Snap-Fit Sensor Support for Electric Fan Motor-Impeller Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supports for rotation sensors in motor-impeller units of electric fans are bulky and complex, hindering dimension reduction and simplifying assembly, which is problematic in applications where compactness and ease of assembly are crucial.

Innovation Solution

A support with a plate-like base and snap-fitting mechanism that removably secures the sensor control card and magnet, featuring guided sliding insertion and resilient snap-fitting projections for secure and easy attachment to the motor mounting, allowing for reduced overall dimensions and simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sensor and control card are housed in a special seat formed in the enclosing cover, then the sensor is securely positioned, but the overall dimensions increase and structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor positioningVSAvoidoverall dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the sensor housing function into separate components: the control card is retained by the support structure, while the magnet is retained by the enclosing cover. This segmentation eliminates the need for a specialized integrated seat, reducing overall dimensions while maintaining secure positioning of both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the control card and motor, supports the control card, and positions the magnet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized housing features, reducing structural complexity and overall dimensions.

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

2Reliability

If the sensor and control card are housed in a special seat formed in the enclosing cover, then the sensor is securely positioned, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor positioningVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the sensor housing function into separate components: the control card is retained by the support structure, while the magnet is retained by the enclosing cover. This segmentation eliminates the need for a specialized integrated seat, reducing structural complexity while maintaining secure positioning of both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the control card and motor, supports the control card, and positions the magnet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized housing features, reducing structural complexity.

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

3Reliability

If a traditional mounted support is used, then the sensor is securely retained, but the assembly time increases and tool requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor retentionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips requiring tools) with a snap-fit retention mechanism. The control card is retained by engagement features that allow tool-free assembly, while the magnet is secured by resilient snap-fitting projections, significantly reducing assembly time and eliminating tool requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a traditional mounted support is used, then the sensor is securely retained, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor retentionVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips requiring tools) with a snap-fit retention mechanism. The control card is retained by engagement features that allow tool-free assembly, while the magnet is secured by resilient snap-fitting projections, significantly reducing assembly time and eliminating tool requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 achieves reduced overall dimensions and simplified assembly of the rotation sensor support, enabling faster and tool-free mounting, particularly beneficial in space-constrained applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the snap-fitting projections (25c, 25d, 25e) is resilient and capable of undergoing elastic deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

this feedback is conveniently obtained by means of a Hall effect sensor, interacting with a magnet rotating integrally with the motor-impeller unit of the fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2682757B1A support for a rotation sensor in motor-impeller units of electric fans
Publication Date: 2015.04.22 SIT SPA
  • EP2682757B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2682757B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2682757B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

What is described is a support for a rotation sensor (12) in a motor-impeller unit (1) of an electric fan (3), of the type which includes a motor support mounting (7) which can be fixed to an outer wall (5) of a scroll-shaped casing (4) of the fan (3), the rotation sensor (12) being designed to interact, in use, with a magnet (13) rotating integrally with the motor shaft. The support comprises a seat (16) for removably retaining an electronic circuit card (14) including the sensitive part of the rotation sensor (12), and removable snap-fitting means capable of interacting with a profile of a through hole (11a) formed in the mounting (7), in such a way that the support is retained removably on the mounting (7), thus ensuring the correct positioning of the rotation sensor (12) and the rotating magnet (13) relative to one another.