Modular Lighted Tree Trunk Connectors for Easy Section Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pre-lit artificial trees become cumbersome and complex due to the increased number of branches and lights, making it difficult to assemble and power the multiple light strings, which requires intricate manipulation and handling of tree sections.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighted artificial tree design that allows for mechanical and electrical connection between tree portions without rotational alignment, using trunk connectors and wiring harnesses to simplify the assembly and power distribution, enabling easy alignment and secure coupling along a common vertical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the number of branches and lights is increased to enhance decorative quality, then the decorative effect is improved, but the weight and complexity of tree sections increase making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is divided into multiple separate sections that can be assembled together. Each section contains a subset of the total lights and branches, distributing the weight across multiple manageable components rather than one heavy unit. The sections are designed with standardized connectors for easy assembly and disassembly.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light strings are distributed throughout the tree to enhance decoration, then the decorative quality is improved, but the complexity of interconnecting and powering the light strings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system uses universal connectors that serve multiple functions: mechanical connection between sections, electrical connection for power transmission, and alignment guidance. The same connector type is used throughout the entire tree system, allowing any section to be connected to any other section without requiring different connector types or complex wiring configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection and electrical connection functions are merged into a single connector assembly. When two tree sections are mechanically coupled together, the electrical contacts automatically engage simultaneously, providing both structural support and power transmission through the same interface.
3Strength
If traditional mechanical connections are used between tree sections, then structural integrity is maintained, but rotational alignment is required making assembly cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates asymmetric features that guide proper orientation during assembly. The male connector has a specific shape that fits into the corresponding female connector only in the correct rotational position, providing intuitive alignment without requiring the user to perform complex alignment procedures.
4Illumination intensity
If the number of light strings per tree is increased to reach 1,000 or 1,500 lights, then the decorative impact is improved, but the current-carrying capacity limitations require complex power distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical circuit is segmented into multiple independent sections, each with its own power connection point. This allows the total light load to be distributed across multiple parallel circuits, preventing any single circuit from exceeding current-carrying capacity limitations while supporting a large total number of lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system transitions from a linear daisy-chain configuration to a multi-dimensional network with multiple parallel pathways. Power can flow through multiple simultaneous connections between sections, creating redundant pathways and distributing electrical load across different spatial dimensions of the tree structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted artificial tree includes a first tree portion including a first trunk portion, first branches joined to the first trunk portion, and a first light string. The first trunk portion has a trunk connector and a first trunk wiring assembly, the first trunk wiring assembly is electrically connectable to the first light string and the trunk connector, and at least a portion of the first wiring assembly is located inside the first portion. The second tree portion includes a second trunk portion, second branches, and a second light string. The second trunk portion has a trunk connector and a second trunk wiring assembly, the second trunk wiring assembly electrically connectable to the second lighting string and the trunk connector. The second tree portion may be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to the first tree portion by coaxially coupling the first trunk portion to the second trunk portion.