Modular Lighted Tree Wiring With Stabilized Parallel-Series Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative light strings for artificial trees are complex to assemble and prone to failure due to series-parallel connections, where a single faulty light affects all lights in a series group, and the numerous connections required for large trees are difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A parallel-series light string system where multiple light assemblies are connected in parallel within each group and these 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 stabilizing wires and preventing arcing across gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If series-parallel light string connections are used to power large artificial trees with many lights, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the complexity of assembly and electrical connections increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The light string is divided into multiple independent parallel light groups, each group containing series-connected lights. Each group is electrically isolated and can be independently connected to power conductors, reducing the overall complexity of connections while maintaining the ability to power a large number of lights across the artificial tree.
2Quantity of substance
If series-parallel light string connections are used to increase the number of lights, then lighting coverage is improved, but the reliability of the lighting system deteriorates due to cascading failures
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lighting system into multiple parallel light groups with isolated electrical connections, the patent ensures that a failure in one group does not propagate to other groups. This segmentation maintains high reliability while supporting a large total number of lights on the artificial tree.
3Quantity of substance
If numerous light strings are connected end-to-end or by stacking plugs to cover large trees, then lighting coverage is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in finding and connecting plugs
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into parallel light groups that can be independently connected to power conductors, eliminating the need to traverse long chains of series connections. This makes it easier to locate and connect plugs while maintaining coverage for large trees.
Solution Approach 2:
Wire stabilizers serve as intermediary components that simplify the connection process by providing structured mounting points and organizing the electrical connections between light groups and power conductors, reducing the complexity of assembly operations.
4Reliability
If wire stabilizers are used to secure and isolate connections between light groups, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Wire stabilizers are strategically placed only at critical connection points between parallel light groups, providing targeted reinforcement where needed without adding unnecessary complexity throughout the entire light string.
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.