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 connection and troubleshooting difficult.
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
1Use of energy by moving object
If series-parallel light string configuration is used, then voltage distribution to individual lights is achieved, but reliability deteriorates because individual light failures cause all lights in the 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 allows one group to remain functional even when another group fails, thereby improving reliability while maintaining voltage distribution through the series connections within each group.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass circuit acts as an intermediary element that automatically activates when a light fails in a series group. This bypass circuit provides an alternative electrical path around the failed light, allowing current to continue flowing through the other lights in the parallel groups, thus maintaining system reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light strings are interconnected with extensive wiring, then complete tree coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases making assembly and troubleshooting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light strings are merged into a single integrated unit with a unified power distribution system. The parallel group structure allows multiple light-bearing sections to be electrically combined while maintaining physical flexibility, reducing the number of separate connections needed and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The light string design incorporates universal connection points and a modular structure that allows the same assembly method to be used throughout the entire tree. This multi-functional approach enables the wiring system to serve both aesthetic coverage and simplified assembly purposes simultaneously.
3Use of energy by moving object
If series connections are used within light groups, then voltage division is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates because troubleshooting and finding failures becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light string is divided into distinct parallel groups that are visually and electrically separable. This segmentation allows troubleshooters to isolate and test individual groups independently, making it easier to locate failures while maintaining voltage division through series connections within each group.
Solution Approach 2:
Different colors or types of lights are used to mark different parallel groups or sections. This visual differentiation helps quickly identify which group is affected by a failure, simplifying troubleshooting while the series connections within each group maintain proper voltage division.
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.