Oscillating Fans – History and Advancements

Oscillating fans are used to aid air circulation throughout a space. These electric fans feature the ability to direct airflow from one side to another. This allows the fan to cover more space with the breeze it produces as opposed to box fans and ceiling fans that cover only a single direction or a single area with their wind.

The earliest oscillating fans were first developed in 1907, based on a concept for ceiling fans. Previously, all electric fans were like ceiling fans, in that they could direct air towards one direction only. Engineers found a way to improve on the original design of electric fans by adding a split-ball joint, which allowed for the fan to be redirected. This was a big improvement from previous fans that only pointed one way. The design for this was further improved by mechanizing the fan’s directional control. By moving the fan’s head from side to side, the new fan could effectively push a breeze to more than one direction. Thus was created the first version of the modern oscillating fan.

Some more improvements on the electric fan have been developed over the years. There are models that also have a built-in electric heating system. These warm the air and expel it, creating a warm thawing wind.

Majority of oscillating fans are used to help provide a cool wind in households, office spaces and other indoor spaces. The most advanced electric fans bend the air as they it expel in different directions, covering the entire room while doing away with mechanical motions characteristic of traditional oscillating fans.