VALUE ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING (TIE 522) PRACTICAL

A TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE INFORMATION GATHERING OF A

PORTABLE NECK FAN

BY

GROUP A MEMBERS

ADEJUMO BOLUWATIFE 206455

UDOETTE BRIGHT 205697
ELUSAKIN OPEYEMI 208217
OMIWADE NIFEMI 206394
ELAYELAGHA TAMARA 208220
IGOGORI KEVWE 208221
AKINREMI FAVOUR 206456
BALOGUN GOODNESS 208219
SADIK OLAYEMI 205696
LAWAL RIDWAN 208222

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

LECTURER IN CHARGE: DR. MUYIWA

 TABLE OF CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT ………………………………………………………………………2

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………...3
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Background of Study............................................................................................... 4
1.2 Problem Statement ................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Aim and Objectives ................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Justification of Study ............................................................................................... 5
1.5 Scope of Study ....................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Stakeholders ........................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Information Gathering ............................................................................................. 7
2.3 Interpretation of Customer Data .............................................................................. 7
2.4 Existing Design ..................................................................................................... 10
2.5 New Design .......................................................................................................... 11
2.5.1 Modification Approaches................................................................................... 11

2.6 Bill of material of the Product and Cost Analysis of Total Part ............................... 12
2.7 Assembly and Part Drawings ................................................................................ 13
2.8 Product Specification ............................................................................................ 13
2.9 Benchmarking ....................................................................................................... 14
2.10 Other Information .................................................................................................. 14
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................ 16
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 17
 ABSTRACT
This study shows the information needed for the optimal reduction of the cost of a portable
neck fan while all its critical factors still meet customer expectations.
The first chapter gives an introduction of the need of this study, the problem statement, the aim
and objectives of this study and the justification.
The second chapter goes ahead to discuss the concept development process carried out. It
shows the stages from the mission statement to the customer need analysis and product
specification. It also summaries the benchmarking between the existing designs and new
designs.
 1 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

Portable neck fans have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and
effectiveness in providing personal cooling. These wearable devices are designed to sit
comfortably around the neck, offering hands-free operation while delivering a constant stream
of cool air. One of the key advantages of portable neck fans is their portability. Unlike
traditional fans, which require a stable surface for placement or a hand to hold, neck fans can
be worn while walking, working, or engaging in outdoor activities. This makes them ideal for
use in situations where traditional fans are impractical or inconvenient.

Most portable neck fans are powered by rechargeable batteries, allowing for extended use
without the need for a power source. This makes them suitable for outdoor events, travel, and
other situations where access to electricity may be limited. Many portable neck fans also feature
adjustable fan speeds, allowing users to customize the airflow to their comfort level. Some
models even come with additional features such as LED lighting, aromatherapy functionality,
and Bluetooth connectivity.

Portable neck fans provide a convenient and effective solution for staying cool and comfortable
in a variety of situations. Their compact size, hands-free operation, and rechargeable battery
make them a popular choice for individuals looking to stay cool.

1.2 Problem Statement

In hot and humid environments, individuals often struggle to stay cool and comfortable,
especially when engaged in outdoor activities or while commuting. Traditional handheld fans
are cumbersome and inconvenient, requiring constant hand support. Additionally, many
personal cooling devices lack the versatility to provide effective cooling without restricting
movement. To address these challenges, the development of a portable neck fan is proposed.
This device aims to provide hands-free cooling relief by utilizing a lightweight and wearable
design. The portable neck fan will offer adjustable airflow settings and quiet operation,
ensuring comfort in various settings without causing disturbance.
1.3 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to gather information needed for the optimal reduction of the cost of a
portable neck fan while all its critical factors still meet customer expectations.

The aim of this study will be achieved by executing the following objectives:
i. To gather and review information on customer needs and requirements: This helps
understand what the product or system needs to achieve from a customer perspective. This
includes obtaining a sample of the neck fan, a bill of materials, gathering cost information such
as the current costs of parts, assembly, other processes, and the total overall cost, gathering
functional and performance information such as the intended function of the neck fan, its
current performance level, and any known quality issues.
ii. To define the specific area of focus for the value engineering analysis, such as cost
reduction, performance improvement, or delivery time optimization.
iii. To define the boundaries of the analysis, outlining which parts of the product or system
will be considered.

By achieving these objectives, the information gathering phase will help to:
 Identify functions and their associated costs
 Develop creative solutions: By understanding the cost drivers and the functions of the
product, the team can brainstorm alternative approaches to achieve the same
functionality at a lower cost while meeting customer needs.
 Evaluate and select the best solution: The gathered information helps evaluate the
proposed solutions against pre-defined criteria, such as cost-effectiveness,
performance, and feasibility.

1.4 Justification of Study

The proposal to develop a portable neck fan emerges from a genuine need for practical
solutions to combat discomfort in hot and humid environments. Existing methods of personal
cooling often fall short, with traditional handheld fans being inconvenient and limiting,
particularly during outdoor activities or while commuting. This problem is exacerbated by the
lack of versatile options that allow individuals to move freely while still experiencing effective
cooling. Recognizing these challenges, the study aims to bridge this gap by introducing a
hands-free cooling solution that prioritizes lightweight, wearable design and adjustable airflow
settings.
The suggested portable neck fan has the ability to greatly improve people's comfort and quality
of life in hot and muggy environments by resolving the drawbacks of traditional cooling
devices. Its hands-free capability not only removes the requirement for continuous hand
support but also enables users to carry out a variety of tasks without difficulty. Furthermore,
the incorporation of customisable airflow settings guarantees customised comfort,
accommodating a wide range of customer requirements and inclinations. Through this work,
we hope to lessen the negative impacts of heat stress in common situations, which will not only
improve immediate comfort but also boost overall well-being. By exploring and refining the
concept of a portable neck fan, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable,
user-centered approaches to enhancing comfort and adaptability in adverse weather conditions.

1.5 Scope of Study

This scope of this study includes extensive research and development work to design,
prototype, and assess how well the portable neck fan works to relieve heat and humidity without
requiring hands-on cooling. In order to determine the needs and preferences of users, market
research must be done and creative design concepts must be investigated in order to maximise
the fan's performance and functionality while user satisfaction and usability must be evaluated
through qualitative and quantitative feedback mechanisms.
Furthermore, in order to improve the fan's performance and user experience, the study will look
at the viability of including cutting-edge technologies like smart connectivity choices,
ergonomic design components, and rechargeable batteries. In the end, the goal is to provide a
workable, user-friendly solution that tackles the mentioned difficulties and provides a long-
term strategy for personal cooling in diverse conditions.
 2 CHAPTER TWO

CUSTOMER NEEDS ANALYSIS

2.1 Stakeholders
The stakeholders of a portable rechargeable neck fan can vary depending on the context and
specific aspects of the product, but here is a list of the major stakeholder:
 Customers
 Manufacturer
 Retailers
 Suppliers
 Product Designers and Engineers

2.2 Information Gathering

Data from customers was gathered through an online survey.

2.3 Interpretation of Customer Data

Based on the responses from the survey, the needs of the customers were gathered and
prioritized in buttressing the need for a neck fan. 29 responses were collected and the following
information was discovered. 93.1% of the respondents affirmed feeling hot during daily
activities. Commuting made most respondents hot during the day. Working outdoors and other
outdoor-related activities also accounted for hotness during the day.
28 out of 29 respondents agreed to need a hands-free portable fan. This shows that there is a
serious demand for hands-free portable fans.
Figure 1: Survey Response 1
 Figure 2: Survey Response 2

According to the responses to the other questions, portability and weight are the most important
features and considerations when investing in a portable hands-free fan. Battery life, noise
level, and cooling power are prioritized as more important features to the user. Price and
aesthetics are less important compared to the other features. Comfortability is also affirmed as
the primary concern for purchasing a neck fan.
Therefore, we can conclude by splitting the customer needs into critical needs, primary need
statements, and secondary and tertiary need statements
Critical Need Statement
1. As a user, I need a portable and light handsfree fan that I can use during my daily
activities (Need: comfortability, portability, and weight)
Primary Need Statement
1. As a user, I need a fan with long-lasting battery life. (Need: battery life)
2. As a user, I need a fan with strong cooling power that can improve my comfortability
during the day. (Need: cooling fan)
3. As a user, I need a fan with minimal noise levels that will not interrupt my daily
activities. (Need: noise level)
Secondary Need Statement
1. As a user, I need a fan that is within my budget (Need: price)
2. As a user, I need a fan that is reasonably sized. (Need: size)
3. As a user, I would like a fan that is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes (Need: aesthetics)

2.4 Existing Design

Electric fans serve as effective tools for circulating air and providing cooling relief. Both
ceiling fans and floor-model electric fans are popular for cooling rooms, offering a cost-
effective alternative to installing an expensive air conditioning system. Air conditioning units
and electric fans are typically stationary and lack portability.
In situations where mobility is required, hand-held fans become necessary. Non-electric hand-
held fans are often simple and cost-effective, but they rely on manual operation. This constant
manual movement can be fatiguing for users as it requires continuous motion of the arm and
hand.
Over the years, portable hand-held fans have evolved, in design, aesthetics, portability,
accessibility, longevity of battery life, equipment useful life and rigidity, and other human
needs satisfying features. These evolutions can be attributed to the continuous improvement of
the industry, the constant clamor by customers for improvement, and specific requests from
users. This has made the object come out better and stronger meeting the global needs of users
and its wide acceptability.
However, the evolution continues to grow as the demand for a better version of handheld fans
becomes more overwhelming, especially now that the weather conditions are unpalatable and
fans would need to be carried everywhere even in our bags for easy access and user-
friendliness. Now, hand-held fans are designed with batteries that can be charged and used
outdoors for a long period, are lightweight for easy carriage, have fast blades and motor for
enough supply of air, and are marketed at affordable prices.
However, with these existing designs, there's still and will always be room for improvement
and a better version of the design. One of the latest designs of a portable fan is the neck fan.
The primary purpose of a neck fan is to provide instant and hands-free cooling to the wearer.
It produces a continuous flow of refreshing air around the neck and face, which helps regulate
body temperature and provides relief from heat and humidity.

The following are the benefits of the neck fan:

1. Portability and Convenience: Neck fans are lightweight and designed to be worn around the
neck, making them extremely portable and convenient.
2. Hands-Free Operation: Unlike handheld fans, a neck fan allows you to keep your hands free,
enabling you to multitask effortlessly while staying cool.
3. Versatility: Neck fans come in various designs and models, catering to different needs and
preferences. Some fans offer adjustable fan speeds, misting functions, and even aromatherapy
features, providing a customizable cooling experience for various situations.
4. Workplace Comfort: In office environments with limited airflow or air conditioning issues,
a neck fan can be a lifesaver.
5. Travel Essential: Neck fans are a fantastic travel accessory, especially for long journeys,
flights, or vacations to hot and humid destinations.

2.5 New Design

The original design typically features fixed fan blades or a bladeless design with a non-
adjustable outlet. This restricts the ability to direct airflow upwards or downwards, potentially
reducing cooling effectiveness for users of varying heights or requiring frequent manual
repositioning of the entire fans.

2.5.1 Modification Approaches

The first approach involves analyzing the fan's structure to identify any existing joint or hinge
mechanism near the fan mouth.
Then a new 360° Rotational Mechanism will be implemented. This requires creating a new
joint using suitable materials, achieving full 360° rotation will offer more control for the user.
Utilizing ball bearings housed within a lightweight casing allows for smooth 360° rotation. The
casing needs to be securely fastened to the fan body and mouth. Modified skateboard bearings
(with removed inner shields) can be a cost-effective option, but require proper encapsulation
and lubrication to prevent dust and debris ingress. The modifications will also ensure that the
fan's electrical wiring is not compromised or put under strain during rotation. A flexible cable
management system will be implemented as well
The chosen materials and design must be strong enough to support the fan's weight and
withstand 360° rotation without breaking or becoming loose. Also the materials and design
elements will be carefully selected so that they complement the original look of the fan.

2.6 Bill of material of the Product and Cost Analysis of Total Part

S/N Component(s) Sub-Component Quantity Unit Total

Cost (₦) Cost (₦)

1 Electrical Power Indicator Light 1 100 100

Components
Battery 1 4,000 4,000

Type-C Charging Port 1 3,000 3,000

Plastic Turbo Fan 2 6,000 12,000

Power Button/Fan Speed 1 400 400

Adjustment Button

Circuit Board 1 1,000 1,000

Turbine Port 1 3,500 3,500

Type-C Power Cable 1 3,000 3,000

2 Body/Product Soft Rubber Material (kg) 700gm 1,250 1,250

Material
TPU Hose 1 1,500 1,500

Fashion Metal Ring 2 700 1400

31,150
2.7 Assembly and Part Drawings

2.8 Product Specification

The product specifications for a portable rechargeable neck fan can vary depending on the
specific model and manufacturer. However, here are some common features and specifications
you might find in such a device:
1. Battery Capacity: 4000mAh (14.8Wh/3.7V)
2. Input: DC5.0V = 1.0AMAX
3. Battery Type: Lithium-ion battery
4. Fan power: 5W MAX
5. Blade material hardness: vD60 Shore
6. Fan speed: 2m/s MAX
7. Charging time: 4 hours
8. Working time: 4-9 hours (depending on different gears/ usage scenarios)
9. Executive standard: Q/JS008-2017
10. Product Size: 218(L)mm x 169(W)mm x60(H)mm
11. Product Material: ABS + Silica gel + Stainless Steel
12. Size of package: 245*165*70mm
13. GW with package: 450g
2.9 Benchmarking
Benchmarking is the comparison between new products and existing products based on the
customers' needs. This is very important as it shows the areas for improvement in the new
design. The benchmark values are in the range of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being
the highest.

S/No Portable Hand-held Portable Neck fan

Need Importance fan (A) (B)

Design and
1 aesthetics 6 *** *****

Portability and
2 weight 1 **** ****

3 Cooling power 3 *** ****

4 Price 5 **** *

5 Battery Life 2 *** ****

6 Noise level 4 ***** ***

2.10 Other Information

a. Design and prototyping

 Creation of detailed specifications for the neck fan, including comfort, weight, and
cooling efficiency.
 The prototype is developed to test the design and functionality.
b. Materials Selection
 Lightweight and durable materials are selected for the neck fan components.
c. Component Fabrication
 Injection molding or 3D printing is used to create plastic parts like the fan housing.
 Metal parts (if any) are fabricated using machining processes.
 Electronic components (such as the motor, battery, and control circuitry) are sourced
or manufactured.
d. Assembly
 Assemble the components:
 Attach the fan blades to the motor shaft.
 Connect the motor to the control circuitry.
 Assemble the housing and secure the components inside.
 Attach the neck strap or band.
 Design and fabricate the bladeless air circulation mechanism.
 Integrate it into the housing.
 Ensure smooth airflow without traditional rotating blades.
e. Quality Control and Testing
 Inspect each unit for defects, proper assembly, and safety.
 Test fan speed, battery life, and noise levels.
 Verify that the neck fan meets safety standards.
f. Packaging and labeling
 Package the neck fan in a compact and attractive box.
 Include user manuals and safety instructions.
 Apply labels with product information, model number, and safety certifications.
g. Distribution and Marketing
 Distribute the neck fans to retailers or online platforms.
 Promote the product through marketing channels.

2.12 Marketing Requirements

The following has to be considered, properly specified and leveraged on while making
considerations for the marketing of the portable neck fan;
1. Identification and selection of target audience
2. Cooling efficiency
3. Comfort and convenience
4. Safety Features
5. Portability
6. Battery life
7. Variety of design
8. Price
9. Customers testimonial
 CONCLUSION

In response to the rising demand for convenient and effective personal cooling solutions,
particularly in hot and humid conditions, the development of a portable, rechargeable neck fan
has emerged. Traditional cooling systems often prove cumbersome and limiting, especially
during outdoor activities or while on the move. With its lightweight, wearable design and
adjustable airflow settings, the portable neck fan offers a hands-free alternative that ensures
comfort and versatility without compromising on effectiveness. Designed to enhance user
comfort and well-being through innovative design adjustments and high-quality materials, the
portable neck fan promotes a more sustainable and user-centered approach to personal cooling.
By continuously evolving and refining its design, the portable neck fan becomes an essential
tool for increasing comfort and adaptability in challenging environments.

4
 REFERENCES

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Market Trends, Market Segmentation, and Competitive Analysis. Retrieved Dec. 14, 2023,
from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/decoding-portable-neck-fan-market-deep-dive-latest-
trends-ukkte?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles_related-content-card.

Guillory, L. 2024.I tried the viral neck fan from TikTok, so you don’t have to. Esquire.
Retrieved Feb. 21, 2024, from https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a44751087/dartwood-
portable-neck-fan-review/.

Dunn, T. 2023. Wearing fans around our necks has been more pleasant than you’d expect. Wire
cutter: Reviews for the Real World. Retrieved Sep. 12, 2023, from
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/neck-fan-review/