Modular Tree Electrical Connector for Easier Pre-Lit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial trees with pre-lit configurations face challenges in assembly and power distribution due to increased complexity and weight, requiring cumbersome manipulation and handling of multiple light strings and plugs, especially with large numbers of lights powered by alternating current (AC) sources.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates modular 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 power distribution by using a power cord that connects to an external power source through an electrical hub, and featuring 'single-wire' light strings that reduce the need for intricate wiring.
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 is enhanced, but the weight of the tree increases making it difficult to lift and align individual trunk sections
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is divided into multiple separable trunk sections that can be assembled in a modular fashion. Each section contains integrated lighting components, allowing the tree to be constructed incrementally rather than handled as a single heavy unit. This segmentation reduces the weight burden during assembly while maintaining the full decorative lighting capability when complete.
2Illumination intensity
If the number of lights and light strings on the pre-lit tree is increased, then the decorative quality is improved, but the complexity of interconnecting and powering the numerous light strings increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light strings are integrated within each trunk section rather than being separate external components. The electrical wiring for multiple light strings is combined into a unified power distribution system within each section, with power plugs and receptacles integrated into the trunk structure. This merging approach allows numerous lights to be powered through simple section-to-section connections rather than requiring complex external wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The trunk sections are designed with universal electrical connectors that serve multiple functions: mechanical alignment, electrical power transmission, and structural support. The power plugs and receptacles are positioned to automatically connect when sections are assembled, providing power to multiple light strings simultaneously through a single connection interface rather than requiring separate connections for each light string.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light strings are connected end to end to power all light strings on the tree, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the current-carrying capacity of the light string wiring is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power distribution is segmented into multiple independent circuits, each contained within a separate trunk section. Each section has its own power plug and receptacle connections that create separate electrical pathways. This segmentation prevents any single wiring path from carrying excessive current, as the total lighting load is distributed across multiple parallel circuits rather than a single end-to-end connection.
4Ease of operation
If the tree includes integrated power plugs and receptacles at the ends of trunk sections, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection and electrical connection functions are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The power plugs and receptacles are positioned and configured so that the same physical action that joins the trunk sections mechanically also establishes the electrical connections. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection steps, making the overall assembly process simpler despite the integrated complexity of the connector design.
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.