Modular Fan Assembly With Universal Connector Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan systems lack versatility and modularity, limiting their adaptability to different applications and functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A modular fan assembly with a universal connector that allows interchangeable attachments, including a base with a universal connector and a blower unit, enabling plug-and-play functionality and power supply through a battery receptacle, with various attachment options such as elevating stands, oscillating, misting, wedges, rolling pedestals, and clamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing fan systems are designed with fixed functionality, then manufacturing and operation are simpler, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fan system employs a universal connector that enables a single fan unit to interface with multiple different attachments (e.g., pedestals, clamps, oscillating mechanisms, misting attachments). This universal interface design allows the core fan assembly to serve multiple functions and applications without requiring multiple specialized fan models, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing of the base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components: a universal fan unit with standardized connector and various specialized attachments. This segmentation allows the complex adaptive functionality to be distributed across separate, interchangeable attachment components rather than integrating all features into a single complex fan housing, making both the base unit and attachments simpler to manufacture individually.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized fan models are created for different applications, then each model is optimized for its specific use, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal connector on the fan unit that can accommodate multiple attachment types, the system eliminates the need to manufacture multiple specialized fan models. The same core fan assembly can be paired with different attachments (pedestals, clamps, oscillating mechanisms) to serve various applications, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connector acts as an intermediary interface between the fan unit and various attachments. This standardized intermediate component enables different attachments to connect to the same fan model without requiring custom integration for each application, simplifying the manufacturing process for both the fan unit and attachments while enabling broad versatility.
3Ease of operation
If attachments are permanently integrated into the fan housing, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of reconfiguration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design enables dynamic reconfiguration of the system - attachments can be easily connected and disconnected from the fan unit as needed. This dynamic interface provides operational flexibility to adapt the fan system to different applications and configurations while maintaining reliable connections during use through proper mechanical engagement features.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly including a fan having a base with a universal connector and a blower unit supported by the base. The blower unit includes a blower unit housing, a motor positioned within the blower unit housing, and a blade coupled to the motor for rotation by the motor. The fan assembly includes a battery receptacle configured to receive a battery, the battery receptacle electrically coupled to the motor to power the motor with the battery and an attachment removably coupled to the fan by the universal connector. The attachment is configured to support the fan.