Fan Assembly Snap-Fit Frame Projections
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan assemblies are inconvenient and costly to assemble due to the use of individual fasteners like screws or bolts, which increases the time and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The fan assembly employs a snap-fit mechanism using wedge-shaped projections and hooks on the frames of the fans, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without the need for external fasteners, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual fasteners like screws or bolts are used to assemble fan frames, then the assembly is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function into the frame structure itself by integrating protrusions and recesses directly into the fan frames. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces assembly steps while maintaining secure connection between frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure performs its own fastening function through the integrated protrusion-recess mechanism. The frames self-align and self-secure without requiring external fastening operations, making the assembly process simpler and faster.
2Strength
If individual fasteners like screws or bolts are used to assemble fan frames, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is merged into the frame structure through integrally formed protrusions and recesses. This eliminates the need to manufacture and source separate fasteners, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the fan housing, and simultaneously performs the fastening function through integrated protrusions and recesses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Ease of operation
If a snap-fit mechanism with protrusions and recesses is used, then assembly is quick and convenient, but the structural complexity of the frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into modular sections with standardized protrusions and recesses at connection points. This allows the snap-fit mechanism to be implemented at specific locations without requiring complex overall frame design, maintaining simplicity while enabling easy assembly.
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 snap-fit mechanism enables quick and secure assembly of fan components, reducing the risk of damage and lowering production costs while simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first projections includes a wedge-shaped projection. The inclined surface is formed at a top end of the wedge-shaped projection. When the inclined surface of the first projection slips along the inclined surface of the second projection, the first projection deforms elastically, allowing the hook to snap over the top end of the second projection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan mounted on the first fan. The first and second fans respectively include first and second frames. The first frame includes four pairs of first projections on a top thereof. The first projections of each pair are arranged face to face, and each includes a first hook towards the other one. The second projection includes four pairs of second projections on a bottom thereof. The second projections of each pair are arranged back to back, and each protrudes a second hook pointing away from the other one. The pair of second projections are received between a corresponding pair of first projections with the second hooks respectively engaging with the first hooks.