Battery-operated fans

	Penguin-shaped model PC5040 from Hong Kongbased Profit Charm is available in various solid and transparent colors.

Suppliers of battery-operated fans in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are incorporating more functions in their models to boost sales. Many companies are projecting double-digit growth in the line, expecting demand to increase as climatic changes result in longer summers and hotter weather.

The latest releases from the Greater China region include designs fitted with five to 10 LEDs on the blades.

The diodes come in various colors, usually red, blue, green, yellow, orange or purple.

Depending on the IC setup, LED-fitted models can flash different patterns as their blades rotate, making them ideal for celebrations. Some can be programmed to form messages, company names, brands or logos, enabling them to serve as alternative advertising media.

Conventional IC systems allow units to display simple messages such as "I love you" and common shapes like circles and hearts. Longer statements and complicated patterns require a different IC setup, for which makers ask a fee ranging typically from $100 to $150.

Among LED-equipped fans, designs that can display a maximum of 14 characters are the best-sellers. Models for the high end can be programmed to flash more than one message, with each statement exceeding 30 characters.

Of the mainland-based suppliers, Shenzhen Cailiang Electronics Co. Ltd has released LED-fitted designs that can be customized to flash buyer-specified words or messages.

The company's selection also includes a device that allows end-users to program their own messages.

Measuring 3.8x11cm, its Flashing Programmable Fan model has three red buttons on the right for choosing the characters. A black button on the left turns it on or off.

Asia Sky International (Hong Kong) Ltd offers LED-fitted units capable of displaying four customized messages. Up to 64 characters in each statement are allowed.

Portable fans that can create different lighting patterns are available from the company as well. The ASF19 model, which has nine LEDs, is capable of 32.

At Dongguan Pinguan Electronic Co. Ltd, the latest releases include a model that can flash different messages, each with a maximum of 16 letters. Patented in the mainland, it is equipped with nine LEDs in various colors.

In another design, PG-39, LEDs of different colors are arranged and programmed to create 64 patterns.

Another supplier of LED-equipped miniature fans, Shenzhen Xingrui (Anhaorui) Toys & Gifts Co. Ltd offers designs that can be programmed to show messages or logos. The diodes come in red, blue, green, yellow, orange and purple.

One of these, LF15A, features a USB port that enables logos or messages to be directly downloaded from a computer and transferred into the fan within a few minutes. Shenzhen Xingrui (Anhaorui) provides the necessary software and input device.

The LF02 model can be set to display up to four messages. The maximum number of characters allowed in each statement is 14.

Shenzhen Xingrui (Anhaorui) also offers a design with 24 embedded LEDs. The US flag is formed as the blades rotate.

At Shenzhen Huawei Electronics Fty, several batteryoperated fans are fitted with red, blue, green or yellow LEDs. When these are turned on, a message or logo is created.

In line with the trend for increased versatility, several companies in Greater China have also released batteryoperated fans with accessories that enable them to double as another device. Flashlights, book lights, radios, warmers and USB chargers are some of the functions being incorporated in new designs.

Hong Kong's Headmaster Ltd bundles a plastic stick with some of its models. This can be attached to the fan, enabling it to function as an electric stirrer.

Even as they are increasing the functions of their designs, most suppliers keep units lightweight by using certain types of plastic and metal. ABS is the top option for housings or handles, while soft PVC and EVA are the primary blade materials. Motors are typically in stainless steel. Releases in these materials, inclusive of the motors and batteries, generally do not weigh more than 100g.
Innovative constructions
Compliance with standards

As suppliers try to balance increasing versatility with portability, housings of battery-operated fans from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan are becoming more innovative. Compact, and often foldable, structures enhance carrying convenience, allowing units to be kept in small bags or hung on the neck. Some can be converted from desktop to corded models or vice versa.

The model IK78 miniature fan from Shenzhen Duolilong Industrial Co. Ltd features a desktop structure that can be turned into a corded one by folding the bracket and inserting a lanyard on the head.

In Hong Kong, Top Creative Intl Co. has released corded designs that can be changed to desktop units. One of these, N109, comes with an ABS housing and EVA blades. It measures 11x5x5cm.

Primarily marketed as gifts or premiums, the latest models feature housings shaped like animals, humans or everyday items such as sports balls and bottles.

Hong Kong-based Profit Charm (Far East) Ltd offers its PC5040 model in the form of a penguin. The PC-5043 design resembles a bottle.

The products have ABS housings and EVA or PVC blades. Gift box packaging is provided.

Taiwan Angela Corp. manufactures battery-operated fans designed like flowering plants. With ABS housings and EVA blades, these measure 6.3x9.5x23.5cm and weigh 80g.

Handel Inc., also based in Taiwan, offers units in the shape of soccer players. Patented model HA-5026-2 of this series comes with an ABS housing and EVA or PVC blades. The product weighs about 50g.

Many suppliers, particularly those in Hong Kong and Taiwan, are ensuring that models comply with CE, RoHS, EN and other standards followed in the EU. These companies believe there is higher potential for growth in the region, since the market there is less price-sensitive compared with those in other areas.

Battery-operated fans exported to member countries are generally priced 10 to 20 percent higher than those shipped to other places. This is primarily because the materials and components necessary for meeting the EU's stringent regulations are also more expensive.

In Taiwan, Astrospace Corp. is now incorporating nonrechargeable batteries compliant with CE and RoHS requirements in its EU-bound models. Compared with versions that the company uses in designs for the US and Japan, the cost of these components is more than double.

Taiwan Angela, meanwhile, adopts materials and components that meet the EU's environmental regulations in all of its fans.