Modular Fan System with Removable Battery and Docking Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fan systems for air cooling are inefficient, costly, and lack the ability to selectively cool specific rooms without wasting energy, as they rely on central cooling units and have limited capacity to circulate air beyond a single room, posing safety hazards for children and pets due to frequent relocation.
Innovation Solution
A modular fan system comprising a removably attached air displacing component and a fan docking station that allows for charging and repositioning, featuring rechargeable batteries and various mounting options, including ceiling and floor bases, enabling efficient air circulation in selected rooms without the need for continuous electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional floor fans are used to cool multiple rooms, then air circulation capacity increases, but safety hazards increase due to frequent relocation and plugging/unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The fan system is divided into a removable fan unit and a stationary base unit. The fan unit can be detached from the base and reattached at different locations, eliminating the need to move the entire fan assembly. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining high air circulation capacity while eliminating safety hazards associated with frequent relocation and plugging/unplugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves as an intermediary that provides both mechanical support and electrical power connection. By separating the fan unit from the base, the patent allows the fan to be easily removed and reattached without moving the entire system, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing safety risks.
2Productivity
If ceiling fans are installed in rooms without wiring, then air circulation is achieved, but installation feasibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the fan unit (which can be installed anywhere) from the base unit (which requires electrical connection). This allows installation in rooms without ceiling wiring by using the base unit as a portable power source, resolving the contradiction between achieving air circulation and installation feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, electrical power, and serves as a charging station. This multi-functionality enables the fan to operate in locations without permanent electrical wiring, improving installation feasibility while maintaining air circulation capability.
3Ease of operation
If modular fan system with removable components is used, then ease of relocation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan system is segmented into removable and stationary components, enabling easy relocation. Although this increases device complexity, the modular design allows for standardized connection interfaces that simplify the reattachment process, balancing the trade-off between ease of relocation and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rechargeable battery is integrated into fan unit, then portability improves, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is integrated into the removable fan unit rather than the base unit. This segmentation allows the heavy battery to be included in the portable portion, enabling mobility while minimizing the weight penalty by keeping the battery only where needed for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery capacity and weight are optimized parameters that can be adjusted based on specific application requirements. This allows the system to achieve desired portability levels while managing weight through parameter optimization rather than fixed design constraints.
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
The modular fan system provides safe, efficient, and effective air circulation in selected rooms, allowing for easy relocation and charging, reducing energy waste and enhancing safety by eliminating the need for frequent plugging and unplugging, while supporting both bladeless and bladed fan configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the air displacing component includes a rechargeable battery electrically connected to a motor that drives the air displacing component
Implementation Method 2
the air displacing component is removably attached to the fan docking station via two spring loaded wedges that are lodged in the fan docking station
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention include fan systems for moving air within a room. In some embodiments, the fan systems described herein can be attached to a base that can be mounted on a ceiling, wall, or other building structure. In some embodiments, a single fan may be attached to a first base at a first location for a period of time, and subsequently detached from the first base and attached to another base at another location. In some embodiments, the fan system includes a rechargeable battery, so that the base does not need to be connected to or associated with a power source in order for the fan to operate. Some embodiments of the invention include modular charging systems for electronic devices.