Modular Tree Trunk Connectors for Internal Light Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and volume of wiring in lighted artificial trees increase with the number of light strings, leading to challenges in power distribution and wire management, as traditional systems often require multiple power cords and external wiring that can be aesthetically unappealing and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A modular artificial tree design featuring separable, mechanically and electrically connectable tree portions with integrated wiring harnesses, where light strings are powered through internal wiring that connects to electrical connectors within the trunk, reducing external wiring and simplifying power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional external wiring systems are used with multiple power cords, then power distribution to multiple light strings is achieved, but wire management complexity and visual clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power distribution system from external placement to internal integration within the tree trunk. Electrical outlets are embedded inside the trunk, and power cords are routed through the interior cavity, removing the visual clutter and management complexity of external wiring while maintaining power distribution functionality to multiple light strings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing electrical outlets, wiring, and power distribution components inside the tree trunk cavity. The wiring harness is nested within the trunk structure, and multiple outlets are arranged vertically along the interior, creating a compact integrated system that eliminates external wire management issues.
2Productivity
If multiple power cords are used to power multiple light strings, then all light strings can be powered, but assembly and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tree into modular sections (trunk portions with integrated outlets, branch portions with light strings) that can be independently assembled. Each trunk section comes with pre-integrated electrical outlets, allowing users to simply plug in light string sets without complex wiring operations, significantly reducing assembly time while supporting multiple light strings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates electrical outlets and wiring into the trunk sections during manufacturing before delivery to the consumer. This preliminary integration of the power distribution system eliminates the need for users to perform complex wiring operations during assembly, reducing setup time while maintaining the capability to power multiple light strings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical outlets are distributed vertically along the trunk, then power can be distributed to multiple light strings, but wiring volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power distribution system where a single integrated trunk structure with multiple electrical outlets can power any combination of light strings. The standardized outlet design and internal wiring harness allow flexible configuration of multiple light strings without requiring separate wiring operations for each outlet, reducing overall wiring complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted artificial tree as that includes a first trunk body, a second trunk body, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is housed in the first trunk body, and the second electrical connector is housed in the second trunk body. The first trunk body is configured to couple to the second trunk body, causing the first and second electrical connectors to make electrical connection, the first electrical connector being rotationally locked to the second electrical connector.