Ceiling Fan Quick Connector With Detent-Latched Bayonet Mount
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ceiling fan installations are challenging for inexperienced installers due to the need for multiple parts to be coupled using traditional tools and fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling fan assembly featuring a bayonet mount assembly with a coupler and receiver that can be relatively rotated between unlocked and locked positions, utilizing a detent latch with a biased pin moveable along a parallel axis for easy assembly, allowing quick connection of motor and light assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tools and fasteners are used to couple multiple parts, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of installation and accessibility for inexperienced installers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: a coupler with internal features, a receiver with external features, and a separate latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the bayonet-style coupling provides quick connection while the separate latch ensures secure locking, making the overall system both easy to install and reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the coupler and receiver, providing a simple on/off locking action that secures the connection without requiring complex tooling. The latch translates the rotational bayonet motion into a positive locked position, bridging the gap between quick connection and secure fastening
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fasteners and tools are used for assembly, then the manufacturing precision and connection strength are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet coupling and latch mechanism are integrated into a single assembly unit that connects two assemblies. The coupler and receiver incorporate alignment features and engagement surfaces that guide precise positioning during installation, while the latch provides securing function. This merged design reduces the number of separate fasteners and components needed compared to traditional multi-fastener assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler and receiver are designed with pre-formed geometric features (internal/external splines, alignment ribs, engagement surfaces) that automatically guide precise alignment and positioning during installation. This preliminary geometric configuration eliminates the need for complex adjustment procedures or specialized tooling during assembly, achieving manufacturing precision through design rather than process
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling fan assembly or similar air-moving device can include a motor for rotating one or more blades to drive a volume of air about a space. The ceiling fan assembly comprising multiple assemblies, which, can comprise multiple components. A quick connector can be provided for securing together the multiple assemblies and/or the multiple components.