Modular Lighted Tree Assembly With Internal Trunk Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial trees with complex lighting systems are difficult to assemble and power due to the bulk and weight of numerous light strings, requiring intricate manipulation and handling of tree sections, and existing solutions fail to provide effective mechanical and electrical connection methods for larger, heavier trees.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighted artificial tree design featuring trunk portions with integrated wiring and connectors that allow for easy mechanical and electrical coupling along a common vertical axis, independent of rotational orientation, simplifying the assembly and powering process by using trunk connectors and wiring harnesses within the tree sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional pre-lit trees use multiple standard light strings distributed about the exterior of the tree, then the decorative quality is enhanced, but the weight and complexity of the tree increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is divided into multiple separable trunk portions that can be assembled in sections. Each trunk portion contains integrated wiring and connectors, allowing the tree to be constructed in manageable segments rather than as a single heavy unit. This segmentation reduces the weight handling difficulty during assembly while maintaining the full decorative lighting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring and connectors are nested within the trunk portions themselves, rather than being external additions. The wiring harnesses are contained inside the trunk structure, and connectors are integrated into the trunk ends, creating a compact nested arrangement that adds minimal weight while providing comprehensive lighting coverage.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional pre-lit trees use multiple light strings with plugs and receptacles, then lighting coverage is increased, but the complexity of interconnecting and powering the light strings increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrical connections are merged into a single integrated wiring system. Instead of requiring separate plug-and-receptacle connections for each light string, the patent combines all wiring into trunk portions with integrated wiring harnesses. The electrical connections are made automatically when trunk portions are mechanically assembled, merging the mechanical assembly step with the electrical connection step into one unified action.
Solution Approach 2:
The trunk portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the tree, contain and protect the electrical wiring, and house the electrical connectors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external wiring and connector components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive lighting coverage.
3Reliability
If traditional pre-lit trees require rotational alignment of trunk sections, then precise electrical connection is achieved, but the ease of assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors are designed with asymmetric features that guide proper alignment during assembly. The wiring harnesses and connectors are positioned within the trunk portions in specific asymmetric arrangements that naturally guide the trunk sections into correct orientation during mechanical assembly, eliminating the need for deliberate rotational alignment while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring and connectors are pre-positioned and secured within the trunk portions during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when trunk sections are assembled, the electrical connections are already in the correct positions and orientations, eliminating the need for field adjustment or rotational alignment by the assembler.
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.