Rotational Electric Fan Wear Mitigation via Interference Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric fans experience significant wear in the rotation part due to the rotation of the fan head relative to the support frame, leading to a loss of rotation function once wear exceeds a certain degree.
Innovation Solution
A rotational electric fan design featuring a fitting structure with a circular cover fitting groove on the fan head and a circular fitting head on the fan holder, supported by a circular spacer in interference contact, made of wear-resistant materials to reduce frictional damage and extend service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fan head rotates relative to the fan holder using a conventional rotational structure, then the fan head can be rotated to change blowing direction, but the rotation part experiences significant wear and the electric fan may lose its rotation function
Solution Approach 1:
A circular spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between the fan head and fan holder. The spacer includes a first contact surface that contacts the fitting groove and a second contact surface that contacts the fitting head, distributing the contact area and reducing wear on individual components during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact parameters are changed by transitioning from point or line contact to surface contact through the circular spacer. The spacer's first and second contact surfaces provide extended contact areas with the fitting groove and fitting head respectively, reducing contact pressure and wear during rotational movement.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If wear-resistant materials are used for the contact surfaces, then the service life of the electric fan is prolonged, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Wear-resistant materials or treatments are applied locally only to the first contact surface and second contact surface of the circular spacer, rather than the entire component. This localized approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while still providing enhanced wear resistance where it is most needed during rotation.
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 design mitigates wear and prolongs the service life of the electric fan by reducing frictional damage during rotation, allowing for smoother operation and easier maintenance by replacing worn components.
Implementation Method 1
a circular spacer fixed on a surface of the circular fitting head facing toward the fan head and being in interference contact with a surface of the circular cover fitting groove facing toward the circular fitting head, so as to support rotational movement of the fan head relative to the fan holder
Implementation Method 2
a significant wear generated when the fan head rotates relative to the fan holder can be mitigated, thus prolonging the service life of the electric fan
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rotational electric fan including a fan head and a fan holder, wherein the fan head and the fan holder are connected through a rotational structure. The rotational structure includes: a fitting structure, including a circular cover fitting groove disposed on the fan head and a circular fitting head disposed on the fan holder and cooperating with the circular cover fitting groove, so as to fit the fan head and the fan holder together; a circular spacer, fixed on a surface of the circular fitting head facing toward the fan head and being in interference contact with a surface of the circular cover fitting groove facing toward the circular fitting head, so as to support rotational movement of the fan head relative to the fan holder.