Apparatus and method for directing air flow to a target surface or substantially enclosed volume

Abstract

An apparatus and method for directing airflow to a target surface or substantially enclosed volume is described. The apparatus comprises of one or more air channels with one or more directed air flow ducts to the surface. Each of the air ducts may feature numerous outlets that disperse unheated or hot air onto a target surface or within a substantially enclosed volume. The one or more air channels may be made of vinyl, rip-stop, or materials that are temerature-appropriate. The apparatus is held in place by it's effective air-weight or secured to prevent slippage during operation. Several such apparatuses may be incorporated into a vehicle to transfer air or gas to individual surfaces. The unit contains a substantially circular air duct and an electrical feed or other power source. The apparatus unit attaches to a hose vent or other external air flow apparatus and extends along the target surface or within the substantially enclosed volume. Air flow may be controlled from a switch or other control mechanism associated with the apparatus or the external air flow apparatus. When the control mechanism is actuated to activate the external air flow apparatus and the apparatus, air flow from the external air flow apparatus. Air pressure resulting from the flow of air substantially inflates the apparatus. The flow of air is discharged through apertures positioned along a surface of an air channel and diffuses the air flow along the target surface. In one embodiment, the air flow is comprised of heated air. Heating the target surface substantially removes condensed water, ice, frost, and the like from the target surface, and prevents further condensation from appearing on the target surface while the apparatus is activated. In addition, heating the air flow to a substantially enclosed volume assists in increasing the temperature of the substantially enclosed volume. In another embodiment, air that has been cooled or lowered in temperature, or air with no temperature adjustment may also be used.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for directing airflow to a target surface or substantially enclosed volume. The present invention generally comprises a defroster, deicer or dehumidifier device for any target surface including windshields, other glass surfaces exposed to temperature gradients. The present invention comprises of a series of apertures that circumscribe a windshield or window and blanket the target surface with air. In another embodiment, the present invention may also be used as a diffuser to distribute air or gas to a substantially enclosed volume. For example, the apparatus may be used to distribute heated air in an egg hatchery, or to increase air flow for animal cage enclosures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Sudden changes or cold weather may cause the humidity to rise and fog glass enclosures or other surfaces. The effect of fogging is most recognizable in vehicles such as aircraft, watercraft, automo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is an apparatus and method for directing airflow to a target surface or enclosed volume, such as a windshield or window, to prevent fogging and improve visibility. The apparatus includes a defroster, deicer, or diffuser that uses a series of apertures to blanket the target surface with air. The invention can also be used to distribute air in enclosed vehicles or buildings to increase air flow or control temperature. Previous solutions, such as air conditioners or electric fans, have not been ideal for space concerns. The invention provides an effective solution for preventing fogging and improving visibility in vehicles and buildings."

Problems solved by technology

Sudden changes or cold weather may cause the humidity to rise and fog glass enclosures or other surfaces.

Visibility may be reduced which may result in hazardous driving conditions.

This condition is especially dangerous when maneuvering around other vessels or vehicles.

Condensation, fogging and icing are persistent problems for aircraft, watercraft, automobiles, trains, residential and commercial buildings, and all other devices that incorporate glass surfaces that are exposed to significant ambient air temperature gradients.

This is a common problem for many types of vehicles (including aircraft, watercraft, and some farm vehicles).

The cooling of this air reduces its ability to retain moisture, and thus the moisture that is released condenses on the inside surface of the windshield.

This same problem is encountered with windows in residential and commercial buildings because of the difference in outside and inside temperature.

Traditional vehicle defroster mechanisms may require an air conditioner which is not available or appropriate for some types of enclosures or vehicles.

Often times the solution of one or more electric fans is inadequate if there is inadequate circuitry or electrical feeds.

None of these devices provide an ideal solution to the problem of heating, defrosting, and deicing where there are space concerns.

These devices would be too complicated for solving simple air flow.

Images