Fan Assembly Height Adjustment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fan assemblies lack adjustable height and orientation features, making them less versatile for use in various workspaces and environments.
Innovation Solution
The fan assembly includes a frame assembly with telescoping legs and a height lock mechanism, allowing for adjustable height and a rotatable coupler for orientation adjustment, along with a handle and trigger system for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fan assembly is made portable and compact, then ease of transport is improved, but adjustability of height and orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is divided into separable components including a collapsible frame with telescoping legs, a detachable fan housing, and an independent base. This segmentation allows the fan to be disassembled for easy transport while enabling reconfiguration for height and orientation adjustment when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly incorporates dynamic elements including telescoping legs with lockable extensions for height adjustment, a rotatable coupler for orientation control, and a collapsible frame that can transition between extended and compact states. These dynamic features provide adaptability without compromising portability
2Volume of moving object
If the frame assembly is made collapsible for storage, then space efficiency is improved, but structural stability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame includes pre-positioned locking mechanisms and telescoping leg structures that are prepared in advance to provide immediate structural stability when extended. The locking features are designed to engage automatically or with minimal action, ensuring the frame maintains its configuration during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure incorporates inherent structural reinforcement and locking mechanisms that prevent accidental collapse or instability during use. The design includes features that cushion against unintended movement while maintaining the ability to collapse deliberately for storage
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping legs are added for height adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping leg mechanism incorporates self-locking features that automatically engage at predetermined height positions without requiring additional controls or complex mechanisms. The structure uses its own geometry and friction characteristics to maintain selected heights, eliminating the need for external locking devices
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable coupler is implemented for orientation adjustment, then versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component between the frame and fan housing, providing a dedicated rotation joint that simplifies orientation adjustment. This specialized intermediary component handles the rotational function independently, allowing the rest of the assembly to remain simple and easy to operate
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly includes a fan housing at least partially defining an airflow chamber, a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber, a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades, and a base configured to be placed on a support surface. The base includes a stand having a foot. The fan assembly further includes a frame assembly connecting the fan housing and the base. The frame assembly is movable to adjust a height of the fan housing relative to the base, and the foot is automatically deployed in response to movement of the frame assembly.