Spring-Biased Intra-Pole Plug for Easy Artificial 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 is inconvenient and can lead to overheating issues.

Innovation Solution

A radially uniform spring-biased intra-pole plug connector allows trunk segments to be connected anywhere along their perimeter, with a transformer outside the trunk to enhance safety, weight, and bulkiness, while ensuring secure and hidden electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional electrical connection configuration is used, then power cords and lighting instrumentalities can be connected, but assembly becomes cumbersome requiring precise radial alignment and manual connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of electrical connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into modular components: a plug integrated into one trunk segment and a receptacle integrated into another trunk segment. This segmentation allows independent assembly of tree sections without requiring manual connection of separate power cords and lighting instruments, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the mechanical trunk connection structure. The plug and receptacle are integrated into the trunk segments themselves, combining the mechanical joining of tree sections with the electrical connection of power and lighting circuits into a single unified operation, eliminating the need for separate manual electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If power cords and lighting instrumentalities are integrated into trunk segments, then electrical connection is achieved, but the trunk becomes heavier and bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidtrunk weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer, which is the heaviest electrical component, is extracted from the trunk segments and placed in a separate location. Only the essential plug and receptacle connections are integrated into the trunk segments, minimizing the weight and bulk added to the trunk while maintaining reliable electrical connection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Illumination intensity

If multiple electrical cords are integrated into trunk segments, then lighting can be provided, but overheating risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting capabilityVSAvoidoverheating risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer is extracted from the trunk segments and positioned separately, removing the primary heat-generating component from the trunk. This extraction reduces the risk of overheating within the trunk segments while preserving the lighting capability through the integrated plug and receptacle electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Shape

If plug and receptacle are hidden within trunk segments, then appearance is improved, but user cannot easily locate connection points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidease of locating connection points

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plug and receptacle are positioned at specific, localized points within the trunk segments rather than being distributed throughout. This localization allows them to be hidden within the trunk structure for aesthetic purposes while still being accessible at specific connection points, balancing appearance with ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 without locating power cords, ensures secure connections, prevents overheating, and maintains a clean appearance, making the tree safer, more lightweight, and less bulky.

Implementation Method 1

radially uniform spring-biased intra-pole plug connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8956183B2Radially uniform spring-biased intra-pole plug connector and transformer outside the trunk configuration for electric artificial tree

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 EVERGREEN TREE

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.