Integrated AC DC Power Plug for Artificial Tree Trunk Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial pre-lit trees, especially Christmas trees, require a reliable and efficient method to supply both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power for their lighting systems, as existing solutions often involve separate power sources and connections that can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A combined AC and DC power plug system that integrates AC and DC power supply leads, with connector assemblies in the trunk sections of the tree, allowing for secure and efficient transfer of both AC and DC power through aligned connectors, enabling seamless assembly and operation of the tree's lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power sources and connections are used for AC and DC power supply, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate AC and DC power connections into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes both AC power contacts and DC power contacts that are connected through a common power lead, allowing both power types to be supplied through one unified connection point rather than requiring separate connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed to handle multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both AC power connection and DC power connection through a single integrated component. The common power lead serves as a universal power distribution path that can carry both AC and DC power to the lighting system.
2Reliability
If separate power sources and connections are used for AC and DC power supply, then power supply reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to cumbersome connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection operations into a single action by integrating AC and DC power connections into one connector assembly. Users only need to perform one connection operation at the integrated connector rather than separately connecting AC and DC power sources, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connectors are used for AC and DC power, then power distribution reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple separate connectors into a single unified connector assembly that handles both AC and DC power distribution. The internal structure combines AC power contacts and DC power contacts within one connector housing, reducing the total number of connectors while maintaining reliable power distribution paths.
4Device complexity
If integrated AC and DC power connection is used, then device complexity and ease of operation are improved, but power supply reliability may worsen due to combined connection points
Solution Approach 1:
While the connector assembly is integrated, the internal structure segments the power paths - AC power contacts and DC power contacts are separately defined and connected through a common power lead. This segmentation within integration ensures that faults in one power path do not necessarily affect the other, maintaining reliability while achieving simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a combination plug that provides both AC and DC power to an artificial pre-lit tree. Connector assemblies between trunk sections of the artificial tree connect both AC and DC power between the trunk sections. DC power sockets are provided on the trunk sections so that light strings can be plugged into the trunk sections and receive DC power.