Foldable Fan Turnover Mechanism and Base Locking Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable electric fans face issues with deformation and reduced flexibility due to the weight of the fan head, instability in the turnover mechanism, and complex folding processes that increase the risk of component loss and assembly burden, leading to higher transportation costs and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electric fan design featuring a turnover mechanism with a connection pipe that rotates around a connection pipe, a locking mechanism using a sliding pressing plate and limiting base for stable base locking, and a cylindrical structure for enhanced matching and stability, along with a spring bolt and triangular screw for automatic locking, simplifying assembly and reducing component loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a regular floor fan structure is used with a retractable support shank, then the fan head height can be adjusted within a limited range, but the fan cannot be transformed into a desk fan and occupies large space when detached for packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple segments including a fixed base body and a movable base that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the base to be compacted into a smaller volume for packaging while maintaining full size when deployed, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and packaging space.
Solution Approach 2:
The base incorporates a door hinge connection that enables dynamic transformation between an extended configuration (for floor fan mode) and a folded configuration (for compact packaging). This dynamic structure allows the same base to serve multiple functions and occupy minimal space during transportation.
2Ease of operation
If the fan head is connected to the support tube through a turnover mechanism, then the fan head can be turned up and down, but the mechanism deforms and flexibility reduces due to the weight of the fan head
Solution Approach 1:
The turnover mechanism merges the connection pipe, limiting base, and locking mechanism into an integrated assembly. The connection pipe is sleeved on the support tube with a limiting base that prevents excessive rotation, and a locking mechanism secures the connection. This merged structure distributes the load and maintains both flexibility and reliability under the fan head's weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The turnover mechanism uses a locking mechanism that can change the connection state between locked and unlocked positions. When locked, the connection is rigid and stable; when unlocked, the connection allows flexible rotation. This parameter change enables the mechanism to adapt to different operational requirements and maintain reliability while providing ease of operation.
3Reliability
If locking mechanisms with multiple components are used for the base, then the base can be locked stably, but the complexity of assembly increases and tiny parts may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges the locking component and limiting component into an integrated assembly that attaches to the support tube. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate tiny parts that could be lost during assembly, while still providing stable locking through the coordinated action of the locking and limiting features.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with the locking component and limiting base forming an intuitive assembly that requires minimal instructions. The structure itself guides the assembly process, reducing complexity and the risk of component loss.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the base is made large and regular disc-like, then the fan provides stable support, but the detached fan occupies large space for packaging and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into a fixed base body that provides stable support and a movable base that can be folded. The fixed base body maintains the necessary size for stability during operation, while the movable base can be collapsed into a compact configuration for packaging, resolving the contradiction between supporting stability and packaging volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The base incorporates dynamic folding capability through door hinge connections, allowing it to transform from a large extended configuration (providing stable support) to a compact folded configuration (reducing packaging space). This dynamic transformation enables the base to satisfy both stability requirements during use and space efficiency during transportation.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electric fan, including a pressing-down part, a limiting base and a sliding pressing plate for restriction is provided. By pushing one end of the sliding pressing plate for restriction to extend and penetrate through the locking-through channel, the pressing plate for restriction is on top of the movable front supporting base, the fixed supporting base and the movable rear supporting base at the same time. Then when the pressing-down part is exerting pressure on the sliding pressing plate for restriction, the pressing plate for restriction is able to press on the movable front supporting base, the fixed left and right supporting base and the movable rear supporting base at the same time in order to enable the sliding pressing plate for restriction to press tightly on the base, which is easy for operation, simple in structure and not easy to produce scattered components. At the same time, the turnover mechanism further reduces the occupied space of the foldable electric fan.