Ball and Socket Fan Mount for Non-Level Ceilings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan systems lack a reliable and adjustable mounting mechanism that can securely attach fans to non-level ceilings while allowing for rotational freedom and minimizing oscillation due to imperfect balance or external forces.
Innovation Solution
A ball and socket mounting assembly that includes a unitary metallic mount with a conical socket and a hemispherical ball, providing frictional resistance to prevent unintended movement while allowing for rotational freedom, and a wedge and screw mechanism to secure the fan to the mounting assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed rigid mounting is used to securely attach the fan to the ceiling, then the fan is firmly secured, but it cannot adapt to non-level ceilings and generates oscillations due to imperfect balance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ball and socket mounting assembly where the ball member is spherical and the socket member has a conical socket. This spherical geometry allows the fan to self-level on non-level ceilings while maintaining secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between firm securing and adaptability to uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly incorporates a frictional interface between the ball and socket that provides dynamic adjustment capability. The frictional resistance allows the fan to settle into a level position on non-level ceilings while preventing unintended movement during operation, balancing security with adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ball and socket mounting assembly with frictional resistance is used, then the fan can self-level and resist oscillations, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mounting assembly. The ball member, socket member, and frictional interface work together as one unit to provide self-leveling, oscillation resistance, and secure attachment simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is designed to self-level automatically during installation without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The frictional resistance and spherical geometry enable the system to automatically find and maintain its optimal level position, eliminating the need for complex adjustment devices.
3Reliability
If a wedge and screw mechanism is added to secure the fan to the mounting assembly, then the fan is firmly held in place, but the installation and adjustment process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ball and socket mounting assembly is pre-configured with the wedge and screw mechanism in a ready-to-install state. The design allows for quick engagement of the wedge and screw to secure the fan blade assembly to the motor assembly, reducing installation time while maintaining firm securing.
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
The ball and socket mounting assembly enables fans to be securely attached to non-level ceilings, self-levels during installation, and provides damping to resist oscillations and swaying, ensuring stable operation and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
A ball and socket mounting assembly that includes a unitary metallic mount with a conical socket and a hemispherical ball, providing frictional resistance to prevent unintended movement
Implementation Method 2
a wedge and screw mechanism to secure the fan to the mounting assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fan mounting assembly has a mount, a ball member, and a support. The support is disposed within a vertical opening of the ball member and is coupled to the ball member. The mounting assembly may further comprise a wedge driven between an interior surface of the ball member and an exterior surface of the support in order to prevent movement of the support within the ball member. The mount has a mounting portion and a socket portion. The socket portion has a tapered interior surface. The tapered surface may have a constant angle. The ball member and support are disposed within the socket portion such that an outer surface of the ball member rests upon the tapered surface of the socket portion. The tapered surface may have features configured to prevent rotation of the ball member within the socket portion.