Modular tree with rotation-lock electrical connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial trees with pre-lit configurations face challenges in simplifying the electrical connection process, particularly due to the complexity and weight of multiple light strings, which makes it difficult for users to align and couple tree sections without causing rotation, leading to aesthetic and practical issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotation-lock electrical connector system within the tree sections, where projections on one connector body fit into recesses on another, allowing for easy alignment and secure mechanical and electrical coupling while preventing rotation after assembly, thus simplifying the assembly process and maintaining the tree's aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light strings are distributed throughout the tree to enhance decorative quality, then the illumination and aesthetic appearance are improved, but the weight and complexity of the tree increase, 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 stages. Each section contains a portion of the total light strings, distributing the weight and illumination across segments rather than concentrating everything in one heavy piece. This allows users to handle lighter individual sections during assembly while achieving the desired decorative effect when fully assembled.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light strings are interconnected to increase decorative quality, then the illumination is improved, but the complexity of electrical connection and power distribution increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: mechanical coupling of trunk sections, electrical connection for power and data transmission, and rotational alignment guidance. By merging these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms and simplifies the assembly process despite having numerous light strings to power.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for connecting trunk sections, establishes electrical pathways for powering multiple light strings, and ensures proper rotational alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating redundant components.
3Ease of operation
If tree sections are made separable and modular for ease of assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of electrical connection and mechanical stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector features asymmetric design elements including protrusions on one side and corresponding recesses on the mating connector. This asymmetric geometry ensures that sections can only be connected in the correct rotational orientation, providing foolproof alignment while maintaining a simple single-step connection process. The asymmetric features engage automatically to ensure reliable electrical and mechanical coupling.
4Ease of operation
If electrical connectors allow free rotation for ease of alignment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to unwanted rotation after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector incorporates built-in alignment features such as protrusions and recesses that automatically guide the trunk sections into the correct rotational position during the connection process. This preliminary alignment action occurs as part of the assembly operation itself, eliminating the need for separate alignment steps while preventing unwanted rotation that would compromise aesthetic appearance.
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.