Tamil Nadu: A Young Engineer Made A Fan That Runs Without Electricity For His Grandfather

We make every effort to get what is essential in life. Even small necessities of life push us to work hard. The major discoveries and inventions are the result of needs in human life.

As the adage goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention” which means that necessity compels people to exercise their power of invention.

Recently a video uploaded by Dinesh GS surfaced on social media where he installed a loom powered fan for his grandfather who struggled in Chennai heat while weaving clothes.

The Logical Indian interviewed Dinesh about his invention and ideas behind making this fan.

What drove you to make a fan that runs without electricity?

I was raised in Erode. Electricity is a major problem in our city. I grew up seeing my grandfather struggling in Chennai heat due to power cuts. He would devote his time working on his loom continuously without electricity. Recurring blackouts, inconsistency could not deter his hard work. Recently, I visited and saw him working hard and sweating at this age. I realised there was a need for a fan which could run without electricity. Being an Electrical Engineer Designer myself, I took up this and invented the fan.

How did you make this fan? How much cost did you incur?

The fan is pocket-friendly. I did not bear any cost in the process of making it. I took all the material I could find in the garbage and put it to the right use. The blades of the fan are connected to a thread which is connected to the wooden pillar of the loom. Every time he would operate on the shuttle (a wooden block which stores the pre-weaved thread), the blades of the fan would move connected to it by a thread. The generated breeze would keep him away from heat and sweat.

Do you wish to patent this innovative idea?

Oh yes, I want to. This fan completely operates on the movement of the loom. This saves all the energy, and therefore it is eco-friendly. The process of making this fan is simple, and hence people in villages can afford this technology.

A lot of people working in the handloom sector face the same problem. What is your take on this?

I feel Government should focus on the handloom sector as the condition of workers is deteriorating day by day. Handloom is one of the oldest industries and deserves immediate attention.

You said that you are an Electrical Designer Engineer. Where did you study? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Erode to a simple family and completed my graduation in Electrical Engineering from EBET Group of Institutions. I am now working in a firm in Chennai