Fixing structure and ventilation fan therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for fixing springs on ventilation fans are complex, costly, and prone to deformation, leading to instability and increased assembly time, especially when dealing with different ceiling thicknesses and additional components.
Innovation Solution
A fixing structure featuring oppositely disposed fasteners with hook and accommodation portions, guiding grooves, and adjustable openings, allowing for manual rotation and secure fixation of elastic elements, reducing material costs and simplifying the manufacturing and assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw fixing method is used to fix springs on outer cover, then fixing strength is improved, but assembly complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spring fixing function directly into the outer cover structure by forming protrusions and grooves as integral parts of the cover itself, eliminating the need for separate screws and metal fittings. This merging of functions reduces assembly complexity while maintaining sufficient fixing strength through the elastic engagement of the spring with the integrated fastening features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes unnecessary intermediate components (screws, metal fittings) from the assembly by extracting their fixing function and embedding it directly into the outer cover structure. The protrusions and grooves are formed as integral features of the cover, taking out the complexity of separate fastening components while maintaining the essential spring attachment capability.
2Device complexity
If fitting fastening method is used to fix springs on outer cover, then assembly complexity is reduced, but fixing intensity is insufficient and deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elastic engagement where the spring's elasticity works in conjunction with the protrusion-groove mechanism. The elastic element can deform to accommodate assembly variations and then locks into the grooves, providing both ease of assembly and sufficient fixing intensity. The dynamic elastic property allows the system to adapt during assembly while maintaining strong fixation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outer cover material with integrated fastening features (protrusions and grooves) to create a composite structure that provides both structural support and mechanical interlocking. The integration of these features into the cover itself creates a composite system that achieves both low assembly complexity and high fixing intensity without requiring separate metal fittings.
3Productivity
If conventional fixing methods are used, then assembly is completed, but material cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cover is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the protective enclosure and as the spring mounting structure. The integrated protrusions and grooves allow the cover to perform both structural and fastening functions simultaneously, reducing the need for additional components and reducing both material cost and assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cover structure provides self-service by incorporating its own fastening features (protrusions and grooves) directly into its design. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components and reduces assembly steps, as the cover essentially fastens itself to the spring assembly through its integral features, thereby reducing both material cost and assembly time.
4Device complexity
If metal elastic piece or plastic fitting is used for spring fixation, then assembly process is simplified, but structural intensity is insufficient and deformation occurs under pulling action
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: protrusions for engagement, grooves for retention, and elastic elements for flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the grooves providing mechanical interlocking to prevent detachment while the elastic elements provide flexibility for assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to the fixing mechanism by using three-dimensional protrusions and grooves that engage in multiple directions. This dimensional engagement provides mechanical interlocking that resists pulling forces from multiple angles, enhancing fixation stability without requiring additional components or complex assembly processes.
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 enhances the stability and adaptability of the fixing structure, preventing easy detachment of elastic elements during operation, while reducing material and time costs, and accommodating various elastic element sizes and increased loads.
Implementation Method 1
By the elastically deformable structure, the fixing structure is adapted to the elastic elements with different sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fixing structure including a base, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first fastener is disposed on the base and comprises a first hook portion, a first accommodation portion and a first opening portion. The second fastener is disposed on the base and comprises a second hook portion, a second accommodation portion and a second opening portion. A guiding groove is defined by and located between the first and second fasteners and is in communication with the first and second accommodation portions. A positioning channel is defined by the guiding groove, and the first and second accommodation portions, collaboratively. The first and second opening portions are located on the opposite sides of the positioning channel, respectively.