Rotating Fan Platform for Low-Cost Oscillation Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a cost-effective solution to convert non-oscillating fans and heaters into oscillating devices, as oscillating models are typically more expensive and not universally accessible.

Innovation Solution

A portable oscillating fan platform device comprising a rotating base with a motor, battery, and processor that can be used with any non-oscillating fan or heater, allowing it to oscillate by powering the device and controlling the spinning platform via buttons or a remote.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a non-oscillating fan or heater is used, then the device cost is reduced and accessibility is improved, but the oscillation functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation functionalityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary oscillating platform that sits between the user and the non-oscillating fan/heater. The platform incorporates the motor, battery, and control mechanisms for oscillation, while the fan or heater remains a separate, simpler component. This mediator approach allows the fan or heater to gain oscillation capability without requiring the fan or heater itself to be complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into two independent segments: the oscillating platform (containing motor, battery, processor, and control buttons) and the fan or heater unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the platform handles the complex oscillation function while the fan or heater maintains its simple, cost-effective design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If an oscillating fan or heater is purchased, then oscillation functionality is achieved, but the device cost increases and accessibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation functionalityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillating platform is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of fans and heaters. The platform's rotating mechanism and power interface are standardized to work with various non-oscillating units, allowing a single platform to provide oscillation functionality across different device types. This universality reduces manufacturing costs by using common components and design standards

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

Solution Approach 2:

The platform includes an integrated battery system that can charge and power the connected fan or heater unit. The system uses its own onboard power source rather than requiring external power connections for the oscillation mechanism, making the device self-sufficient and reducing infrastructure requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a non-oscillating fan or heater is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the air circulation coverage and heating coverage are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair circulation coverageVSAvoiddevice operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform implements a dynamic oscillating mechanism that allows the fan or heater to rotate back and forth automatically. This dynamic motion transforms a static device into one that actively covers a wider area, improving air circulation and heating coverage without requiring the user to manually move the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the use of non-oscillating fans and heaters to function similarly to oscillating ones, providing additional functionality and addressing the cost and accessibility issues of existing oscillating devices.

Implementation Method 1

a motor and processor housed within the base; A non-oscillating fan or heater can be placed on the rotating platform, wherein the device can then be powered on and the platform can rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11788674B2Portable oscillating fan platform device
Publication Date: 2023.10.17 CARTER DENNIS
  • US11788674B2 patent drawing
  • US11788674B2 patent drawing
  • US11788674B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to the field of fans and heaters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable oscillating fan platform device. The device is comprised of a base that is further comprised of a rotating platform, a battery, a motor and a processor. A non-oscillating fan or heater can be placed on the rotating platform wherein the device can then be powered on and the platform can rotate, thereby rotating the fan or heater on the platform. The device may further have at least one button that allows a user to power the device on/off and may also allow a user to control the spinning of the platform. The base may further be comprised of a power cord, USB charging port, and female power receptacle that can be used to supply power to the fan/heater on top of the device.