Modular Fan Assembly for Adjustable Airflow and Compact Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fan assemblies lack versatility and adaptability in configuration, making them less effective for various workspace applications, as they often require multiple devices to achieve desired airflow directions and heights, and they do not efficiently utilize space for storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered box-type fan assembly with a modular base that can be configured in multiple positions, including collapsed, elevated, and stacked configurations, using a pivotable and latchable design to support the fan housing in various orientations and heights, and incorporating a removable battery pack for power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable fan assembly uses a fixed base design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fan lacks versatility and adaptability in configuration for various workspace applications
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple segments including a stand, support surface, and positioning elements that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the base to be configured in multiple positions (elevated, collapsed, stacked) while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic configurable structure. The stand is movable between elevated and collapsed positions, and the support surface can be positioned at different heights and angles, enabling the fan to adapt to various workspace applications without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fan assembly uses multiple separate devices to achieve desired airflow directions and heights, then the airflow control is precise, but the device complexity increases and space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it provides elevation, supports various airflow directions through adjustable positioning, and enables stacking for storage. The movable stand and support surface collectively achieve what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fan assembly has a fixed elevated position, then the airflow height is maintained, but the storage efficiency and transportability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base stand is designed to be movable between an elevated position (for optimal airflow during operation) and a collapsed position (for efficient storage and transport). This dynamic configuration allows the user to switch between operational and storage states, maintaining airflow height when needed while maximizing storage efficiency when the fan is not in use.
4Strength
If the fan housing is heavily constructed for stability, then the structural strength is high, but the portability and ease of transport are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base is constructed as a segmented structure with movable components rather than a single heavy solid block. This allows the structure to provide necessary strength and stability during operation while reducing overall weight for improved portability. The segmented design enables the base to be collapsed into a compact configuration for easy transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery powered fan assembly for use with a stackable storage system includes a base defining a storage area, a fan housing that at least partially defines an airflow chamber, a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber, a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades, a battery receptacle configured to receive a removable battery pack to power the motor, a mating interface formed on at least one of the base and the fan housing, and a latch mounted to the base. The mating interface is configured to interact with a complementary mating interface formed on a stackable element of the stackable storage system, and the latch is configured to selectively inhibit relative movement between the fan assembly and the stackable element while the mating interface of the fan assembly interacts with the complementary mating interface of the stackable element.