Flexible Strap Blade Retention for Ceiling Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan blade retention systems for ceiling-mounted fans are not efficient in terms of weight and complexity, and they do not provide a simple yet effective solution for securing fan blades during operation and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
A blade retention system using flexible straps that extend through passages in the fan blades, with anchors at both ends to secure the straps to the hub and winglets, eliminating the need for additional tensioning mechanisms and maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retention systems with multiple fasteners and tabs are used, then blade security is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple retention functions into a single integrated flexible strap that loops through the blade passage and attaches to both the hub and winglet. This single strap replaces traditional multiple fasteners, tabs, and separate retention mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining blade security through distributed attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a primary retention mechanism, a secondary safety backup, and a tensioning element. By making the strap universally functional across these different roles, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners and retainers are used to secure blades, then blade security is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heavy fasteners and retainers into a single flexible strap construction. The strap distributes the retention load across multiple attachment points (hub and winglet) without requiring heavy individual fasteners at each point, thereby reducing overall retention system weight while maintaining blade security.
3Reliability
If complex retention mechanisms are implemented, then blade security during failure is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into simple, discrete components: the flexible strap, the hub attachment point, and the winglet attachment point. Each component can be manufactured independently using simple processes, and the assembly involves basic steps of looping and fastening, greatly improving ease of manufacture compared to integrated complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using rigid fasteners that require precise alignment and complex installation procedures, the patent inverts the approach by using a flexible strap that can be easily looped and adapted to the blade geometry. This inversion from rigid to flexible, from precision-critical to tolerance-friendly, dramatically improves ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan includes a motor, a rotatable hub coupled to the motor, and at least one fan blade. The at least one fan blade includes a first end coupled to the rotatable hub, a second end, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a passage extending from the first end to the second end, and a winglet attached to the second end. At least one flexible strap extends through the passage of the at least one fan blade. The flexible strap is coupled at a first end to the rotatable hub and coupled at a second end to the winglet, such as to an inner portion thereof within the passage.