Portable Fan Assembly With Foldable Base for Adjustable Airflow
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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 or storage.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered box-type fan assembly with a modular base that can be configured in multiple positions, including collapsed, elevated, and tilted configurations, using a pivotable and lockable stand system, allowing for adjustable airflow directions and heights, and featuring a removable battery pack for portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed base structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is divided into multiple segments including a stand, support surface, and pivotal connections that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing multiple configurations without requiring an entirely complex redesign of the whole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base incorporates dynamic elements such as pivotal connections and adjustable stand positions that allow the structure to change configuration. These dynamic features enable the fan assembly to adapt between different orientations and heights while maintaining structural integrity through locked positions during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fan devices are used to achieve various airflow directions, then airflow versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is designed with universal functionality through its adjustable base that can position a single fan unit to achieve multiple airflow directions and coverage areas. The pivotal stand and adjustable support surface enable one device to perform the function of what would traditionally require multiple fixed-position fans.
3Volume of moving object
If the fan housing is positioned close to the support surface, then space efficiency is improved, but airflow performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stand allows the fan housing to be dynamically positioned at optimal heights for airflow performance. When maximum airflow is needed, the stand can be extended to elevate the fan housing away from the support surface. When space is limited, the stand can be collapsed to reduce the overall footprint, providing flexibility to balance performance and space 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 fan assembly provides flexible airflow solutions for different workspace needs, optimizing space usage and storage, with the modular base enabling multiple configurations to suit various applications, and the battery pack ensuring portability and power independence.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber; a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades
Implementation Method 2
a stand pivotable relative to the fan housing between a collapsed position, in which the stand is flipped up toward the fan housing, and a deployed position, in which the stand extends away from the fan housing
Implementation Method 3
a latch coupled to the body and the stand, the latch releasably securing a position of the stand relative to the body
Data Source
AI summary
A battery powered fan assembly includes 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 removably battery pack to power the motor, and a base assembly configured to be placed on a support surface. The base assembly includes a first frame segment coupled to the fan housing, a second frame segment pivotally coupled to the first frame segment, and a third frame segment pivotally coupled to the second frame segment. The base assembly is configured to be collapsed into a storage configuration in which each of the first, second, and third frame segments are folded onto each other and expanded to a first deployed configuration in which the fan housing is elevated above the support surface by a first height.