Modular lighted tree
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial trees with complex lighting systems face challenges in mechanical coupling and electrical connection, particularly for larger and heavier models with numerous lights, requiring cumbersome manipulation and handling, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for efficient power distribution and alignment of multiple tree sections.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighted artificial tree design featuring trunk portions with integrated connectors that allow for mechanical and electrical coupling along a common vertical axis, independent of rotational orientation, using supporting connectors with positioning features to ensure alignment and secure connections, and a method for manufacturing involving trunk wiring harnesses and light string connectors for easy assembly and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pre-lit artificial trees include multiple standard light strings distributed about the exterior of the tree, then the decorative quality of the tree display is enhanced, but the weight of the tree increases making it difficult to lift and align individual trunk sections when assembling the tree
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is divided into multiple separate trunk sections that can be assembled in stages. Each section contains a subset of the total light strings, distributing the weight across multiple manageable components rather than one heavy piece. This allows consumers to assemble the tree in sections, reducing the lifting and alignment difficulty while maintaining the full decorative lighting effect when complete.
2Illumination intensity
If the number of lights per tree is increased to enhance decorative quality, then the illumination intensity improves, but the complexity of interconnecting and powering the numerous light strings increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light strings are integrated into a single continuous wiring system that runs through the trunk sections. Instead of requiring consumers to connect multiple separate light string plugs and receptacles, the wiring is pre-integrated within the trunk structure, simplifying the power distribution system while supporting a high number of lights across all sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The light string wiring is nested within the trunk sections, with the electrical conductors integrated into the internal structure of each trunk segment. This nesting approach conceals the complexity of the wiring system within the trunk while presenting a simple external interface for power connection, allowing numerous lights to be powered without increasing external connection complexity.
3Strength
If trunk sections are made heavier to support more lights and branches, then the structural strength increases, but the ease of operation during assembly decreases due to difficult lifting and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The trunk is segmented into multiple lighter sections that can be handled and positioned more easily during assembly. Each section maintains sufficient structural strength to support its local branches and lights, while the modular nature allows consumers to assemble the tree in manageable stages rather than handling one heavy piece.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection mechanisms serve as intermediaries between trunk sections, providing alignment features and mechanical coupling that facilitate easy assembly. These connectors include alignment guides and coupling structures that make joining sections straightforward, reducing the operational difficulty despite the sections being substantial enough to support significant weight.
4Illumination intensity
If multiple light strings are connected end to end to power all sections, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the risk of surpassing the current-carrying capacity of the light string wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light strings are merged into a single integrated wiring system within the trunk sections. This consolidation allows for centralized current management and distribution, ensuring that the total current load is properly distributed across the wiring infrastructure without exceeding capacity limits, while still providing comprehensive illumination coverage across all tree sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted artificial tree includes a first tree portion including a first trunk portion, first branches joined to the first trunk portion, and a first light string. The first trunk portion has a trunk connector and a first trunk wiring assembly, the first trunk wiring assembly is electrically connectable to the first light string and the trunk connector, and at least a portion of the first wiring assembly is located inside the first portion. The second tree portion includes a second trunk portion, second branches, and a second light string. The second trunk portion has a trunk connector and a second trunk wiring assembly, the second trunk wiring assembly electrically connectable to the second lighting string and the trunk connector. The second tree portion may be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to the first tree portion by coaxially coupling the first trunk portion to the second trunk portion.