Modular Ceiling Fan Sensing Unit for Retrofit Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart ceiling fans are costly due to integrated temperature sensors, and consumers must replace existing fans to add temperature sensing capabilities, making them less appealing and inconvenient for retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A modular ceiling fan design featuring a removable sensing unit with a room temperature sensor and a body temperature sensor, connected to a control unit that adjusts fan speed based on sensed temperatures, allowing for optional addition of sensing functionality to existing fans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature sensor is integrated into the ceiling fan to provide temperature sensing capabilities, then the fan can automatically control room temperature, but the cost of the fan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is separated from the fan body into an independent modular component. The sensing unit includes an outer casing, room temperature sensor, and body temperature sensor, all disposed within the outer casing. This segmentation allows consumers to purchase only the sensing unit if they already own a fan, or buy a complete assembly, thereby reducing the cost barrier for adding temperature sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be attached to various fan models. The outer casing includes a mounting structure that can be installed on different fan types, making the temperature sensing capability universally applicable across multiple fan products rather than requiring custom integration for each fan model.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional smart ceiling fan with integrated temperature sensor is used, then temperature control is achieved, but the existing traditional fan must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is designed as a separate modular component that can be attached to existing fan installations without replacing the entire fan unit. This allows consumers to add temperature sensing capabilities to their existing traditional fans by simply mounting the sensing unit, maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure of the sensing unit is designed to be dynamically adaptable to different fan models and installation environments. The outer casing includes flexible mounting options that can accommodate various fan types and installation locations, making the installation process convenient and adaptable rather than rigid and restrictive.
3Measurement precision
If the sensing unit is integrated into the fan body, then temperature sensing is precise, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is segmented into distinct functional components (outer casing, room temperature sensor, body temperature sensor) housed together in a modular unit. This segmentation maintains measurement precision by keeping sensors close to the measurement points while reducing overall device complexity by organizing components into a self-contained module that simplifies installation and maintenance.
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
Enables consumers to choose between purchasing a fan with or without sensing capabilities, providing flexible installation options and precise temperature-controlled airflow without the need for full replacement, thus reducing costs and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a room temperature sensor disposed in the outer casing
Implementation Method 2
a body temperature sensor disposed in the outer casing
Implementation Method 3
a motor mounted to the base seat for driving rotation of the fan blades
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling fan includes a fan body, a sensing unit and a control unit. The fan body includes a base seat, a plurality of fan blades mounted to the base seat, and a motor mounted to the base seat for driving rotation of the fan blades about the base seat. The sensing unit includes an outer casing, a room temperature sensor, and a body temperature sensor. The control unit is mounted to the fan body, in communication with the room temperature sensor, the body temperature sensor and the motor, and operable to adjust a rotational speed of the fan blades by controlling the motor according to a room temperature and a body temperature respectively sensed by the room temperature sensor and the body temperature sensor.