Segmented Neck Fan Structure for Multi-Angle Cooling Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fans, both fixed and portable, either lack portability or provide discomfort when worn for extended periods due to their fixed shape.
Innovation Solution
A neck fan design featuring a tubular body with adjustable ends, multiple air outlets, and independent fan assemblies that can be worn around the neck, allowing air to be directed from various angles for enhanced comfort and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-shaped portable fan is designed, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user comfort deteriorates when worn for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The fan body is divided into multiple segments that can independently bend and adjust. The shell includes first, second, third, and fourth segments that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the fan to conform to the user's neck and body contours for enhanced comfort while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The fan transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The segments are connected via rotation mechanisms that allow the fan to adapt its shape in real-time, enabling it to bend and flex to match the user's body geometry, thereby improving comfort without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
2Device complexity
If air outlets are concentrated in one location, then the device structure is simple, but the cooling effectiveness deteriorates due to limited air distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlets are segmented and distributed across multiple surfaces of the fan body rather than concentrated in one location. The first, second, third, and fourth segments each have air outlets facing different directions, enabling multi-directional air distribution that enhances cooling effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlets are arranged in three-dimensional space across multiple surfaces and orientations. Instead of a single-plane outlet arrangement, the outlets are distributed across different segments that can be positioned at various angles, creating a multi-dimensional air distribution pattern that improves cooling coverage
3Productivity
If the fan operates at high power, then the cooling performance is improved, but the noise level and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan employs multiple independent fan assemblies (first, second, third, and fourth fan assemblies) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the total cooling requirement to be distributed across multiple lower-power units, reducing the noise and energy consumption of each individual fan while maintaining overall high cooling performance
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 neck fan provides effective cooling by directing air from multiple angles, ensuring comfort and ease of use, while maintaining balanced weight distribution and reducing noise and air volume loss.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal fan, and a vortex shell assembly... The blades are configured to rotate to drive air to flow from the air inlet to the air outlet
Implementation Method 2
a vortex shell assembly... The vortex shell assembly includes a pressurizing plate, two side walls, and a wind guiding plate... the wind guiding plate extends away from the blades and defines an air channel
Data Source
AI summary
A neck fan is provided and is configured to be worn around a neck of a user. The neck fan includes: an outer shell, disposed away from the neck; an inner shell, connected to the outer shell and disposed near the neck, wherein the inner shell and the outer shell cooperatively define a receiving space. A plurality of air outlets are defined in the inner shell.