Tree pole connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial Christmas tree systems face challenges in securely and efficiently connecting electrical signals between trunk sections, leading to unreliable power and control signal transmission for the tree's lights.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing plugs and sockets with inclined surfaces and central contacts that align and engage to create radial forces, ensuring a stable electrical connection, and embodiments featuring rotational alignment surfaces and connector pins for secure signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plug and socket connections are used for artificial tree trunk sections, then assembly is simple, but electrical signal transmission is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inclined surfaces on the plug and socket components that create a wedge-like engagement mechanism. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the inclined surfaces cause the plug to rotate slightly, which in turn rotates the connector pins into proper alignment with the connector receptacles. This curved/angled surface approach transforms a simple linear insertion into a reliable multi-step engagement that ensures electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector pins are positioned to extend beyond the plug body, and the connector receptacles are positioned to extend beyond the socket body. This preliminary positioning ensures that as the plug engages the socket through the inclined surfaces, the electrical contacts are already in place and aligned before the main body of the plug fully enters the socket, preventing misalignment and ensuring reliable electrical connection from the start of engagement.
2Reliability
If trunk sections are connected with basic electrical contacts, then manufacturing is simple, but signal transmission stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is divided into distinct functional components: connector pins on the plug side, connector receptacles on the socket side, and inclined surfaces for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard processes, then assembled into the final connector assembly. The modular approach maintains ease of manufacture while improving signal transmission stability through precise component alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug and socket are designed with asymmetric inclined surfaces that guide the engagement process. The left and right inclined surfaces have different angles and positions, creating a unique rotational path that ensures the connector pins align precisely with the connector receptacles. This asymmetric design prevents misalignment and ensures reliable electrical contact without requiring complex manufacturing tolerances.
3Ease of operation
If plug and socket align during assembly, then electrical connection is secure, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surfaces on the plug and socket are designed to automatically guide the alignment process during assembly. When the user simply inserts the plug into the socket, the inclined surfaces cause the plug to rotate and self-align with the socket, bringing the connector pins into alignment with the connector receptacles without requiring the user to manually adjust or precisely position the components. The system performs the alignment function automatically through its geometric design.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments for providing electrical connection between trunk sections of an artificial tree. In some embodiments, forces are created between electrical connectors on plugs and sockets to ensure a secure electrical connection. In other embodiments, pins and sockets are used in conjunction with rotational orientation devices to ensure proper orientations of the pins and sockets.