative lighting control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative lighting systems lack efficient control and power distribution methods for achieving complex lighting effects, such as color selection, brightness control, and timing functions, particularly for AC and DC-powered light elements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sectional artificial tree system with internal and external power wiring that converts AC power to DC for LED elements, incorporating a controller-timer to manage power distribution and control functions across multiple tree sections and light networks, allowing for selective powering and timing of light elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If AC power is used to power light elements, then power availability is improved, but control complexity increases for DC light elements and AC accessory power receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls DC light elements, manages AC accessory power receptacles, and provides timing functions through a single integrated device. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating control complexity into one universal controller that handles both AC and DC powered components, thereby maintaining power availability while managing control complexity efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the power source and both DC light elements and AC accessory power receptacles. It receives AC power input, converts/regulates it as needed, and distributes appropriate power and control signals to different loads. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complexity of managing mixed AC/DC power distribution and control functions.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple tree sections with internal and external power wiring are used, then lighting coverage is improved, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial tree is divided into multiple tree sections, each with its own internal and external power wiring subsystem. This segmentation allows each section to be independently wired and controlled, reducing the overall wiring complexity by breaking down the large complex system into smaller, manageable units while collectively achieving extensive lighting coverage across the entire tree structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring system employs a nested structure where internal power wiring is contained within the tree trunk, and external power wiring is positioned on the exterior. This nested arrangement allows power distribution to occur at multiple levels simultaneously - internal wiring serves core functions while external wiring provides additional lighting - thereby expanding lighting coverage without proportionally increasing overall wiring complexity through organized hierarchical structuring.
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
Enables efficient and flexible control of decorative lighting systems, including AC and DC-powered elements, to create various lighting effects, enhancing user experience and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
A power source may provide an incoming alternating-current (AC) power, such as that provided to most homes and businesses. A decorative lighting device or system of the disclosure, such as one that includes light elements that comprise LEDs, may convert incoming AC power to direct-current (DC) power for use with control electronics and to power LEDs.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-sectional artificial tree with internal and external power wiring for distributing and controlling power to a network of lights. The tree includes multiple tree sections, each tree section with a set of power wires inside a tree trunk, and a network of lighting wires outside the trunk. The network of lighting wires includes a tree-section wire network with a large gauge wire supplying power to groups of lights strings on branches on the tree trunk. Each group of branches has a branch-level lighting network with multiple connectors in series, and that connects to one connector of the tree-section wire network. Each branch-level lighting network powers multiple light strings connected in series, one light string per branch. The wires of the light strings are small gauge, and are connected by the branch-level connectors by a small-wire-to-large-wire connector.