Ceiling Fan Suspension and Shaft Layout for Low Vibration 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
The ceiling fan design incorporates a downrod assembly with a non-rotating motor shaft and a redundant suspension system using guy wires, along with optimized blade geometry and pitch angles to maximize airflow efficiency and reduce vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional rotating motor shaft is used, then the fan can be simpler in structure, but vibration and gyroscopic movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation function from the motor shaft, making it non-rotating while keeping the blades rotating. The motor shaft is separated from the rotating assembly, with only the rotor and blades rotating on the stationary shaft. This eliminates vibration and gyroscopic effects caused by a rotating shaft while maintaining fan functionality.
2Device complexity
If a single suspension system is used, then the device is simpler, but reliability decreases due to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a redundant suspension system with multiple guy wires positioned at different angles. This provides backup support in case one wire fails, preventing catastrophic failure and ensuring continuous operation. The system cushions against potential failures before they become critical issues.
3Device complexity
If blades are directly mounted to the motor housing, then the structure is simpler, but airflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blade mounting structure into separate components: blade holders, mount struts, and motor housing. This segmentation allows for optimized blade geometry and pitch angles, improving airflow efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity through modular assembly.
4Temperature
If high speed rotation is used, then cooling effect is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a non-rotating motor shaft with optimized blade geometry. This configuration achieves effective cooling through optimized airflow patterns and blade pitch angles rather than relying solely on high rotation speed, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining temperature regulation effectiveness.
Data Source
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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).