Fan Air Outlet Linkage for One-Step Support Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air outlet devices in fans require manual extension of multiple support assemblies from a folded to an unfolded state, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
An air outlet device with a linkage assembly that synchronously drives multiple support assemblies to rotate between folded and unfolded states by moving the linkage assembly, eliminating the need for sequential manual manipulation of individual support assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple support assemblies are manually extended sequentially from folded to unfolded state, then the support assemblies can be deployed, but the operation becomes inconvenient and complex for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support assemblies with a linkage assembly that connects them together. When the linkage assembly moves from the folded state to the unfolded state, it simultaneously drives all support assemblies to extend, merging the control of multiple components into a single coordinated action. This eliminates the need for users to manually manipulate each support assembly separately, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user's single input force and the multiple support assemblies. Instead of requiring direct manual manipulation of each support assembly, the user applies force to the linkage assembly, which then mediates the distribution of this force to all support assemblies simultaneously, simplifying the operation while maintaining the ability to deploy multiple supports.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the linkage assembly is positioned to protrude from support assemblies in folded state, then it can contact the supporting surface for stable folding state, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to automatically adjust its position between protruding from the support assemblies in the folded state (providing stability by contacting the supporting surface) and retracting into the support assemblies in the unfolded state. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to achieve stability when needed without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
In the unfolded state, the linkage assembly is nested within or retracted into the support assemblies, creating a compact configuration. When folding is required, the linkage assembly protrudes from the support assemblies to contact the supporting surface. This nesting approach allows the stable folded configuration to be achieved without permanently adding external structural complexity.
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
Simplifies the operation of transitioning between folded and unfolded states by allowing the linkage assembly to control the support assemblies collectively, reducing user difficulty and enhancing convenience.
Implementation Method 1
when the linkage assembly is subjected to a force in a direction toward the air outlet module, the linkage assembly moves in a direction close to the air outlet module
Implementation Method 2
the support member rotates relative to the shell assembly, thus to cause the support member rotates in a direction away from the linkage assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An air outlet device and a fan are provided. The air outlet device includes an air outlet module and a support module. The air outlet module is used for blowing air outward. The support module has an unfolded state and a folded state. The support module includes a linkage assembly and multiple support assemblies connected to the linkage assembly and arranged along the circumferential direction of the linkage assembly. In the folded state, at least part of the linkage assembly protrudes from multiple support assemblies along the direction away from the air outlet module. When the linkage assembly is subjected to a force along the direction toward the air outlet module, the linkage assembly moves along the direction close to the air outlet module and drives multiple support assemblies to rotate synchronously along directions away from each other, thus making the support module in the unfolded state.