Ceiling fan and control method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ceiling fans face issues with air stagnation, component stability, electromagnetic interference, pest prevention, and integration with air conditioning systems, leading to inefficiencies in air circulation and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling fan design featuring a vertical stack electronic unit with a bridge support system, a stator-rotor configuration, and integrated anti-bug and communication modules, which includes a display module for user information and a compact structure to enhance air circulation and compatibility with air conditioning products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the blade unit and lower components are integrally coupled to rotate together, then the structure is simplified, but visual information display is blocked and EMI/ESD standards cannot be satisfied

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidEMI/ESD standard compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling fan is divided into two independent rotational systems: an upper blade unit that rotates and a lower electronic component unit that remains stationary. The blade unit includes blades coupled to a first shaft, while the electronic components are mounted on a separate support structure below the motor assembly that does not rotate, allowing visual access and proper EMI/ESD shielding without integral coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If more components rotate with the blade, then the motor provides greater rotation power, but vibration and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation powerVSAvoidvibration and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Electronic components that would otherwise rotate with the blade are extracted and mounted on a stationary support structure below the motor assembly. This separation allows the motor to provide full rotation power to the blades without the additional vibration and noise generated by rotating electronic components, while still maintaining functional integration through wireless or shielded cable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the driver chip is installed inside the motor assembly, then the control function is integrated, but the structure becomes complicated to prevent wire interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol integrationVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A stationary support structure acts as an intermediary between the motor assembly and the electronic components. The driver chip and other electronic components are mounted on this support structure below the motor assembly, which provides a stable platform for control functions without requiring complex wire routing within the rotating motor assembly. This intermediary structure enables control integration while maintaining simple, interference-free wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are installed inside the conventional ceiling fan, then additional functions are provided, but it is difficult to satisfy EMI and ESD standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadditional functionsVSAvoidEMI and ESD standard compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stationary support structure below the motor assembly provides a dedicated location with appropriate local qualities for mounting electronic components. This position allows for effective EMI shielding and ESD protection to be implemented specifically in the electronic component area without affecting the rotating blade assembly, enabling additional functions while meeting EMI/ESD standards through localized design considerations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Improves air circulation, reduces noise and vibration, enhances user visibility, and integrates seamlessly with air conditioning systems for improved cooling and heating efficiency while preventing pest access.

Implementation Method 1

a motor assembly including a stator coupled to the shaft, a rotor spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the stator and rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a motor assembly including a stator coupled to the shaft, a rotor spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the stator and rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3751144B1Ceiling fan and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3751144B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751144B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3751144B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a ceiling fan includes a shaft coupled to a ceiling or a wall surface, a housing cover provided at a central axis thereof with a shaft and receiving a motor assembly and an electronic unit, and a blade coupled to the housing cover. The electronic unit is provided in a multi-stage.