Modular Fan Protective Shell for Low-Cost Ceiling Fan Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling fan designs require replacement of the entire protective shell when damaged, which is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A modular fan protective shell structure with detachable protective units and appropriate spacing, allowing individual replacement of damaged parts without compromising protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an integrated protective shell is used around the motor, then the motor protection is improved, but the replacement cost increases when damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidreplacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shell is divided into multiple detachable protective units (first protective unit, second protective unit, third protective unit) that can be individually replaced. Each unit is connected to the connecting assembly through detachable connections (screws, snap-fit connections, or magnetic connections), allowing only the damaged unit to be replaced rather than the entire shell, thus reducing replacement costs while maintaining motor protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If an integrated protective shell is used around the motor, then the motor protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidshell structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shell is segmented into multiple independent units that attach to a central connecting assembly. This segmentation maintains protection effectiveness while simplifying the overall structure through modular design, making each component simpler and easier to manufacture individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting assembly serves multiple functions: it connects all protective units, provides mounting positions for lighting modules and fans, and enables detachable connections for easy replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If protective units are spaced apart from each other, then the replacement cost is reduced, but the protection coverage may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement costVSAvoidprotection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shell is divided into multiple protective units with appropriate spacing between them. This segmentation allows individual replacement of damaged units, reducing costs. The spacing is designed to maintain adequate motor protection while enabling access for replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260036140A1Fan protective shell structure and a ceiling fan
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 ZHONGSHAN QIANGJING LIGHTING APPLIANCE CO LTD
  • US20260036140A1 patent drawing
  • US20260036140A1 patent drawing
  • US20260036140A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a fan protective shell structure, including a connecting assembly and at least three protective units, in which the protective units are detachably connected to the connecting assembly, and the protective units are spaced apart from each other. The disclosure also discloses a ceiling fan using the fan protective shell structure, including a motor, with the fan protective shell structure surrounding the motor, and the lower end of the fan body further includes a light. While providing protection for the motor, this design allows for the individual replacement of damaged parts, effectively reducing costs.