Bladeless Fan Oscillation and Tilt Mechanism with Fixed User Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan assemblies require multiple components for oscillation and tilting, leading to a complex base structure and a moving user interface, which complicates operation and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly with a simplified base structure that integrates a motorized oscillation mechanism and a separate motorized drive mechanism for tilting, allowing the body to be oscillated and tilted relative to a fixed user interface, reducing the number of components and enabling remote control operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the body is mounted on the base with interlocking members for guiding tilting movement, then the body can be tilted relative to the base, but the base structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oscillation mechanism and tilting mechanism into a single integrated base structure. The driven member serves dual purposes: it rotates to provide oscillation while also enabling tilting movement through the interlocking members. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components compared to having independent oscillation and tilting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The driven member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the oscillation element and as part of the tilting mechanism. The interlocking members are configured to guide both oscillation and tilting movements, making them universal components that handle multiple degrees of freedom rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control panel is mounted on the moving upper base member, then the oscillation mechanism can be actuated, but the user interface becomes moving and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is extracted from the moving upper base member and relocated to the stationary base. This separation ensures that the user interface remains fixed and stable while the oscillation and tilting mechanisms operate independently below. The control panel on the stationary base can actuate the oscillation mechanism through the drive shaft and driven member without being affected by their movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for oscillation and tilting, then each function can be controlled independently, but the number of components increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oscillation and tilting mechanisms into a single integrated system within the base. The driven member and interlocking members work together to provide both functions, reducing the total component count compared to having separate oscillation and tilting mechanisms. This integration maintains independent control capability while simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking members are designed with universal functionality to guide both oscillation and tilting movements. Rather than requiring separate guide structures for each function, these multi-functional components handle both degrees of freedom, reducing the number of parts needed while maintaining independent control over oscillation and tilting operations.
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 solution provides a more streamlined and user-friendly operation by maintaining a fixed user interface during oscillation and tilting, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while enhancing airflow distribution control.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller, and a first motor for driving the impeller to draw an air flow through said at least one air inlet
Implementation Method 2
a motorized oscillation mechanism housed within the base for oscillating the body relative to the base about an oscillation axis, the oscillation mechanism comprising a second motor, a drive member driven by the second motor, and a driven member which is driven by the drive member to rotate relative to the base about the oscillation axis
Implementation Method 3
the interlocking members being arranged to guide tilting movement of the body relative to the base about a tilt axis, different from the oscillation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly includes a base, a body including an air inlet, impeller and motor driving the impeller to draw an air flow through the air inlet, an air outlet and an interior passage conveying air to the air outlet and extending about an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. A motorized oscillation mechanism housed within the base oscillates the body relative to the base about an axis and includes a second motor, a drive member driven by the second motor, and a driven member which is driven by the drive member to rotate relative to the base about the axis. The body is mounted on the driven member for rotation therewith. Interlocking members retain the body on the driven member and serve to guide tilting movement of the body relative to the base about a tilt axis.