The Objective of this project was to design and build a production-ready CAD Model of a lightweight, portable fan powered by a 12V DC Supply based on the Design Brief provided. These were my entries submitted via their contest posted on the crowdsourced CAD-design website cadcrowd.com .
Design Brief :
Product description:
This contest will consist of designing a fan that will be powered by a 12V DC brushless motor.
Base of the fan:
The Fan needs to be mounted on a previously designed base (image 3), so the 12V wiring must lead from the motor housing through the fan to the central point in the base.
The Fan needs to be mounted on a previously designed base (image 3), so the 12V wiring must lead from the motor housing through the fan to the central point in the base.
Fan blade:
Designing the fan blade is a crucial part of the contest. The design of the fan needs to facilitate the maximum blade surface possible within the size restrictions of the overall model. Also the fan blade has obviously safety restrictions, so caging of the fan blade is required. This has to be in line with the esthetics of the overall design but shouldn’t interfere with its performance.
Designing the fan blade is a crucial part of the contest. The design of the fan needs to facilitate the maximum blade surface possible within the size restrictions of the overall model. Also the fan blade has obviously safety restrictions, so caging of the fan blade is required. This has to be in line with the esthetics of the overall design but shouldn’t interfere with its performance.
Positioning and locking:
The fan needs to be able to turn/pivot in all directions and be able to be locked in any position. The locking mechanism needs to be low tech, easy to use and in line with the esthetics of the overall design. Also it has to be strong and be able to resist bumpy conditions.
The fan needs to be able to turn/pivot in all directions and be able to be locked in any position. The locking mechanism needs to be low tech, easy to use and in line with the esthetics of the overall design. Also it has to be strong and be able to resist bumpy conditions.
Motor:
The fan will be powered by a 12V motor (for dimensions see image 4). The fan will be operated by a potentiometer mounted on a PCB (for schedule see image 5) of which the form can be shaped to fit the design (needs to have realistic dimensions for production). The motor and the potentiometer are both external components, so selecting or designing them are not part of the contest. It is important that you have taken into account the dimensions of both parts, the wiring that will be used and the weight the motor has.
The fan will be powered by a 12V motor (for dimensions see image 4). The fan will be operated by a potentiometer mounted on a PCB (for schedule see image 5) of which the form can be shaped to fit the design (needs to have realistic dimensions for production). The motor and the potentiometer are both external components, so selecting or designing them are not part of the contest. It is important that you have taken into account the dimensions of both parts, the wiring that will be used and the weight the motor has.
Speed Control:
The speed should be controlled through a turning knob connected to the potentiometer. This knob is an integral part of the design and should be aligned with the overall look and feel of the design.
The speed should be controlled through a turning knob connected to the potentiometer. This knob is an integral part of the design and should be aligned with the overall look and feel of the design.
Wiring:
Wiring is an essential part of the design and needs to be done efficient and realistically. Furthermore the wiring needs to be accessible for assembly and concealed in the design.
Wiring is an essential part of the design and needs to be done efficient and realistically. Furthermore the wiring needs to be accessible for assembly and concealed in the design.
Overall requirements:
• All solutions need to be manufacturable and preferably seamless integrated where possible;
• Parts need to be manufactured using injection moulding with minimal mould complexity;
• On conclusion all files should be of a professional quality (including STEP files) so they can be handed over to our Injection Moulding partner;
• Non injection components should be minimal and easily available in the market or easily manufacturable;
• Modern, minimalistic but high quality look & feel is an absolute must.
• All solutions need to be manufacturable and preferably seamless integrated where possible;
• Parts need to be manufactured using injection moulding with minimal mould complexity;
• On conclusion all files should be of a professional quality (including STEP files) so they can be handed over to our Injection Moulding partner;
• Non injection components should be minimal and easily available in the market or easily manufacturable;
• Modern, minimalistic but high quality look & feel is an absolute must.
Documentation:
Please provide high quality rendering images (in three colors, matted black/grey, glossy white and glossy red)and preferably 3D PDF(.U3D) files during the contest. STEP + STL files are required on completion.
Please provide high quality rendering images (in three colors, matted black/grey, glossy white and glossy red)and preferably 3D PDF(.U3D) files during the contest. STEP + STL files are required on completion.
Communication:
We will provide comments and give feedback on every entry as soon as possible. Also we will use the rating system available on the dashboard and use the discussion board for general information or comments. We will look at every entry and work as fast as we can, so no need to send unnecessary PM’s.
We will provide comments and give feedback on every entry as soon as possible. Also we will use the rating system available on the dashboard and use the discussion board for general information or comments. We will look at every entry and work as fast as we can, so no need to send unnecessary PM’s.
Award:
We will award the 1st price to the best overall idea that meets - or only needs minor polish to meet - ALL the requirements.
We will award the 1st price to the best overall idea that meets - or only needs minor polish to meet - ALL the requirements.
Wants:
As defined under description.
Don't Wants:
1. Non-manufacturable solutions
2. Complex solutions
3. Cheap plastic Look & Feel
File Size Limit:
25 MB +
Software:
SolidWorks (Latest)
AutoCAD (Latest)
AutoCAD (Latest)
The following Designs were then modeled in Rhino, Finalised and converted in Solidworks and also rendered in Keyshot.
Design I - Initial Design with a Cardanic mount. Polycarbonate plastic body.
Design II - Improved mounting to add better degree of freedom, Speed knob relocated to back casing.
Design III - Based on feedback from Client, relocated Fan speed knob to front and increased opening at front.
