Some fans lack an oscillation function, but you'd still like them to oscillate. All fans lack remote aiming ability [link], but you'd still like them to have it. Enter the new product line from Approximate Industries: rotary fan bases! They come in various models, of different sizes and with different features, but they all take the form of a flat disc. Simply place it on the floor or table, place your non-oscillating fan on top, strap the fan down with the integral hook-and- loop straps (which are arranged so as to work with the greatest variety of fans), and turn on the fan and the base. The base will turn from side to side to provide an oscillation function for the fan.
The base models of fan base work the same way the oscillation function in a tower fan does: a small motor turns a crank which pushes and pulls a lever, turning the top half of the base first one way and then the other. However, unlike in tower fans, the oscillation amplitude (angle) is adjustable by means of opening up the fan base and moving the pin connecting the crank and lever into a different hole in each. These are made of durable and low-friction materials, so that they can be unlubricated and therefore clean to touch.
The midrange models have continuous rotation servo motors instead, enabling such behaviors as non-sinusoidal oscillation, continuous rotation or oscillation past 360°, and manual aiming by remote control. Collisions between the fan and surrounding obstacles and tangling/winding-up of the fan's cord are sensed as increased torque, causing the base to stop trying to turn so far in that direction. Some of these models have infrared remote controls, and some have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi control. In the fancier ones, there is also an outlet on top of the disc, connected via a slip ring, so that the fan can rotate continuously in one direction without winding up the cord.
The high-end models add another servo motor, this one actuating an arm that sticks up vertically. Also included in the package is a flexible rectangular plastic attachment with a reusable adhesive (micro-suction) pad on one side and a socket on the other, to which the end of the arm connects. Attach the attachment to the side of your fan, assuming it's a fan that can be aimed up and down, and connect the arm to it. Now the base can aim the fan both horizontally and vertically, and make it oscillate or perform other motions in both axes. In these models, the outlet on top of the disc is also switched, so that the fan can be turned on and off remotely, and even have its speed controlled.
The very highest-end models also include motorized wheels on the bottom, to allow you drive your fan around, or program it to move around the room based on various conditions. (All models with Wi-Fi can be integrated with the common home automation systems.)
68/470 [2019-08-26] (470? that can't be right…)-- notexactly, Aug 31 2019 Remotely aimable fan Mentioned in idea body. My previous idea, basically a fan with some of these features built in. Endorsed by the illustrious [MaxwellBuchanan] [notexactly, Aug 31 2019] Rotating bases https://www.amazon....-778682153467&psc=1 [xenzag, Aug 31 2019] You could fake up a prototype from a Christmas-tree rotator ; they're cheap, sturdy, and widely available.-- 8th of 7, Aug 31 2019 I like programming but most haven't come to grips with the simplicity. Can I have a fan base that surprises me in a cool way?-- wjt, Aug 31 2019 thought this was a social networking tool-- theircompetitor, Aug 31 2019 //thought this was a social networking tool//
[Throws buns @ [theircompetitor] [+][+][+][+]] ;D
[Wonders why none of them stick]
[Remembers you can't bun annos] :(-- Skewed, Aug 31 2019 Like these? [link]-- xenzag, Aug 31 2019 Yeah, a bit like those. One of those could probably be turned into one of these pretty easily, by someone handy with electronics.-- notexactly, Sep 01 2019 // Collisions between the fan and surrounding obstacles and tangling/winding-up of the fan's cord are sensed as increased torque // I think it wouldn't it be better to have an extension cord built into the base so the fan is plugged into an outlet on the base that is connected through a swiveling electrical connector to the stationary part of the base which has the cord. This allows for continuous rotation, and reduces hazards of the cord catching something light and pulling it over and snagging something heavier and stopping.-- scad mientist, Sep 02 2019 Yup, I'm throwing things at somebodies competitor, and mine stuff won't stick either. He must be wearing his suit of oil again.-- blissmiss, Sep 02 2019 // I think it wouldn't it be better to have an extension cord built into the base so the fan is plugged into an outlet on the base that is connected through a swiveling electrical connector to the stationary part of the base which has the cord. This allows for continuous rotation, and reduces hazards of the cord catching something light and pulling it over and snagging something heavier and stopping. //
That's why you're going to want to buy one of the fancier midrange models, if not a high-end one:
// In the fancier ones, there is also an outlet on top of the disc, connected via a slip ring, so that the fan can rotate continuously in one direction without winding up the cord. //-- notexactly, Sep 16 2019 random, halfbakery