Concealed Screw Fan Clamp With Rotatable Arm Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fan clamps for attaching fans to surfaces are unattractive, clunky, and do not allow for easy adjustment of air flow direction, lacking aesthetic appeal and flexibility in positioning.
Innovation Solution
A fan clamp design with all mechanical elements concealed, featuring a clamp assembly with a shield to hide screws, a rotatable swing arm for adjustable fan positioning, and non-slip pads for secure attachment, allowing for pivot and swivel movements of the fan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional C-clamp mechanism is used to attach the fan to the surface, then the clamping function is achieved, but the clamp appears unattractive with exposed bolts and screws
Solution Approach 1:
The screw adjustment assembly is extracted from the visible exterior and concealed within the clamp body. The shield extends from the lower clamp member through the upper clamp member to enclose the screw assembly, removing the aesthetic defect of exposed mechanical components while preserving the clamping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw adjustment assembly is nested within the clamp structure, specifically positioned inside the space between the upper and lower clamp members. The shield acts as a containing structure that nests the mechanical components within the overall clamp assembly, creating a clean external appearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed clamp design is used, then the structure is simple, but the fan direction cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic one by incorporating a rotatable arm that can pivot and swivel. This allows the fan to be positioned in multiple directions while maintaining a secure clamped connection to the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides secure attachment to the surface through the clamping mechanism, allows for directional adjustment of the fan through the rotatable arm, and maintains aesthetic appearance by concealing mechanical components. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without excessive complexity.
3Shape
If the screw adjustment assembly is exposed for easy access, then adjustment is simple, but the mechanical components are visible and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The shield acts as an intermediary structure that conceals the screw adjustment assembly from view while still allowing access to the adjustment mechanism. The shield encloses the mechanical components but includes openings or access points that enable users to operate the screw assembly without compromising the clean appearance.
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 provides a functional, aesthetically pleasing solution that minimizes clutter, allows for adjustable fan positioning, and ensures secure attachment to surfaces while concealing mechanical components for a cleaner appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The upper and lower clamp assembly may each include a non-slip pad surface
Implementation Method 2
The arm may be a swing arm that is rotatably connected to the fan clamp. Further, the upper and lower clamp assembly may each include a non-slip pad surface
Data Source
AI summary
A fan clamp is provided for supporting a fan on a support surface by clamping to the support surface. The fan clamp includes a clamp assembly having an upper clamp member for engaging a top side of the support surface, a lower clamp member for engaging a bottom side of the support surface and a screw adjustment assembly extending through the lower and upper clamp members for clamping the upper clamp assembly and lower clamp assembly to the support surface. The clamp assembly further includes a shield extending from the lower clamp assembly through the upper clamp assembly that partially surrounds the screw adjustment assembly to block the screw adjustment assembly from being visible when the lower and upper clamp assemblies move away from each other to engage a support surface. The fan clamp may further include an arm extending from the clamp assembly for supporting the fan. The arm may be a swing arm that is rotativity connected to the fan clamp.