Retractable Ceiling Fan Blades With Active Deployment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling fans with deployable blades face challenges in hiding blades when not in use, leading to unsightly designs, dust accumulation, and operational imbalances due to centrifugal force deployment methods, which limit speed range and air moving capacity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an active deployment mechanism using a motive unit, such as an electric motor or solenoid, to retract and deploy blades independently of fan speed or direction, allowing for precise positioning and concealment within a housing unit, enhancing aesthetics and air movement efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If blades are mounted rigidly to the motor, then the fan structure is simple and strong, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible screws and blade irons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the visible blade irons and screws from the aesthetic view by allowing blades to be stored within the housing when not in use. The blades are extracted from the visible mounting position and placed inside the housing, eliminating the need for visible attachment hardware during non-operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic blade deployment where blades transition from a stowed position within the housing to an extended operational position. This dynamic system allows the fan to change its configuration based on operational needs, providing both aesthetic appeal when blades are retracted and functional capability when deployed.
2Device complexity
If blades are deployed using centrifugal force, then the deployment mechanism is simple, but the fan speed range is limited and air moving capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the centrifugal force-based mechanical deployment system with an active deployment mechanism. This substitution allows for more precise control over blade deployment timing and positioning, enabling the fan to operate efficiently across a wider speed range without being constrained by centrifugal force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary blade deployment before the fan reaches full operating speed. The active deployment mechanism can position blades in the optimal operational configuration before rotation begins or at low speeds, eliminating the need to wait for centrifugal force to activate deployment, thus improving air moving capacity from the start of operation.
3Device complexity
If blades remain exposed when not in use, then the fan structure is simple, but dust accumulation increases and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nesting configuration where the blades are stored within the housing when not in use. The blades are nested inside the housing structure, similar to a nested doll arrangement, which protects them from dust accumulation and provides a clean aesthetic appearance during non-operational periods.
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
This solution provides a visually appealing, balanced, and efficient ceiling fan design that conceals blades when not in use, reduces dust accumulation, and optimizes air movement by allowing blades to be deployed and retracted actively, improving both aesthetics and operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
a motive unit operably coupled to the retractable fan blade, wherein the motive unit is configured to drive the retractable fan blade from a retracted position within the housing unit to an extended position exterior to the housing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A fan comprising: a housing unit; a retractable fan blade; and a means for driving the retractable fan blade from a retracted position within the housing unit to an extended position exterior to the housing unit.