Fan Assembly Filter Retention and Nozzle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan designs often face issues with filter accessibility and aesthetic appeal, as well as the need for secure yet easy filter replacement and air flow optimization.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly with a removably mounted nozzle and a filter that is securely held but not connected to the body or nozzle, featuring a tubular filter with wedge-shaped projections for self-centering and a sleek design, along with an oscillation mechanism and sealing means for enhanced airflow and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter is securely held between the nozzle and body without connection, then the filter is securely retained and easy to replace, but the filter cannot be directly connected to the body for simplified installation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter retention system is segmented into three independent components: the body, the nozzle, and the filter. The filter is held captive between the body and nozzle without direct connection to either, allowing independent replacement of the filter by simply removing the nozzle. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is removably mounted on the body, then the nozzle can be easily replaced or adjusted, but the nozzle cannot be permanently fixed for enhanced stability
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle mounting system transitions from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic removable connection. The nozzle is designed with engagement features that provide stable attachment during operation but allow easy removal when needed. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to adapt between stable operation and easy maintenance/adjustment states.
3Reliability
If the filter surrounds the body upstream from the air inlet, then the filter effectively captures particulates before they reach the impeller, but the filter becomes difficult to access for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted from the traditional enclosed position surrounding the impeller and repositioned to be held captive between the body and nozzle. This extraction maintains the filter's protective function by positioning it upstream from the air inlet while dramatically improving accessibility. The filter can now be easily removed by taking off the nozzle without disassembling the entire fan housing.
4Reliability
If the filter is connected to either the body or nozzle, then the filter is securely retained, but the filter replacement requires disconnection from the body or nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is preliminarily positioned and held captive between the body and nozzle before the nozzle is fully attached. This preliminary positioning ensures the filter is securely retained during operation while allowing for easy replacement. When filter replacement is needed, the user simply removes the nozzle which automatically releases the filter, without requiring any disconnection or manipulation of the filter itself.
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 solution provides a convenient and aesthetically pleasing filter replacement process while ensuring a secure seal and efficient airflow, enhancing the fan's performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The fan assembly comprises a filter for removing particulates from the air flow
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical base which houses a motor-driven impeller for drawing a primary air flow into the base
Implementation Method 3
The nozzle defines a central opening through which air in the local environment of the fan assembly is drawn by the primary air flow emitted from the mouth, amplifying the primary air flow
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A fan assembly comprising: a body comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and means for generating an air flow through the body; a nozzle removably mounted on the body for receiving the air flow from the body and for emitting the air flow; and a filter surrounding at least a portion of the body upstream from the air inlet, the filter being held captive on the fan assembly between the nozzle and a portion of the body while remaining free to move relative to the body and the nozzle, and wherein the filter is removable from the fan assembly only after removal of the nozzle from the body.