Ceiling Fan Motor Adapter Wedge Lock for Quiet Stable Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ceiling fan motor adapter designs often result in noise, wobble, and instability due to the weight distribution and loosening of locking mechanisms during operation, leading to potential disconnection or falling of the fan.

Innovation Solution

A motor adapter assembly featuring a wedge with peripheral apertures, a cradle with arm apertures, and a pin with a spring lock mechanism, which securely couples the motor shaft to the downrod, reducing vibration and noise by distributing weight evenly and maintaining a stable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking pin or screw is used to secure the downrod to the motor adapter, then the connection is initially stable, but the locking mechanism loosens during operation causing noise, wobble, and potential disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the connection mechanism from a friction-based locking system (screws and pins relying on thread engagement) to a geometry-based wedge locking system. The wedge shape transforms the connection from relying on fastener tension to relying on mechanical interlocking through angled surfaces that convert downward force into lateral locking force, preventing loosening during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a fastener that tightens to create friction-based holding, the patent inverts the approach by using a wedge that is driven in to create geometry-based interlocking. The wedge's angled surfaces work in reverse of traditional fasteners: rather than pulling parts together through thread engagement, the wedge pushes parts apart laterally to create the locking effect, with the wider end at the top preventing removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Force

If the ceiling fan weight rests on a locking pin, then the downrod is secured to the motor adapter, but the concentrated load causes ceiling fan swing, movement, noise, and wobble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownrod securing forceVSAvoidvibration and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by distributing the load through the wedge's angled surfaces rather than concentrating it on a single pin location. The wedge geometry creates multiple contact points along its inclined surfaces, spreading the mechanical stress across a larger area of both the downrod and motor adapter, which reduces vibration and noise while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful downward force of the ceiling fan weight into a beneficial locking mechanism. As the wedge is driven into the motor adapter, the downward force activates the wedge's angled surfaces to create lateral expansion and interlocking, transforming the very weight that causes vibration into the mechanism that prevents it by securing the connection more firmly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11773858B2Ceiling fan motor adapter

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 HUNTER FAN COMPANY

AI summary

A motor adapter assembly can couple a motor shaft for a ceiling fan motor to a downrod. The motor adapter assembly can include a base plate, a cradle with arms extending through the base plate, and a threaded bushing secured between the arms of the cradle. Threading a cap to the threaded bushing can be used to pivot the downrod between an upright position and a pivoted position.