The idea for my handheld fan came from a simple need: something small, portable, and functional that I could actually use in my daily life.
I wanted to combine two useful actions in one device, airflow for cooling and light for visibility, while keeping it compact enough to hold in one hand.
I was inspired by the design of small handheld gadgets and thought a fan with a built-in light would be both practical and fun to build.
I planned to integrate the following electronic components:
Adapter – 5 Volt
LED – to provide lighting
ON/OFF Switch – to control the device
Fan – for airflow
Breadboard – for circuit assembly
Jumper wires – for connections
Circuit Building Software
TINKERCAD
Electric Components
Enclosure Materials
Components and Their Purpose
Adapter (5V): Supplies stable power to all components.
I chose it because 5V is safe, compatible with small electronics, and reliable for both the fan and LED.
Fan: The main element that produces airflow for cooling.
It was selected to serve the primary function of the device, making it practical and useful on a desk.
LED: Provides lighting, adding versatility.
I included it to make the device multifunctional so it can also be used in dim environments.
ON/OFF Switch: Allows the user to control the fan and LED.
This was chosen to give simple, direct control and to save energy when the device isn’t needed.
Breadboard: Used to assemble the circuit without soldering.
I chose it for easy prototyping and the ability to modify or troubleshoot connections.
Jumper Wires: Create the necessary electrical connections between all components.
They were chosen for flexibility and simplicity in building and testing the circuit.
Voltage
I used a 5-volt adapter as the power source for my handheld fan project.
I chose 5 V because all the output components, including the fan, the LED, and the switch, are designed to operate safely and efficiently at this level.
Using 5 V prevents overheating or damage that could happen with higher voltages, while still providing enough current for the fan to spin properly and the LED to shine brightly without flickering.
This makes the system both reliable and safe for everyday use.
Parallel Circuit
The circuit I designed is a parallel circuit.
I chose this type because it allows the fan and the LED to work independently while sharing the same 5 V power source. In a parallel connection, each component receives the full voltage directly from the adapter, which ensures the fan has enough power to spin effectively and the LED stays bright.
STARTED MAKING THE CIRCUIT
Cardboard Enclosure
Watching teams presenting their ideas in the session!
Adding the push button to the real circuit wasn’t as easy as I expected.
It was confusing to figure out which pins actually connect and how to place it on the breadboard.
At first, it didn’t work because I wired it wrong and didn’t fully understand how it completes or breaks the circuit.
Because of that, the fan and LED didn’t turn on the way I wanted.
Stopped and researched how push buttons work internally (two pairs of pins, and only two connect when pressed).
Checked Tinkercad simulations and circuit diagrams for the correct orientation.
Tested the button with a multimeter to confirm the connected pins.
Rewired the button across the breadboard gap, and fixed the issue.
Understand the internal pin layout of a push button before wiring it.
Place the button across the breadboard gap so both sides connect properly.
Test the button separately before adding it to the main circuit.
Follow a clear circuit diagram and keep your wiring organized to avoid confusion.
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