Christmas Tree Connector Alignment for Secure Trunk Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Christmas tree electric connecting trunk devices face issues with relative rotation of connecting tubes and poor engagement between male and female connectors due to manufacturing tolerance, leading to inefficient assembly.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a rotating alignment element and guiding mechanism between first and second tube assemblies, along with resilient pressing portions on the connectors to ensure precise alignment and secure engagement of male and female connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional connecting tubes are used without alignment mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but the connecting tubes can relatively rotate and cause misalignment of male and female connectors due to manufacturing tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotating alignment element as an intermediary component between the first and second connecting tubes. This element mediates the connection by providing alignment features (such as positioning protrusions and recesses) that guide the male and female connectors into proper alignment, preventing rotation and misalignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating alignment element performs preliminary alignment action before the male and female connectors engage. By pre-positioning the connectors through alignment features on the rotating alignment element, the system ensures proper orientation is established before final connection, preventing misalignment issues.
2Ease of operation
If connecting tubes are allowed to rotate freely, then assembly is more flexible, but male and female connectors may not engage properly due to over fabricating tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating alignment element serves as a mediator that guides the connection process. It provides alignment features that ensure male and female connectors engage properly even when tubes are connected, maintaining reliable electrical contact while allowing for manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient pressing portion provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-compressed between the male and female connectors. This resilient element compensates for minor misalignments and ensures tight engagement, cushioning against the effects of manufacturing tolerance variations.
3Reliability
If resilient pressing portions are added to ensure tight engagement, then connector connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient pressing portion is merged with the rotating alignment element, combining the alignment function and the reliable connection function into a single integrated component. This reduces the overall number of separate parts while maintaining both alignment precision and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating alignment element performs multiple functions: it provides rotational alignment, guides connector positioning, and incorporates the resilient pressing portion for secure engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
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
This solution prevents connector misalignment, ensures secure and efficient connection, and enhances assembly convenience by preventing damage to terminals and ensuring tight electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient pressing portion is formed between the male and female connectors to perform tight engagement therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A Christmas tree electric connecting trunk device has at least one first tube assembly and at least one second tube assembly. Each first tube assembly has a first connecting tube, a first rotating alignment element, a guiding element and a male connector. The at least one second tube assembly corresponds to and is connected detachably to the at least one first tube assembly. Each of the at least one second tube assembly has a second connecting tube, a second rotating alignment element and a female connector. A resilient pressing portion is formed between the male and female connectors to perform tight engagement therebetween.