Ceiling Fan Suspension 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 non-rotating downrod assembly, guy wires, and a redundant suspension system with a retainer plate, along with optimized blade geometry and pitch, to enhance stability and airflow efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a conventional rotating downrod assembly is used, then the ceiling fan can be suspended and operate, but vibration and gyroscopic movement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidvibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by making the downrod assembly non-rotating while allowing the motor housing and blades to rotate. This reverses the conventional approach where the entire assembly rotates, thereby eliminating vibration and gyroscopic movement generated by a rotating downrod while maintaining fan operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a single suspension system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to lack of redundancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveredundant suspensionVSAvoidsuspension system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements prior cushioning by incorporating a redundant suspension system with a retainer plate and retention elements that engage with the downrod assembly. This redundant structure is pre-installed to provide backup support and prevent fan failure in case the primary suspension fails, enhancing reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If blade pitch is determined during installation, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade pitch adjustabilityVSAvoidblade pitch precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the blade pitch angle during manufacturing rather than requiring adjustment during installation. The blades are fixed at an optimal pitch angle factory-set, which eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and ensures precise, consistent pitch angles while maintaining adaptability through the ability to select different pre-configured blade sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 minimizes vibration and gyroscopic movement, provides a redundant suspension, and optimizes airflow volume and energy efficiency by determining blade pitch during manufacturing, thus improving temperature management and reducing operational wear.

Implementation Method 1

The design minimizes vibration and gyroscopic movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

optimized blade geometry and pitch, to enhance stability and airflow efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP4030063B1Ceiling fan
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HUNTER FAN COMPANY
  • EP4030063B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4030063B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4030063B1 patent drawingFigure 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).