Modular artificial lighted tree with decorative light string
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decorative light strings for artificial trees are complex to assemble and prone to failure due to series-parallel connections, where individual light failures can cause all lights in a series group to lose power, and the extensive wiring makes it difficult to connect and power multiple strings efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A parallel-series light string configuration where multiple light assemblies are connected in parallel within each group and the groups are connected in series, using wire stabilizers to secure and isolate the connections, reducing the impact of individual light failures and simplifying assembly by creating gaps in the wires to form series connections between groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If series-parallel light string configuration is used, then voltage distribution is achieved, but reliability deteriorates because individual light failures cause all lights in series group to lose power
Solution Approach 1:
The light string is segmented into multiple independent parallel groups, where each group contains series-connected lights. This segmentation isolates failures to individual groups, preventing cascade failures across the entire string while maintaining voltage distribution through the series arrangement within each group.
Solution Approach 2:
A common conductor serves as an intermediary that collects current from multiple parallel light groups and distributes it to series-connected lights within each group. This intermediary structure enables the parallel-series configuration to function properly, achieving both voltage distribution and failure isolation.
2Length of moving object
If multiple light strings are connected end-to-end with extensive wiring, then coverage is improved, but device complexity increases making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light strings are merged into a single parallel-series configuration where all strings share common conductors. This combining approach extends coverage across multiple strings while reducing wiring complexity by eliminating the need for separate end-to-end connections between each string.
Solution Approach 2:
The common conductors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as current collectors for parallel groups, distribute power to series-connected lights, and provide structural support for the entire light string assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall wiring required.
3Power
If series connections are used within groups, then voltage distribution is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The light string is divided into modular parallel groups, each containing series-connected lights. This modular segmentation simplifies assembly by allowing groups to be constructed and tested independently before being connected to the common conductors, reducing overall complexity despite the series connections within groups.
Data Source
AI summary
A decorative light string including a first group of light elements electrically connected in parallel to each other, a second plurality of light elements electrically connected in parallel to each other, and a third plurality of light elements electrically connected in parallel to each other. The first, second, and third groups of lights are electrically connected in series. A first wire stabilizer is located between the first group of lights and the second group of lights, and a second wire stabilizer is located between the second group of lights and the third group of lights. The first and second wire stabilizers secure wire ends forming first and second gaps in the wiring of the light string.