Modular tree with locking trunk and locking electrical connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial trees, especially pre-lit ones, face challenges in preventing rotation of tree sections at the trunk ends, which can damage light string wiring and affect aesthetic appearance, with existing solutions being ineffective or difficult to implement, especially for designs with wiring within trunk sections.
Innovation Solution
The use of a modular, lighted artificial tree design featuring cylindrical trunk bodies with radial ribs and axially extending channels, along with electrical connectors that lock rotationally, ensuring secure alignment and electrical connection between trunk sections, preventing rotation and damage to light strings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tight interference fit is used between trunk ends to prevent rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a connection element with keyway and a trunk end with key, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly while achieving rotational stability without requiring high precision interference fit between all trunk surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The key and keyway act as intermediary elements that mediate the connection between trunk ends, providing rotational stability through a dedicated anti-rotation mechanism rather than relying on the precision of the entire trunk end interface
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical couplers are used between tree sections to prevent rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation function is merged with the electrical connection function in a single integrated mechanism. The key and keyway structure serves both mechanical alignment/anti-rotation and electrical connector positioning, eliminating the need for separate mechanical couplers
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical attachment, rotational alignment prevention, and electrical connector positioning. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate components
3Ease of operation
If tree sections are allowed to rotate freely for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but light string wiring damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key and keyway are pre-configured in the trunk ends and connection elements, establishing rotational alignment constraints before the electrical connectors are engaged. This preliminary mechanical guidance prevents wiring damage during the assembly process while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted artificial tree including a first trunk body, a second trunk body, a first electrical connector inside the first trunk body, and a second electrical connector inside the second trunk body. The first trunk body is keyed to the second trunk body such that the first trunk body is rotationally locked to the second trunk body. The first electrical connector is keyed to the second electrical connector such that the first electrical connector is rotationally locked to the second electrical connector.