Encoder-Controlled Fan Speed Regulation Beyond Fixed Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fans cannot freely adjust air speed, limiting user experience and operational performance.
Innovation Solution
A stepless regulation fan system with a fan main body, main control circuit, and a stepless regulation element, including an encoder switch, allows for continuous adjustment of fan blade speed through a feedback mechanism to the main control circuit, which adjusts power output to the motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional button control with fixed speed levels is used, then the device structure is simple, but the air speed cannot be freely adjusted, limiting user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button control with an encoder switch that provides electronic stepless regulation. The encoder switch converts rotational mechanical input into electrical signals that the control circuit processes to achieve continuous speed adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple discrete buttons while providing infinite speed control resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic speed control by allowing continuous adjustment of the motor speed within a defined range. The encoder switch enables real-time modification of the control signal duty cycle, creating a dynamic system where speed can be freely adjusted at any moment rather than being fixed at predetermined levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stepless regulation element with encoder switch is added, then air speed can be continuously adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder switch serves multiple functions: it provides stepless speed regulation, indicates current speed level through backlight segments, and interfaces with the control circuit to enable continuous adjustment. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate control elements while achieving versatile speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the encoder switch and the motor driver. It processes the encoder signals, calculates appropriate PWM duty cycles, and generates the control signals for the motor, thereby managing the complexity of translating user input into precise motor speed control.
3Ease of operation
If three fixed speed levels are provided, then the control system is simple, but the user experience is limited due to inability to freely adjust air speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from discrete speed levels to continuous duty cycle modulation. The encoder switch enables continuous variation of the PWM duty cycle parameter, allowing smooth transitions between any speed values within the operating range, thereby providing stepless regulation and significantly improving user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A stepless regulation fan includes a fan main body, a main control circuit, a stepless regulation element electrically connected with the main control circuit and a first driving circuit. The fan main body is equipped with a first motor and fan blades connected to the first motor. The control circuit board integrates the main control circuit, a stepless regulation element electrically connected with the main control circuit and a first driving circuit. The stepless regulation element is configured for user operation. The first driving circuit is electrically connected to the first motor. The stepless regulation element includes an encoder switch, the encoder switch includes a first pin and a second pin, the first pin and the second pin are electrically connected with the main control circuit.