Plug Hurler for Tangle-Free Light String Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light string hanging systems face challenges in securely and tangle-free installation on vertical structures, particularly trees, due to the need for precise placement of power cords and plugs, which often results in snagging and separation issues caused by wind and branch movement.
Innovation Solution
A light hanger system featuring a plug hurler with a throwing weight and anti-snagging connector that allows for easy placement of the power cord over a branch, ensuring the plug remains attached and the lights hang smoothly, eliminating the need for tape and reducing visual discontinuities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power cord and plug are placed over a branch manually, then the lights can be hung on the vertical structure, but the plug may become detached or the cord may snag on branches and leaves
Solution Approach 1:
A weighted pouch serves as an intermediary tool to facilitate placing the power cord over the branch. The pouch is attached to the power cord, thrown over the branch like a sling, and then used to pull the cord into position. This intermediary device eliminates the need for manual handling and prevents snagging on branches and leaves.
Solution Approach 2:
The power cord is pre-attached to the weighted pouch before attempting to place it over the branch. This preliminary attachment ensures that the plug remains secured to the cord during the entire process of throwing and positioning, preventing detachment while the cord is being maneuvered over the branch.
2Ease of manufacture
If the first light is positioned close to the power supply connector, then the light string can be connected in series, but there is a visual discontinuity when the light string is extended around a tree trunk
Solution Approach 1:
The light string is divided into two separate cords: a lighted cord containing the lights and a non-lighted power extension cord. This segmentation allows the lights to be positioned at any location on the tree, including starting at the branch and extending downward, while the power cord can be routed separately to provide power without creating visual discontinuities.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-lighted power extension cord acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the lighted cord. It allows the electrical connection to be made at the branch level while keeping the power cord routing separate from the visual light display, eliminating the need to position the first light near the connector and thus avoiding visual discontinuity.
3Reliability
If tape is used to secure the plug to the power cord, then the connection remains secure, but the adhesive destroys the ends of the cord and light string over time
Solution Approach 1:
The weighted pouch serves as a permanent intermediary attachment mechanism instead of using tape. The pouch is securely attached to the power cord and provides a reliable connection point that does not involve adhesive. This eliminates the damage caused by tape to the cord ends while maintaining secure connection throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables secure, tangle-free hanging of lights with the first light positioned at any desired point on the vertical structure, preventing the two-part plug-socket connector from appearing, thus avoiding the need to prevent the mains plug from being removed while hanging.
Implementation Method 1
throwing the weight over a vertical structure, such as a tree branch, so that a portion of the hurler cord loops over the vertical structure with the weight hanging from a first side of the vertical structure and with the second hurler end hanging from a second side of the vertical structure
Data Source
AI summary
A hanging multiple-light string system includes a plug for an electrical mains, an electrical power cord having a first power cord end electrically connected to the plug, a given length, and a second power cord end opposite the first power cord end, and a cord of lights electrically connected to the second power cord end to receive power and illuminate at least one of the lights when the plug is connected to the electrical mains, the lights strung successively along a length less than the given length.