Fan Head Assembly With Rotation-Swing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan designs have limited air supply areas, are homogeneous, and lack differentiated selling points due to fixed air outlet and inlet bases, leading to high production complexity and cost, as well as issues with linear reciprocating motion stopping at reversing positions.

Innovation Solution

A fan head assembly with a rotation-swing mechanism that includes a spherical air outlet and inlet base in clearance fit, driven by a rotation-swing drive motor and transmission counterpart, enabling three-dimensional swinging motion and reducing production complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single planar oscillation mechanisms are used, then the structure is relatively simple, but the air supply area is limited and the product is homogeneous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation mechanism structureVSAvoidair supply area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single planar oscillation to spatial three-dimensional oscillation by adding a second oscillation plane. The first oscillation mechanism provides left-right movement while the second oscillation mechanism provides up-down movement, creating three-dimensional airflow coverage that significantly expands the air supply area and differentiates the product from conventional designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If multiple motors drive separate transmission mechanisms for each oscillation, then the oscillation function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation functionVSAvoidtransmission mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of two separate oscillation mechanisms into a single integrated system. One motor drives a combined transmission mechanism that simultaneously controls both the left-right oscillation and up-down oscillation through coordinated transmission components, reducing the number of motors and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the oscillation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, where a single motor and transmission system can control both oscillation directions. The transmission components are configured to transmit motion in multiple planes, allowing one motor to perform the work of what would traditionally require two separate motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If linear reciprocating motion is used for oscillation, then the mechanism is simple, but stopping occurs at reversing positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation mechanismVSAvoidcontinuous motion capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spherical surface clearance fits between the air outlet base and air inlet base, replacing linear reciprocating motion with three-dimensional oscillation. This curved spherical interface allows continuous motion without sharp reversals, eliminating the stopping problem that occurs with linear reciprocating mechanisms at their reversing positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 expands the air supply area, provides a softer and more natural wind output, and prevents stopping at reversing positions, enhancing product differentiation and sales promotion.

Implementation Method 1

the air outlet base includes a first spherical surface; and the air inlet base includes a second spherical surface in clearance fit with the first spherical surface; where: a spherical center of the first spherical surface is configured to coincide with a spherical center of the second spherical surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpherical clearance fit:

Implementation Method 2

The rotation-swing transmission counterpart includes: a cam, fit on the output shaft; a connecting sleeve, sleeved on the cam; a connecting rod, connected with the connecting sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

a universal ball hinge structure, sleeved on the connecting rod and connected with the air inlet base. The air outlet base is configured to be connected with the connecting rod; and the spherical center of the first spherical surface, the spherical center of the second spherical surface, and a spherical center of the universal ball hinge structure are configured to coincide with each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUniversal ball hinge:

Data Source

PatentEP3650704B1Fan head assembly and fan
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 GD MIDEA ENVIRONMENT APPLIANCES MFG
  • EP3650704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3650704B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3650704B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application is applicable to the field of household appliances, and discloses a fan head assembly and a fan. The fan head assembly includes an air outlet base; an air inlet base provided at one side of the air outlet base; and a rotation-swing mechanism, configured to drive the air outlet base to rotation-swing relative to the air inlet base. The rotation-swing mechanism includes a rotation-swing drive motor, mounted on the air inlet base; and a rotation-swing transmission pair, transmissively connecting the rotation-swing drive motor and the air outlet base. In the present application, the air outlet base is able to rotationally swing relative to the air inlet base, which breaks the conventional design idea that the air outlet base and the air inlet base in the existing fan are relatively fixed. Since the air outlet base is three-dimensionally swinging relative to the air inlet base, the product may works in a cool way, which solves the problem of serious homogeneity and no different selling points of existing fan products. At the same time, it effectively expands the air supply area and enabless the rotational output of the wind direction, so that the output wind feeling is softer and more natural.