Fan Locking and Disconnection Device for Agricultural Centrifugal Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal fans in agriculture often continue to rotate due to slight winds, leading to premature wear and maintenance issues, with existing solutions like blocks of wood being forgotten or fan covers being prone to damage and frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A fan locking and disconnection device with a housing, switch, bolt, and actuation handle that frictionally engages with fan blades and disconnects power when locked, preventing rotation and ensuring safety by cutting off electrical power to the fan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a block of wood is placed in the fan to prevent rotation, then the fan blades are prevented from turning, but the block can be forgotten and the fan turned on while the block is still in place, creating a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical locking function (preventing blade rotation) and the electrical disconnection function (cutting power supply) into a single integrated device. When the locking bolt is engaged to prevent blade rotation, it simultaneously triggers the switch to disconnect electrical power, eliminating the safety hazard of forgetting to remove a block before turning on the fan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary component that mediates between the mechanical locking action and the electrical power supply. The switch acts as a mediator that automatically cuts off electrical power when the locking bolt is engaged, providing a safety mechanism that prevents the fan from being turned on while locked.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fan cover is used to block wind from entering the fan, then the blades are prevented from turning, but the cover can be eaten by mice or harden and crack in the sun, requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan cover system with a mechanical locking system. Instead of using a cover that physically blocks wind from reaching the blades, the invention uses a bolt that directly locks the blades in place, preventing rotation without requiring a protective cover that is susceptible to environmental damage.
3Reliability
If the fan operates with constant blade rotation due to slight winds, then the fan is nearly constantly turning, but this causes premature wear and maintenance issues including worn out start switches and bearing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a locking mechanism that can be engaged to prevent any blade rotation before wind can cause harmful continuous turning. The locking device allows the fan to be secured in a non-operational state, preemptively preventing the wear and damage that would result from constant unintended 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
Effectively prevents fan blades from rotating when not in use, reducing wear and tear, and ensuring safety by disconnecting power, thus extending the life of the fan and its components.
Implementation Method 1
an engaged position wherein the bolt is frictionally engaged with a fan blade
Data Source
AI summary
Various fan blade locking devices which operate to lock the blades of a fan in place and disconnect power to the fan. The locking device has an actuable bolt that, when in the locked position, extends to and contacts the fan blades and thereby stops the fan blades from turning. Additionally, the bolt has a contact washer coupled thereto such that the contact washer can engage with and disengage from a switch, thereby completing or interrupting a circuit supplying power to the fan, which allows for the locking device to prevent the fan from being actuated while the bolt is in contact with the fan blades.