Flange-Secured Electric Connector for Artificial Tree Trunk Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric connectors for artificial trees are complex to manufacture and assemble, requiring clamping pins for securement, which complicates the connection process and stability of electrical and mechanical links between tree sections.

Innovation Solution

A simplified electric connector design featuring a male and female connector with supporting assemblies and electrical connector assemblies that use flanges and internal structures to prevent movement, allowing for secure mechanical and electrical coupling without the need for clamping pins, ensuring stability and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional electric connector design is used for artificial trees, then the electrical connection between tree sections can be established, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to manufacture and assemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate male and female components, each with distinct functional elements. The male connector includes a plug tube and electrical connector assembly, while the female connector includes a receptacle tube and corresponding electrical components, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly of each half

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connector assembly is nested within the plug tube structure. The male electrical connector assembly fits inside the male plug tube, and the female electrical connector assembly fits inside the female receptacle tube, creating a compact integrated design that reduces overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If clamping pins are used to secure the connector assembly to the trunks, then the mechanical connection is strengthened, but the assembly process becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical support function and electrical connection function are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The plug tube and receptacle tube provide mechanical support and positioning, while the nested electrical connector assemblies provide electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate clamping pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly secures itself to the tree trunks through the interference fit between the plug tube and receptacle tube structures. The design inherently provides both mechanical support and electrical connection without requiring additional external fastening components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a simplified connector design without clamping pins is used, then the assembly process becomes easier, but the stability of the connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The male and female connectors have asymmetric designs that complement each other. The male plug tube has a specific outer diameter that corresponds to the inner diameter of the female receptacle tube, creating a precise fit. The electrical connector assemblies are positioned asymmetrically within their respective tubes to optimize both mechanical support and electrical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Reliability

If a complex connector structure is used, then the electrical and mechanical connections can be secured, but the manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical and mechanical connection stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9716360B1Electric connector having a male connector holder tightly fitted into a female connector holder

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 HUIDONG SONGYI MANUFACTORY CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides an electric connector including a male and a female connectors used for being mounted in ends of trunk portions of an artificial tree. The male connector includes a plug tube, a first support received in the plug tube, and a first electrical connector assembly mounted on the first support. The female connector includes a receptacle tube, a second support received in the receptacle tube, and a second electrical connector assembly mounted on the second support. A first end of the plug tube includes an external flange. When the first end of the plug tube is inserted in the receptacle tube with the flange being clamped tightly between the receptacle tube and the second support, the first electrical connector assembly is electrically coupled to the second electrical connector assembly. Thus, a stability of the electrical and mechanical connections of the electric connector can be insured.