Modular Pre-Lit Tree Connectors for Easier Section Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial trees with pre-lit configurations face challenges in assembly and powering due to increased complexity and weight, requiring intricate manipulation and handling of multiple tree sections and light strings, especially with large numbers of lights powered by alternating current (AC) sources.
Innovation Solution
A modular artificial tree design featuring separable tree portions with multi-terminal electrical connectors and trunk wiring harnesses, allowing for easy alignment and secure electrical connections along a central axis, simplifying the assembly and powering process by using a power cord that connects to an external power source through an electrical hub.
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 is enhanced, but the weight and complexity of the tree increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is divided into multiple separable tree sections that can be assembled in a modular fashion. Each section contains integrated light strings and electrical connectors, allowing the tree to be built incrementally rather than handling one heavy pre-lit section. This segmentation reduces the weight that must be lifted and manipulated during assembly while maintaining the decorative illumination effect.
2Illumination intensity
If the number of light strings on the tree is increased, then the decorative quality is enhanced, but the complexity of interconnecting and powering the light strings increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light strings are integrated into single tree sections rather than being separate components. Each tree section contains its own light strings pre-connected to electrical connectors at the trunk ends. This merging eliminates the need for consumers to manually connect multiple light string plugs and receptacles, drastically reducing the complexity of interconnection while allowing numerous lights to be displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors at the trunk ends serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical coupling between tree sections and simultaneously establish electrical connections for power and control signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and plug-and-receptacle connections for each light string, simplifying the overall system while supporting numerous lights.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple tree sections are joined together, then the tree height and decorative quality are enhanced, but the difficulty of alignment and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors incorporate asymmetric features such as keyed slots or shaped contacts that require specific rotational alignment. This asymmetric design provides natural alignment cues during assembly, guiding consumers to orient each tree section correctly as it is attached to the trunk. The asymmetric connectors prevent incorrect assembly while simplifying the alignment process compared to symmetric connections that require manual positioning.
4Reliability
If the current-carrying capacity of light string wiring is limited, then safety is improved, but the number of lights that can be powered is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical hub or distribution board is introduced as an intermediary component within the tree base or trunk. This hub receives power from the main cord and distributes it to multiple light string circuits through separate pathways. By using the hub as a mediator, the current load is divided across multiple circuits rather than overloading a single wiring path, enabling more lights to be powered safely while maintaining current-carrying capacity limits.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted artificial tree, including a first tree portion having a first electrical connector having a first electrical terminal positioned in line with a central vertical axis, and a second electrical terminal. The tree also includes a second tree portion that includes a second electrical connector having a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal, the second electrical terminal defining a ring shape that encircles the first electrical terminal. When the first tree portion is coupled to the second tree portion, the first electrical connector is coupled to the second electrical connector, such that the first electrical terminal of the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the first electrical terminal of the second electrical connector, and the second electrical terminal of the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal of the second electrical connector.