Fan Assembly with Variable-Speed Oscillation to Replicate Natural Wind
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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 nature.
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 airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional oscillation methodologies are used to generate airflow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to replicate natural wind characteristics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, periodic oscillation to variable, aperiodic oscillation. The air outlet's oscillation speed is continuously adjusted during operation to match the statistical characteristics of natural wind, making the system adaptive rather than static. This allows the fan assembly to replicate the chaotic nature of natural wind while maintaining manageable complexity through controller-based regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the oscillation speed of the air outlet throughout its range during operation. Rather than maintaining a constant speed, the controller dynamically adjusts the oscillation parameter to reproduce the statistical distribution of natural wind speeds. This parameter variation enables realistic wind simulation without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Ease of operation
If steady air flow is generated by conventional fans, then the device complexity is low, but the thermal comfort effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action in a novel way by implementing aperiodic oscillation - the air outlet oscillates back and forth but with varying speeds that do not follow a regular pattern. This mimics the irregular nature of natural wind while still using a controlled oscillation mechanism. The result is enhanced thermal comfort through realistic wind simulation without requiring overly complex system architecture.
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.