Spring-Biased Intra-Pole Plug Connector for 360° Tree Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Assembling and disassembling artificial Christmas trees with multiple electric cords is cumbersome, requiring precise radial alignment and manual connection of power cords, which can be time-consuming and lacks assurance of proper connection, while also posing risks of overheating due to bulkiness and weight.
Innovation Solution
A radially uniform spring-biased intra-pole plug connector allows trunk segments to connect anywhere along the 360-degree circumference, ensuring automatic plug connection without visible wires, combined with a transformer outside the trunk to enhance safety, lightweight, and reduce bulkiness.
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 cumbersome and time-consuming
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 merges the mechanical stacking function with the electrical connection function. By integrating the plug and receptacle into the trunk segments themselves, the physical act of stacking segments simultaneously establishes both structural support and electrical connectivity, combining two separate operations into one.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise radial alignment is required for stacking trunk segments, then proper assembly can be achieved, but assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The radially uniform plug connector design allows the trunk segments to be connected at any radial position without requiring precise alignment. The spring-biased plug can engage with the receptacle from any orientation, making the connection universal and eliminating the need for specific radial alignment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the plug connector to be radially uniform, meaning the dimensions and features are symmetric around the central axis. This parameter change allows the plug to fit into the receptacle regardless of rotational orientation, eliminating alignment requirements.
3Shape
If power cords and lighting instrumentalities are integrated within the trunk, then appearance is improved, but assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The trunk is divided into multiple segments, with each segment containing a portion of the lighting instrumentality and plug connector components. This segmentation allows the lighting elements to be distributed throughout the trunk structure, maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling modular assembly where each segment is relatively simple to handle and connect.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector components are nested within the trunk segments themselves. The electrical contacts, springs, and housing elements are contained within the walls or cavities of the trunk segments, hiding all wiring and connections within the trunk's exterior surface, thus maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance.
4Reliability
If transformer is placed inside the trunk, then electrical connection is established, but trunk becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer is extracted from the trunk and placed in a separate location. Only the essential plug connector components (electrical contacts and springs) remain within the trunk segments, while the bulky transformer housing and wiring are removed from the trunk structure, significantly reducing weight and bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector acts as an intermediary between the trunk segments and the external transformer. The electrical contacts within the trunk segments connect to the transformer through the plug interface, allowing the transformer to be positioned externally while maintaining reliable electrical connection to the lighting instrumentalities within the trunk.
5Illumination intensity
If multiple electric cords are used for lighting, then illumination can be provided, but overheating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting instrumentality is distributed locally throughout the trunk segments, with LED elements integrated into the branch structures. This local distribution of light sources, combined with the use of low-power LED technology, provides sufficient illumination while generating minimal heat, reducing overheating risk.
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 by eliminating the need for precise alignment and manual cord connection, ensuring secure and reliable lighting, while making the tree safer, more lightweight, and aesthetically cleaner.
Implementation Method 1
radially uniform spring-biased intra-pole plug connector
Implementation Method 2
spring-biased 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.