Modular Artificial Tree with Rotation-Lock Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial trees with pre-lit configurations face challenges in easy assembly and alignment due to the complexity of connecting numerous light strings, which can lead to rotation issues and aesthetic or functional problems when sections are misaligned.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular artificial trees with rotation-lock electrical connectors that allow for easy alignment and coupling of trunk sections, preventing rotation after coupling, thereby simplifying assembly and maintaining a consistent appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional pre-lit trees use numerous light strings distributed throughout the tree, then the decorative quality is enhanced, but the complexity of interconnecting and powering the light strings increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light string connections and electrical connections into a single integrated connector interface. The connector includes multiple electrical contacts that simultaneously establish multiple electrical connections when two tree sections are joined, eliminating the need for separate connection steps for each light string.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical coupling between tree sections, establishes electrical connections for multiple light strings, and prevents rotation of the sections. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the system.
2Illumination intensity
If pre-lit trees have increased number of branches and lights, then the decorative quality is improved, 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 sections that can be assembled in a modular fashion. Each section contains a portion of the total weight, allowing consumers to handle and position sections more easily than a single large tree, while still achieving the desired number of lights and branches when fully assembled.
3Ease of operation
If tree sections are made separable and modular for easy assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of electrical connections may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows the electrical connections to be made automatically when the mechanical coupling is engaged. The spring contacts and electrical terminals are positioned such that proper alignment and connection occur as a natural result of joining the tree sections, without requiring separate connection steps or additional consumer actions.
4Ease of operation
If tree sections can be easily aligned and coupled, then the ease of operation is improved, but rotation of sections after coupling may occur causing aesthetic or functional problems
Solution Approach 1:
The connector includes asymmetric features such as a keyway in the female connector and a corresponding key in the male connector. These asymmetric elements prevent rotation of the tree sections relative to each other after coupling, while still allowing straightforward alignment and joining of the sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation-locking lighted artificial tree that includes a first and second portion. The first portion includes a trunk, first electrical connector, and first wiring harness. The first electrical connector includes a first body portion and a first electrical contact set. The first body portion includes multiple projections electrically isolated from the first electrical contact set. The second tree portion includes a second electrical connector and a second wiring harness. The second electrical connector includes a second body portion and a second electrical contact set, the second body portion including multiple recesses. When the first tree portion couples to the second, the first and second electrical contact sets form an electrical connection and the recesses of the second body portion receive the projections of the first body portion, thereby electrically connecting and mechanically coupling the first tree portion to the second tree portion.