Ceiling Fan Downrod Assembly for Vibration-Stable Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling fans face challenges in efficiently managing airflow and temperature regulation, particularly in industrial and commercial environments, with issues related to vibration, gyroscopic movement, and the need for redundant suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling fan design featuring a downrod assembly with a non-rotating motor shaft, integrated guy wire fittings, and blade holders with optimized pitch angles, along with a clamshell-style motor housing to minimize vibration and enhance structural integrity, allowing for efficient airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional rotating motor shaft is used in ceiling fans, then the fan can be mounted in various orientations, but vibration and gyroscopic movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional motor shaft configuration by making the shaft non-rotating while allowing the motor housing to rotate with the fan blades. This reversal eliminates gyroscopic effects and vibration associated with rotating shafts, while maintaining mounting flexibility through the non-rotating shaft's fixed orientation.
2Productivity
If high volume low speed fans are used for temperature regulation, then cooling efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor housing with the fan blade assembly, allowing the housing to rotate together with the blades. This integration simplifies the overall structure by eliminating separate rotating shaft components and bearings, while maintaining the high volume low speed operation needed for effective cooling.
3Reliability
If redundant suspension systems are added to ceiling fans, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-rotating motor shaft serves multiple functions: it provides the primary suspension mounting point, acts as a structural support for the motor assembly, and eliminates the need for additional suspension components. This multi-functionality improves reliability while avoiding the complexity of redundant suspension systems.
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 design achieves reduced vibration, improved airflow efficiency, and enhanced temperature regulation by optimizing blade pitch and using a non-rotating motor shaft, resulting in increased operational reliability and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor. The rotor is pivotally connected to the shaft and rotates about the stator when power is supplied to the stator
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An ceiling fan (10) comprising a motor system (16). The motor system (16) is mounted around a motor shaft (90). The motor shaft (90) couples to a downrod (14) for suspending the ceiling fan (10) from a structure. The motor shaft (90) and motor (16) are encased by a motor housing (198). The motor housing (198) comprises hub arms (202) for mounting a plurality of blade holders (18). The blade holders (18) coupled to a plurality of blades (20) rotatable about the motor (16) during operation. The downrod (14) comprises a wire disk (58) mounting guy wiring (22) to the downrod (14). A retention rod (304) is utilized internal of the motor (16) and downrod (14) as a secondary retention method. An electrical connector (568) is internal of the motor shaft (90) and electrically couples to the stator to power the motor (16).