Fan assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional domestic fans generate steady air flows that fail to replicate the cooling sensation of natural wind, which is more effective in providing thermal comfort due to its chaotic and unsteady flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly with an oscillating air outlet that varies in speed and magnitude to simulate the flow characteristics of natural wind, using a controller to randomly select oscillation parameters within specific ranges to mimic the frequency and magnitude of natural breeze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional oscillation methodologies are used to generate air flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to replicate natural wind characteristics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic oscillation control where the air outlet's oscillation speed varies for each oscillation cycle rather than maintaining a constant speed. This dynamic adjustment allows the fan assembly to replicate the unpredictable speed variations characteristic of natural wind, directly addressing the limitation of conventional fixed-speed oscillation methods while remaining achievable with standard motor control technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller varies the oscillation speed parameter randomly within a specified range for each oscillation, creating aperiodic motion that mimics natural wind patterns. This parameter change approach transforms the fixed, predictable oscillation of conventional fans into a variable, naturalistic flow pattern without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the fan assembly structure.
2Reliability
If aperiodic oscillation is implemented to simulate natural wind, then thermal comfort is enhanced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically generates random oscillation speeds within the specified range for each oscillation cycle without requiring external intervention or complex user programming. This self-service approach enables aperiodic oscillation that replicates natural wind patterns while keeping the control system relatively simple, as the randomness is generated internally rather than requiring complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic oscillation of the air outlet combined with random variation in oscillation speed to create aperiodic flow patterns. By maintaining the periodic mechanical oscillation while introducing random speed variations through the controller, the system achieves natural wind simulation without requiring completely aperiodic mechanical motion, thereby reducing control complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If oscillation speed is varied for each oscillation, then natural wind characteristics are replicated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical mechanisms that would physically vary the oscillation speed with an electronic control system. Instead of using variable-ratio gearings or cam mechanisms that would require high manufacturing precision, the system uses a controller to electronically adjust the motor's oscillation speed for each cycle, significantly reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing precision requirements while achieving the same effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the power source and the oscillation mechanism, translating electrical signals into varied oscillation speeds. This intermediary approach allows for precise control of oscillation characteristics through software algorithms rather than mechanical design, reducing the need for high-precision mechanical components and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly including a base arranged to support the fan assembly on a surface, an air flow generator that is arranged to generate an air flow, and an air outlet that is arranged to emit at least a portion of the air flow from the fan assembly is provided. The air outlet is arranged to be oscillated relative to the base. The fan assembly further includes a controller that is arranged to control the oscillation of the air outlet relative to the base. The controller is arranged to vary an oscillation speed of the air outlet for each oscillation.