Author: janeluca

Portable Fan Teardown

American Camper Portable Fan/Light

Front

Back and side view

Disassembly Process

I used all strength and force to break down certain plastic parts. Where applicable I used the Phillips head screwdriver. For most of the process I liked using my hands or the flathead screwdriver. The pliers came in handy for removing wires. The knife was necessary when separating the washers and plastic enough to shimmy the flathead screwdriver.

Materials used for disassembly:

  1. Flathead screwdriver
  2. Phillips head screwdriver
  3. Pliers
  4. Knife

There is always one…

I was not able to take this last screw out. I tried to use a small screwdriver, and then the tip of a knife, then the screwdriver again. I ended up stripping the top, at which point I couldn’t remove it without completely breaking that part of the frame.

Itemized Overview

Inventory:

  1. Back cover (front and back sides)
  2. Light Cover
  3. Fan Top Cover
  4. Front cover (back side)
  5. Cables
  6. Fan Blade
  7. Light Bulb
  8. Switches
  9. Plastic covers/bits
  10. Flat screws
  11. Sharp screws
  12. Springs
  13. Screw
  14. Front cover
  15. Washers
  16. Motor Assembly
Motor Assembly

Motor details: plastic cover, metal pin, coil, metal casing. Model number: RF-500TB-12560, Mabuchi, made in Japan.

Design Opinion

I appreciate the light fixture being above the fan. It is practical, and I appreciate how easy it was to disassemble. The dropping on the sides is a nice small design touch that flows with the curvilinear form altogether. Complimentary to the light form are the edges of the fan. The smooth lines run around the whole product almost like a synecdoche of the core function of the product, which is meant to run in smooth infinite loops.

Jane says hi

Greetings readers! My name is Jane and I have no formal background whatsoever in design or art. I studied German Literature and Culture for my Bachelors. My professional experience includes four years of work in Supply Chain Management and Logistics, one year of translation work, project management, office and event planning experience scattered throughout.

I love to make books for my niece and nephew. I try to make engage their senses and help stimulate their imagination. I also love cooking, baking, cake decorating, mending clothes and fixing things. Kundalini Yoga is on my list of new hobbies, as well as sketching cartoons on cards for the kids and writing letters to penpals around the world. I really enjoy languages, learning about dialects, cultures, geography, philosophy and the list goes on.

This class seems very exciting, as I love using my hands, but haven’t been doing it as much as an adult. I am looking forward to tinkering with electronics and especially the sewing part.