Ceiling Fan Variable Blade Pitch and Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan systems lack the ability to adjust blade pitch and provide infinitely adjustable speed control, leading to suboptimal airflow and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The fan system incorporates a hub with radially extending tabs and adjustable inserts to vary blade pitch, combined with a control module using a conventional light dimmer interface for infinitely adjustable speed control, allowing for customizable airflow and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed blade pitch is used, then device complexity is reduced, but airflow performance and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fan blade pitch angle is made dynamically adjustable through a mechanism comprising a pitch control link, cam mechanism, and spring assembly. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear displacement to vary the pitch angle, allowing the blade to adapt to different operating conditions and optimize airflow performance across varying speeds and loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch control mechanism changes the geometric parameter of blade pitch angle to optimize performance. By varying the pitch angle parameter in response to speed changes, the system maintains optimal airflow characteristics and energy efficiency across different operating points.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fixed speed control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback through a speed-sensitive mechanism that automatically adjusts both motor power and blade pitch based on actual operating speed. The cam mechanism responds to speed changes by varying pitch angle, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy efficiency without requiring complex electronic sensors or controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan system uses its own operational parameters (rotational speed) to automatically control its own performance characteristics. The speed-sensitive pitch mechanism and power control system enable the fan to self-regulate its blade pitch and power consumption based on actual operating conditions, eliminating the need for external control systems.
3Productivity
If higher speed is maintained, then productivity is improved, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pitch adjustment mechanism allows the blade pitch angle to vary with operating speed. At higher speeds, the pitch angle is automatically reduced to prevent excessive power consumption and noise, while still maintaining adequate airflow output. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to achieve productivity goals without the penalties of fixed high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan comprises a hub, fan blades, and inserts. The hub comprises outwardly extending mounting tabs that lie along a common horizontal plane. The fan blades are hollow, such that each mounting tab is inserted in the hollow interior of a corresponding fan blade. Each insert is positioned in the hollow interior of each fan blade, between each mounting tab of the hub and the interior surface of the corresponding fan blade. Each insert is configured to position and maintain the chord line of each corresponding fan blade at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal plane of the hub. A kit may include several insert sets to choose from to provide adjustable angle of attack. A fan control system includes a dimmer switch and a control module, which allows the dimmer switch to be used to infinitely adjust the speed of a fan motor within a range.