Tree pole with built-in individually controlled LED lighting system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre-lit Christmas trees lack a convenient and efficient method for individually controlling LED light strings, which limits user customization and maintenance, and does not provide remote monitoring or control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A tree pole assembly with a hollow trunk containing a printed circuit board, light sockets, and a controller that connects to an Internet of Things (IoT) system, allowing for individual control of LED light strings and remote monitoring, with light sockets protruding through the trunk for easy connection and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LED lighting systems are integrated into the tree pole, then lighting functionality and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the controller, printed circuit board, and light sockets into an integrated assembly that is mounted within the tree pole structure. This merging of components reduces overall system complexity while maintaining individual control capabilities for each LED light string.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions by individually controlling different strings of LED lights, allowing various lighting patterns, colors, and sequences from a single control unit. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each light string.
2Ease of operation
If light sockets are made accessible for individual control, then ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sockets are extracted from the interior of the tree pole and positioned to extend through openings in the pole structure. This extraction makes the sockets externally accessible for easy connection and control of LED light strings while keeping the control system integrated and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board acts as an intermediary between the controller and the light sockets, providing a structured connection system that simplifies individual control. Each light socket connects to the PCB, which routes signals from the controller, creating an organized intermediate layer that ease accessibility without increasing overall complexity.
3Shape
If components are integrated within the hollow trunk, then visual appeal is improved, but ease of repair worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tree pole is segmented with openings that allow light sockets to extend through the structure. This segmentation maintains the aesthetic appearance of the pole while creating access points for repair and maintenance. The controller and PCB are mounted in accessible locations within the pole structure, allowing repair without complete disassembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If individual control of LED strings is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each light socket is equipped with its own connection points on the printed circuit board, allowing individual light strings to be independently controlled without affecting other strings. This self-service design enables flexible adaptation of lighting configurations while keeping the control architecture relatively simple through modular connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a unique trunk of a tree pole for a pre-lit Christmas tree. An inexpensive and easily fabricated circuit board is placed inside the tree trunk that has light sockets mounted directly to the printed circuit board. In addition, controllers and IoT devices can also be mounted on the printed circuit board. Pre-lit Christmas trees can be monitored and operated from any Internet location and each of the light strings on each of the branches can be separately controlled.