Quick-Connect Ceiling Fan Blade Connector with Tensioned Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick connect assemblies for ceiling fan blades allow for relative movements between the tab and receptacle, leading to operational noise during fan rotation, which is undesirable for consumers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of tensioners into the rotor assembly or blade assembly to maintain the tab and receptacle under tension, eliminating relative motion and noise by applying forces that inhibit movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick-connect assembly is used to attach the blade assembly to the rotor assembly, then the ease of installation is improved, but relative movement between the tab and receptacle occurs during operation, generating noise
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates movable tensioning members (springs) that dynamically adjust to maintain optimal contact pressure between the tab and receptacle throughout operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures continuous tension to eliminate relative movement and noise while preserving the quick-connect installation benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly changes the force parameter by applying continuous tension through spring-loaded tensioning members. This force application maintains the tab and receptacle in constant contact, preventing relative movement and eliminating operational noise while keeping the connection tool-free
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the tab and receptacle are held under continuous tension to eliminate relative movement, then operational noise is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning members are nested within the connector assembly structure, with springs housed inside the receptacle or connector housing. This nesting approach minimizes the overall footprint and visual complexity while maintaining the tensioning function to eliminate operational noise
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded tensioning members are self-regulating and automatically maintain the required tension force without external control or adjustment. The system serves itself by using the spring force to continuously press the tab against the receptacle, eliminating noise without requiring complex control mechanisms
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 solution effectively secures the blade assembly to the rotor assembly, eliminating operational noise and ensuring stable attachment without the need for tools, suitable for consumer installation.
Implementation Method 1
a first tensioner and a second tensioner in opposition relative to the pocket and bearing against the tab, when it is received within the pocket, such that the first tensioner applies a first pressure to the tab and the second tensioner applies a second pressure to the tab
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling fan assembly for mounting to a structure, the ceiling fan assembly comprising: a motor having a rotor assembly, which rotates about a rotational axis, and a stator assembly that is stationary relative to the rotational axis; at least one blade assembly having a root assembly; and a connector assembly comprising: a pocket carried by the rotor assembly, a tab carried by the at least one blade assembly and received within the pocket, and a tensioner to secure the tab within the pocket.