Rotation-Lock Tree Connectors for Easy Pre-Lit Section Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial trees with pre-lit configurations face challenges in easy assembly and alignment due to the complexity of interconnecting and powering numerous light strings, which can lead to difficulties in finding and connecting necessary plugs, and the increased weight and bulk of the trees make manipulation and alignment cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotation-lock electrical connector system that allows tree sections to be easily aligned and coupled, with electrical connectors housed within the trunk sections to prevent rotation relative to each other after coupling, ensuring secure and stable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pre-lit artificial trees include numerous light strings distributed throughout the tree, then the decorative quality is enhanced, but the weight and bulk of the tree increases making manipulation and alignment cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is divided into multiple separate sections that can be assembled together. Each section contains a portion of the light strings and wiring, distributing the weight throughout the structure rather than concentrating it in one location, making manipulation easier during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring and connectors are nested within the trunk structure of the tree sections. This integration allows the wiring to be concealed within the tree itself rather than externally routed, reducing clutter and making the tree easier to handle during assembly.
2Illumination intensity
If pre-lit artificial trees include numerous light strings interconnected end-to-end, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the complexity of finding and connecting necessary plugs increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrical connections are merged into a single integrated connector system. The connector combines mechanical coupling and electrical connection functions, eliminating the need for separate plug-and-receptacle connections for each light string, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical coupling device for joining tree sections and as an electrical connection device for powering light strings. This universal connector eliminates the need for separate connection mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If tree sections are designed to be easily assembled, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of electrical connections may be compromised due to potential rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates asymmetric features including protrusions on one section that mate with corresponding recesses on the other section. This asymmetric design prevents rotational misalignment after coupling, ensuring that electrical contacts remain properly engaged while maintaining easy assembly through the self-aligning nature of the asymmetric features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design includes self-aligning features where protrusions and recesses automatically guide the tree sections into correct alignment during assembly. The structure itself performs the alignment function without requiring external tools or complex adjustment mechanisms, ensuring both ease of operation and connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation-locking lighted artificial tree that includes a first and second portion. The first portion includes a trunk, first electrical connector, and first wiring harness. The first electrical connector includes a first body portion and a first electrical contact set. The first body portion includes multiple projections electrically isolated from the first electrical contact set. The second tree portion includes a second electrical connector and a second wiring harness. The second electrical connector includes a second body portion and a second electrical contact set, the second body portion including multiple recesses. When the first tree portion couples to the second, the first and second electrical contact sets form an electrical connection and the recesses of the second body portion receive the projections of the first body portion, thereby electrically connecting and mechanically coupling the first tree portion to the second tree portion.