Snap-Together Fan Stand Assembly for Tool-Free Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer products like motorized fans often require tools for assembly, which may not be available to the end user, increasing manufacturing and sales costs.
Innovation Solution
A stand kit that can be assembled tool-free, using a design with vertical posts and clips that connect via depressible and physical stops, allowing for secure attachment of electronic devices like fans without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional assembly methods using screws and tools are used, then connection strength and stability are improved, but ease of assembly and user accessibility deteriorate due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-and-tool mechanical assembly system with a snap-fit mechanism using deformable stops and apertures. The deformable stop compresses under insertion force to pass through the aperture, then expands to lock the connection, eliminating the need for screws, hex keys, or other assembly tools while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly mechanism is self-contained and self-actuating. The deformable stop automatically compresses during insertion and expands to lock without external tool assistance. The connection strength is achieved through the material's elastic properties and geometric design rather than threaded fasteners requiring tools.
2Ease of operation
If tools are shipped with the product to assist consumers, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing cost and sale cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the entire tool category from the product package by replacing screw-based assembly with a tool-free snap-fit mechanism. The deformable stop-aperture system requires no external tools, thereby removing the need to manufacture, package, and ship hex keys, screwdrivers, or other assembly tools, directly reducing manufacturing and sales costs.
3Ease of operation
If a tool-free assembly design is used, then ease of assembly and user accessibility are improved, but connection reliability and stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces threaded fasteners with a deformable stop mechanism that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The stop compresses during assembly to pass through the aperture, then expands to create a secure, tool-free connection that maintains reliability through material elasticity and precise geometric design rather than threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the deformable stop material during assembly. The stop transitions from a compressed state (during insertion) to an expanded state (during locking), leveraging elastic deformation parameters to achieve secure attachment without tools while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The stand may be manually assembled without requiring tools. Two-points of contact are made between a horizontal support bar and respective upper and lower vertical posts in order to help resist vibration of the stand and the fan. Side clips are used to hold the fan. The side clips are slideable along a longitudinal length of the upper vertical posts. The side clips selectively grip the upper vertical posts at positions along a longitudinal length of the posts.