Tree-Top Ornament Conduit for Weak Branch Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holiday lighting systems lack remote control and configuration capabilities, making it difficult to manage and customize elaborate light displays, especially for artificial trees where the top branch is weak and unable to support ornaments or lighting equipment.
Innovation Solution
A tree-top ornament apparatus with a deformable conduit that securely attaches to the tree trunk below the top, combined with a multi-channel electrical signal distribution network within the tree, allowing for independent control of lighting elements and remote configuration through a mobile app, enabling flexible and customizable lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the top branch of an artificial tree is used to support ornaments and lighting equipment, then the ornament placement is achieved, but the branch is weak and unable to support the weight
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid conduit acts as an intermediary structural element between the weak top branch and the ornaments/lighting equipment. The conduit is supported by the stronger tree trunk and extends upward to provide a secure mounting point, effectively transferring the load from the weak branch to the strong trunk without requiring the branch to bear the ornament weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a vertical support (branch) to a distributed support system where the conduit is anchored at multiple points along the tree trunk at different heights. This dimensional distribution of support points allows the structure to leverage the strength of the trunk throughout its length rather than relying on a single weak point at the top.
2Ease of operation
If existing holiday lighting systems are used, then lighting is provided, but remote control and configuration capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration of lighting systems with wireless electronic control. A mobile device application communicates wirelessly with the lighting system, allowing users to remotely control and configure lighting effects without physically accessing or manually adjusting the lighting components, thereby simplifying operation while managing complexity through automated wireless communication protocols.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid conduit is used to support ornaments, then structural stability is achieved, but the conduit may deform under weight
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid structural elements with supportive bracing components. The rigid portion provides the necessary structural stability and shape, while additional bracing elements distributed along the conduit length provide enhanced support to prevent deformation under the weight of ornaments, effectively combining the advantages of both rigid and reinforced structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a tree-top ornament apparatus configured to present a removeably attachable ornament above a top of a tree and supporting the presented ornament by clamping an ornament-connected deformable conduit to a secure portion of a tree trunk below the top of the tree. In an illustrative embodiment, the conduit may be deformable and yet semi-rigid so as not to deform under the weight of the presented ornament. In some embodiments, a sleeve may be configured to provide an electrical signal to a light emitting device for illuminating the ornament. The sleeve may include a light emitting device within a top hollow of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the light emitting device may be configured to illuminate a clear or semi-clear ornament received in the top hollow of the sleeve. The tree-top ornament apparatus may advantageously secure a tree-top ornament to the tree trunk at a location where the trunk is strong.