Ceiling Fan Twist-Lock Mounting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of ceiling fans is challenging due to the need to use visible fasteners like screws, which are cumbersome, time-consuming, and aesthetically unpleasing, while also posing safety risks and leading to lost fasteners and increased material costs.
Innovation Solution
A twist-lock mechanism using C-shaped clips and longitudinal slots on a disc-shaped mounting plate allows for secure attachment of the ceiling fan motor housing without visible fasteners, enabling easier, safer, and faster installation by twisting the motor housing onto the pre-attached plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw fasteners are used to mount the motor housing, then the motor housing can be securely attached to the ceiling plate, but the installation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into discrete clip elements that can be independently inserted into slots, allowing for modular assembly and quicker installation compared to traditional screw fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are pre-positioned on the motor housing and the slots are pre-formed on the ceiling plate, allowing the installer to simply twist and lock rather than performing multiple fastening operations
2Reliability
If screw fasteners are used to mount the motor housing, then the motor housing can be securely attached to the ceiling plate, but the installer must hold a screw driver over their head while supporting the motor housing
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening operation is extracted from the traditional screw-driver-over-head maneuver and replaced with a twist-lock mechanism that can be operated with one hand while supporting the motor housing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting fasteners from the ceiling downward, the clips are positioned on the motor housing and engaged from below by twisting, inverting the traditional fastening direction and operation
3Reliability
If screw fasteners are used to mount the motor housing, then the motor housing can be securely attached to the ceiling plate, but the screw heads are visible and detract from the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The visible screw heads are completely removed from the system, replaced by clip-and-slot fastening that leaves no visible fasteners on the motor housing surface
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is localized to the perimeter slots and clips, leaving the majority of the motor housing surface clean and aesthetically pleasing
4Reliability
If screw fasteners are used to mount the motor housing, then the motor housing can be securely attached to the ceiling plate, but the screws may fall out during installation and become lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clips are pre-attached to the motor housing and the slots are pre-formed on the ceiling plate, eliminating the risk of loose fasteners falling out during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The loose screw fastener problem is extracted and replaced with a integrated clip-slot system where the fastening elements are permanently positioned on the motor housing
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms, devices, apparatus, systems and methods of installing ceiling fan motor housings to ceiling mounted plates without using loose fasteners such as screws, and the like. A plate having a plurality of slots about the perimeter can be pre-mounted to a ceiling. A motor housing having clips on interior perimeter edges of the base can be positioned so that the clips are inserted into the slots. Next, the motor housing can be twisted clockwise until the clips lock to the slots allowing the ceiling fan motor to be hung without any loose fasteners. The twist-lock eliminates unsightly fasteners, such as screws underneath the housing, quickens installation time, and is easier and safer than traditional ceiling fan installation techniques.