Rotation-Free Electrical Connector Design for Artificial Tree Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of artificial Christmas trees is hindered by the need to rotationally align electrical prongs of trunk sections, which can be frustrating and time-consuming due to the difficulty in ensuring proper engagement of male and female electrical connectors.
Innovation Solution
A power transfer system with a male end featuring a central prong and a channel prong, and a female end with a central void and a circular channel void, allowing the prongs to engage in various rotational configurations, eliminating the need for precise alignment during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors with fixed orientation are used in artificial tree trunk sections, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and user frustration increases due to the need for precise rotational alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows dynamic rotational adjustment during assembly. The male and female connectors can rotate relative to each other to achieve proper alignment, transforming a static alignment problem into a dynamic self-adjusting process that reduces assembly time while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the electrical connectors by providing multiple rotational positions or orientations in the connector design. This allows the connectors to be engaged in different rotational configurations, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment and reducing assembly time
2Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors requiring precise alignment are used, then proper electrical engagement is ensured, but device complexity increases due to alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment function from complex mechanical alignment mechanisms and incorporates it directly into the basic connector geometry. By designing the male and female connectors with complementary shapes that naturally guide alignment during insertion, the patent eliminates the need for separate alignment devices, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design enables self-alignment through its geometric features. The male connector's shape and the female connector's receiving structure work together to automatically orient the connectors correctly during the insertion process, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms or user intervention beyond simple insertion
Data Source
AI summary
A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.