Radially Uniform Plug Connector for Cord-Free Tree Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Assembling and disassembling artificial Christmas trees with multiple electric cords and lighting components is cumbersome, requiring precise radial alignment and manual connection of power cords, which can be time-consuming and may lead to incorrect connections or overheating issues.
Innovation Solution
A radially uniform spring-biased intra-pole plug connector allows trunk segments to connect anywhere along the 360-degree circumference, ensuring secure and hidden electrical connections, while a transformer outside the trunk configuration makes the tree safer, more lightweight, and less bulky, eliminating the need for precise alignment and manual cord management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection of power cords is required during assembly, then electrical connection can be established, but assembly becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connector is designed to automatically connect when trunk segments are stacked together, eliminating the need for manual cord connection. The spring-biased plug automatically engages with the receptacle upon insertion, and the electrical contacts are pre-positioned within the trunk segments, allowing the assembly process itself to create the electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the mechanical stacking function with the electrical connection function into a single integrated action. By embedding the plug and receptacle within the trunk segments and positioning them radially, the mechanical act of stacking simultaneously establishes both structural support and electrical connectivity, merging two separate operations into one.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise radial alignment is required for stacking trunk segments, then proper assembly can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The radially uniform plug connector design allows the connector to function at any radial position around the trunk circumference. The spring-biased plug with radially extending contacts can engage with the receptacle regardless of the rotational orientation, making the connection universal and eliminating the need for precise angular alignment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall connector is radially uniform, the spring-biased plug uses asymmetric contact geometry with contacts extending radially outward at different angles. This asymmetric design within a symmetric configuration allows flexible engagement from various orientations while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric cords and lighting instrumentalities are included in the tree, then lighting functionality is provided, but assembly and disassembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is divided into modular trunk segments, each containing integrated lighting instrumentalities and plug connector components. This segmentation allows the lighting system to be distributed across multiple independent modules that can be easily assembled and disassembled by simply stacking the segments, reducing the complexity of handling multiple separate cords and lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector components are nested within the trunk segments, with the spring-biased plug and receptacle embedded in the segment structures. The electrical contacts are positioned within the trunk housing, allowing compact integration of lighting and connection components within the tree structure, reducing external cord management complexity.
4Reliability
If power cords are located and connected manually during assembly, then electrical connection can be established, but incorrect connections may occur and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased plug connector acts as an intermediary mechanism that ensures proper electrical connection. The radially extending contacts are pre-positioned and spring-biased to engage with corresponding receptacle contacts, providing a foolproof connection system that prevents incorrect wiring while maintaining ease of assembly through automatic engagement.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of artificial Christmas trees by ensuring automatic and secure electrical connections, reducing the risk of overheating and improving safety, appearance, and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a radially uniform spring-biased intra-pole plug connector
Data Source
AI summary
A radially uniform spring-biased intra-pole plug connector and transformer outside the trunk configuration for an electric artificial tree is described. The radially uniform plug comprises a springed-tip and a prong, and allows the tree trunk segments to be connected at any point along their 360 degree circumference. The plug connector resembles the structure of a car cigarette lighter. A mold is used to sandwich the plug within the trunk. A plug portion of the plug connector is housed in one trunk segment, and a receptacle portion is housed in a different trunk segment, such that when the trunk segments are assembled, the plug is connected, illuminating the tree. The plug allows the electrical wiring to be hidden and housed within the trunk, providing safety, convenience to the user and giving the tree a cleaner appearance. The transformer outside the trunk configuration makes the trunk safer, more lightweight and less bulky.