Air distribution nozzle, aircraft comprising the nozzle and method of using the nozzle

Abstract

Air distribution nozzles, aircraft including the nozzles, and methods utilizing the nozzles are disclosed herein. The air distribution nozzles include an elongate inlet plenum, an elongate outlet plenum, a tapered elongate aperture, an inlet port into the elongate inlet plenum, and an elongate outlet port out of the elongate outlet plenum. The elongate inlet plenum extends along an inlet plenum length. The elongate outlet plenum extends along an outlet plenum length. The tapered elongate aperture extends between and fluidly interconnects the elongate inlet plenum and the elongate outlet plenum. The inlet port is configured to receive an inlet fluid flow along an inlet flow axis. The elongate outlet port is configured to discharge an outlet fluid flow along an outlet flow axis that is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the inlet flow axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to air distribution nozzles, aircraft comprising air distribution nozzles, and / or methods utilizing air distribution nozzles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Distribution nozzles can control, direct, and / or regulate the flow of fluids, such as air, and can be utilized in a variety of applications. As an example, air distribution nozzles can be utilized to form and / or define an air curtain in order to allow and / or facilitate different environmental controls on either side of the air curtain. As another example, air distribution nozzles can be utilized to regulate airflow within an aircraft. In a particular example, air distribution nozzles can be utilized to form and / or define an air curtain in a cockpit of an aircraft in order to allow and / or facilitate independent environmental controls over a pilot seating area and a co-pilot seating area of the aircraft. Conventional air distribution nozzles are relatively complex, utilize a large number of separately manufactured and subsequently assembled components, and / or are relatively expensive. Accordingly, improved air distribution nozzles, as well as aircraft comprising improved air distribution nozzles and / or improved methods utilizing improved air distribution nozzles, are needed. SUMMARY

[0003] Disclosed herein are air distribution nozzles, aircraft comprising air distribution nozzles, and / or methods utilizing air distribution nozzles. The air distribution nozzle comprises an elongate inlet chamber, an elongate outlet chamber, an apered elongate slot, an inlet port into the elongate inlet chamber, and an elongate outlet port out of the elongate outlet chamber. The elongate inlet chamber extends along an inlet chamber length. The elongate outlet chamber extends along the inlet chamber length. The apered elongate slot extends between and fluidly interconnects the elongate inlet chamber and the elongate outlet chamber. The inlet port is configured to receive an inlet fluid flow along an inlet flow axis and in an inlet flow direction. The elongate outlet port is configured to discharge an outlet fluid flow along an outlet flow axis and in an outlet flow direction. The outlet flow axis is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the inlet flow axis.

[0004] The aircraft includes an air distribution jet and an air supply conduit configured to provide an intake fluid flow to an intake. The method includes the steps of providing the intake fluid flow to the elongated intake chamber via the intake and along an intake flow direction. The method also includes the steps of redirecting the intake fluid flow within the elongated intake chamber. The redirecting includes redirecting to produce an orifice fluid flow through the tapered elongated orifice and into the elongated outtake chamber. The method also includes the steps of producing a pair of counter-rotating vortices in the elongated outtake chamber and within the orifice fluid flow. The method also includes the steps of discharging an outtake fluid flow from the elongated outtake and along an outtake flow direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of an aircraft that can include and / or utilize an air distribution jet in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an example of an air distribution jet in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3 is a less schematic side view illustration of an example of an air distribution jet in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3

[0009] Figure 5 is a left end view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3

[0010] is a right end view of the air distribution jet of Figure 6 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air distribution jet of

[0011] Figure 7 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3

[0012] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3 Figure 3

[0013] Figure 9 Figure 3 Figure 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figures 1 to 9 Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of air distribution jets 100, aircraft, and / or methods in accordance with the present disclosure are provided. In Figures 1 to 9 ​​​​​​​​​like or at least substantially similar purpose in each of the figures of Figures 1 to 9 may be discussed in detail with reference to each of the figures of Figures 1 to 9 may not be labeled in each of the figures of Figures 1 to 9 may be included in any of the figures of Figures 1 to 9 and / or utilized in any of the Figures 1 to 9 features associated therewith. Figure 1

[0015] In general, elements that can possibly be included in a given (i.e., particular) implementation are illustrated with solid lines, while elements that are optional for a given implementation are illustrated with dashed lines. However, it is noted that elements shown in solid lines are not necessarily required for all implementations, and that elements shown in solid lines can be omitted from a particular implementation without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of an aircraft 10 that can include and / or utilize an air distribution jet 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The aircraft 10 can also include an air supply duct 30 that can be configured to provide an inlet fluid flow 70 to the air distribution jet 100. In accordance with the present disclosure, the air distribution jet 100 can be configured to control, direct, and / or regulate fluid flow or air flow within the aircraft 10 in any suitable manner. Examples of air distribution jets 100 are disclosed herein.

[0017] ​As an example, the air distribution jet 100 can be placed within the cockpit 20 of the aircraft 10. In some such examples, the air distribution jet 100 can be configured to generate an outlet fluid flow 90 that can serve as an air curtain 98. In some examples, the air curtain 98 can flow between the pilot seat area 12 and the co-pilot seat area 14 of the aircraft 10 in order to allow, facilitate, and / or enable independent environmental control between the pilot seat area and the co-pilot seat area. In other words, the air curtain 98 can limit airflow between the pilot seat area 12 and the co-pilot seat area 14, thereby allowing independent adjustment of the pilot environmental controls 13 and the co-pilot environmental controls 15 such that, for example, a pilot temperature within the pilot seat area 12 can be maintained different from and / or independent of a co-pilot temperature within the co-pilot seat area 14. In some examples, the air curtain 98 can reduce potential cross-contamination between the pilot seat area 12 and the co-pilot seat area 14. In other words, the air curtain 98 can carry airborne contaminants, such as particulate matter, bacteria, and / or viruses, thereby reducing the flow of airborne contaminants between the pilot seat area 12 and the co-pilot seat area 14.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an example of an air distribution jet 100 according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a less schematic side view illustrating an example of an air distribution jet 100 according to the present disclosure, and Figures 4 to 9 additional views of the air distribution jet 100 of Figure 3 are provided. More specifically, Figure 4 is a bottom view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3 Figure 5 is a left end view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3 Figure 6 is a right end view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3 Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3 taken along line 7-7 of Figure 3 Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3 taken along line 8-8 of Figure 3 Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the air distribution jet of Figure 3 taken along line 9-9 of Figure 5

[0019] Figures 2 to 9 The air distribution jet 100 of Figure 1 ​​​​​​a more detailed illustration of the air distribution nozzle 100. With this in mind, any of the structure, function, and / or features of the air distribution nozzle 100 can be included in the aircraft 10 and / or the air distribution nozzle 100 of the aircraft, and / or utilized with the aircraft and / or the air distribution nozzle 100 of the aircraft, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 9 any of the structure, function, and / or features of the aircraft 10 can be utilized with the air distribution nozzle 100. Figure 1 any of the structure, function, and / or features of the aircraft 10 can be utilized with the air distribution nozzle 100. Figure 1 any of the structure, function, and / or features of the aircraft 10 can be utilized with the air distribution nozzle 100. Figures 2 to 9 any of the structure, function, and / or features of the aircraft 10 can be utilized with the air distribution nozzle 100.

[0020] As illustrated in Figure 2 and collectively in accordance with Figures 3 to 9 , the air distribution nozzle 100 includes an elongate intake chamber 150 and an elongate exit chamber 170. The elongate intake chamber 150 extends along an intake chamber length 152, as illustrated in Figure 2 and the elongate exit chamber 170 also extends along an exit chamber length. The air distribution nozzle 100 also includes a tapered elongate aperture 190. The tapered elongate aperture 190 extends between and fluidly interconnects the elongate intake chamber 150 and the elongate exit chamber 170.

[0021] The air distribution nozzle 100 also includes an intake port 220 into the elongate intake chamber 150, and an elongate exit port 230 out of the elongate exit chamber 170. The intake port 220 is configured to receive an intake fluid flow 70 along an intake flow axis 72 and / or along an intake flow direction (as indicated by the arrows on the intake fluid flow 70). The elongate exit port 230 is configured to discharge an exit fluid flow 90 along an exit flow axis 92 and / or along an exit flow direction (as indicated by the arrows on the exit fluid flow 90). The exit flow axis 92 is oriented at an oblique angle 96 relative to the intake flow axis 72. In other words, the intake flow direction can be referred to herein as being at the oblique angle 96 relative to the exit flow direction.

[0022] During operation of the air distribution nozzle 100 and / or the aircraft 10 including the air distribution nozzle 100, the intake fluid flow 70 can be provided to the elongate intake chamber 150 via the intake port 220 along the intake flow direction and / or along the intake flow axis 72. This can include providing the intake fluid flow 70 via the intake port 220 along the intake flow direction and / or along the intake flow axis 72, as illustrated in Figure 1An air supply duct 30 provides an intake fluid flow 70. The intake fluid flow 70 can be redirected within the extended intake chamber 150 to generate a slot fluid flow 206 flowing through the tapered extended slot 190 and / or into the extended outlet chamber 170. Within the extended outlet chamber 170, a pair of counter-rotating vortices 80 can be generated from and / or within the slot fluid flow 206. The outlet fluid flow 90 (which can be generated by the counter-rotating vortices 80) can then be discharged from the extended outlet port 230 along the outlet flow axis 92 and / or in the outlet flow direction. The generation of counter-rotating vortices 80 can increase uniformity, increase linearity, and / or increase the laminarity of the outlet fluid flow 90. In other words, the air distribution nozzle 100 can discharge a linear outlet fluid flow 90 and / or a laminar outlet fluid flow 90. This configuration can create an exhaust fluid flow 90 suitable for certain applications, such as an air curtain 98, which is discussed in more detail herein.

[0023] Considering the above, the air distribution nozzle 100 is referred to herein as being configured to redirect the intake fluid flow 70 from the intake airflow direction to the outlet airflow direction in order to generate and / or produce the outlet fluid flow 90. This redirection may result in the outlet fluid flow 90 being uniform or at least substantially uniform along the outlet length 232 of the extended outlet 230, such that the outlet fluid flow is laminar, and / or such that the outlet fluid flow is at least substantially uniformly directed in the outlet airflow direction. Alternatively, this redirection may cause the outlet airflow direction to be oriented at an angle relative to the intake airflow direction.

[0024] The intake airflow axis 72 can have and / or define any suitable orientation or relative orientation. As an example, the intake airflow axis 72 can be perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the surface extending across the section, cross section, and / or the intake opening 226 of the intake port 220. As another example, the intake airflow axis 72 can be parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 154 of the extended intake chamber 150, such as... Figure 2 exemplified.

[0025] The outlet airflow axis 92 may have and / or define any suitable orientation or relative orientation. As an example, the outlet airflow axis 92 may be perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cross section, cross section, and / or the surface extending across the outlet opening 236 of the extended outlet 230. As another example, the outlet airflow axis 92 may be perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis 234 of the extended outlet 230.

[0026] The skew angle 96 can include and / or be any suitable angle between the inlet airflow axis 72 and the outlet airflow axis 92. As an example, the skew angle 96 can be at least 45 degrees, at least 50 degrees, at least 55 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 65 degrees, at least 70 degrees, at least 75 degrees, at least 80 degrees, at least 85 degrees, at least 90 degrees, up to 135 degrees, up to 130 degrees, up to 125 degrees, up to 120 degrees, up to 115 degrees, up to 110 degrees, up to 105 degrees, up to 100 degrees, up to 95 degrees, and / or up to 90 degrees. In a specific example, the skew angle 96 can be equal to or at least substantially equal to 90 degrees.

[0027] The air intake 220 can have and / or define any suitable shape, configuration, and / or form. As an example, the air intake 220 may include and / or be circular, at least partially circular, and / or at least substantially circular. As another example, the air intake 220 may be shaped, sized, and / or oriented to guide the intake fluid flow 70 along or at least substantially along the longitudinal axis 154 of the intake chamber. As yet another example, the cross-section of the air intake 220, the cross section of the air intake 220, and / or the intake opening 226 may be perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 154 of the intake chamber. This configuration can increase the uniformity of the intake fluid flow 70 entering and / or within the elongated intake chamber 150.

[0028] The elongated vent 230 may have and / or be defined by any suitable shape, configuration, and / or form. As an example, the elongated vent 230 may include and / or be a rectangular elongated vent 230, at least substantially rectangular elongated vent 230, and / or a rectangular elongated vent 230 with rounded corners. In some examples, the longitudinal axis 234 of the vent may extend parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 174 of the elongated vent chamber 170.

[0029] As discussed, the tapered elongated orifice 190 can be tapered. This configuration can increase the uniformity of the flow or flow rate of the orifice fluid flow 206, such as by increasing the uniformity of the flow along the tapered orifice length 192 of the tapered elongated orifice 190.

[0030] The tapered elongated slot 190 may have and / or define any suitable shape, configuration, and / or morphology as follows: gradually tapering along the tapered elongated slot length 192, extending between the elongated inlet chamber 150 and the elongated outlet chamber 170, and / or fluidly interconnecting the elongated inlet chamber 150 and the elongated outlet chamber 170. In some examples, the tapered elongated slot 190 may extend between a first slot end 196 and a second slot end 200 or may extend continuously. In some examples, and as... Figure 2As illustrated, the tapered elongated slot 190 may include a plurality of slot segments 204. In such a configuration, each of the plurality of slot segments may fluidly interconnect a given region of the elongated inlet chamber 150 with a corresponding region of the elongated outlet chamber 170.

[0031] The tapered elongated slit 190 can taper gradually in any suitable manner. As an example, and roughly as follows... Figure 4 As best illustrated, the tapered elongated orifice 190 can define a first orifice width 198 at the first orifice end 196 and a second orifice width 198 at the second orifice end 200. The second orifice width 202 can be different from the first orifice width 198, and both the first orifice width 198 and the second orifice width 202 can be measured along an elongated axis perpendicular to the tapered elongated orifice 190 or the tapered orifice length 192. Alternatively, the first orifice width 198 and / or the second orifice width 202 can be measured along a direction perpendicular to the flow of the orifice fluid flow 206 through which the tapered elongated orifice 190 flows.

[0032] In some examples, and as illustrated, the first slot end 196 may be relatively close to the air inlet 220 and / or the second slot end 200 may be relatively far from the air inlet 220. In some examples, the first slot width 198 may be greater than the second slot width 202. In some examples, the tapered elongated slot 190 may taper gradually, monotonically, linearly, and / or arcuately from the first slot width 198 to the second slot width 202 and / or between the first slot width 198 and the second slot width 202.

[0033] Within the scope of this disclosure, the first slot width 198 may differ from the second slot width 202 by any suitable amount and / or proportion. As an example, the ratio of the first slot width 198 to the second slot width 202 may be at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, at least 2.0, up to 4.0, up to 3.8, up to 3.6, up to 3.4, up to 3.2, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6 and / or up to 1.5.

[0034] Examples of first slit width 198 include the following widths: at least 1.5 mm, at least 1.6 mm, at least 1.7 mm, at least 1.8 mm, at least 1.9 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 2.1 mm, at least 2.2 mm, at least 2.3 mm, at least 2.4 mm, up to 3 mm, up to 2.9 mm, up to 2.8 mm, up to 2.7 mm, up to 2.6 mm, up to 2.5 mm, up to 2.4 mm, up to 2.3 mm, up to 2.2 mm, up to 2.1 mm, and / or up to 2 mm. Examples of the second slit width 202 include the following widths: at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.6 mm, at least 0.7 mm, at least 0.8 mm, at least 0.9 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.1 mm, at least 1.2 mm, at least 1.3 mm, at least 1.4 mm, up to 2 mm, up to 1.9 mm, up to 1.8 mm, up to 1.7 mm, up to 1.6 mm, up to 1.5 mm, up to 1.4 mm, up to 1.3 mm, up to 1.2 mm, up to 1.1 mm, and / or up to 1 mm.

[0035] The air distribution nozzle 100 and / or its components may have and / or define any suitable one and / or more dimensions so as to allow and / or facilitate the operation and / or utilization of the air distribution nozzle in a target device and / or in a desired manner. In some examples, the air distribution nozzle 100 may be used in relatively space-constrained environments, such as aircraft 10.

[0036] In some examples, the extended intake chamber 150 may have and / or define an intake chamber length 152, such as Figure 2 As illustrated. In some examples, the intake chamber length 152 can be measured along the longitudinal axis 154 of the intake chamber, and / or can be the maximum dimension of the extended intake chamber 150 measured along the longitudinal axis of the intake chamber. Alternatively, the extended exhaust chamber 170 can have and / or define an exhaust chamber length 172, as also... Figure 2 As illustrated. In some examples, the length 172 of the exhaust chamber can be measured along the longitudinal axis 174 of the exhaust chamber, and / or can be the maximum dimension of the elongated exhaust chamber 170 measured along the longitudinal axis of the exhaust chamber.

[0037] In some examples, the intake chamber length 152 may be different from or greater than the exhaust chamber length 172. As an example, the ratio of the intake chamber length 152 to the exhaust chamber length 172 may be at least 1.0, at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at most 2.0, at most 1.9, at most 1.8, at most 1.7, at most 1.6, at most 1.5, at most 1.4, at most 1.3 and / or at most 1.2. Examples of intake chamber length 152 include the following lengths: at least 300 mm, at least 325 mm, at least 350 mm, at least 375 mm, at least 400 mm, at least 425 mm, at least 450 mm, at least 475 mm, at least 500 mm, up to 600 mm, up to 575 mm, up to 550 mm, up to 525 mm, up to 500 mm, up to 450 mm, up to 425 mm and / or up to 400 mm.

[0038] In some examples, the elongated intake chamber 150 may have and / or define an intake chamber width or an average intake chamber width of 160, approximately as shown below. Figures 5 to 6 Best illustrated. In some examples, the intake chamber width 160 can be measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the intake chamber longitudinal axis 154, the intake airflow axis 72, the longitudinal axis 194 of the tapered elongated orifice 190, and / or the intake chamber length 152, approximately as follows: Figure 2 The best example is shown below. Alternatively, the elongated exhaust chamber 170 may have and / or define an exhaust chamber width or an average exhaust chamber width of 180, also approximately as shown below. Figures 5 to 6 Best illustrated. In some examples, the exhaust chamber width 180 can be measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the exhaust chamber longitudinal axis 174, the exhaust flow axis 92, the orifice longitudinal axis 194, and / or the exhaust chamber length 172, approximately as follows: Figure 2 The best example is shown below. Alternatively, the exhaust chamber width 180 may be measured parallel to the intake chamber width 160. Examples of intake chamber width 160 and / or exhaust chamber width 180 include the following widths: at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at least 50 mm, up to 75 mm, up to 70 mm, up to 65 mm, up to 60 mm, up to 55 mm, up to 50 mm, up to 45 mm, up to 40 mm, and / or up to 35 mm.

[0039] The air distribution nozzle 100 may have and / or define a total nozzle height or an average total nozzle height 102, approximately as follows: Figure 2The best example is shown below. In some examples, the total nozzle height 102 can be measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 154 of the inlet chamber, the length 152 of the inlet chamber, the longitudinal axis 174 of the outlet chamber, the length 172 of the outlet chamber, the width 160 of the inlet chamber, the width 180 of the outlet chamber, and / or the longitudinal axis 194 of the orifice. In some examples, the total nozzle height 102 can be measured parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the outlet airflow axis 92. Examples of total nozzle height 102 include the following heights: at least 75 mm, at least 80 mm, at least 85 mm, at least 90 mm, at least 95 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 105 mm, at least 110 mm, at least 115 mm, at least 120 mm, up to 150 mm, up to 145 mm, up to 140 mm, up to 135 mm, up to 130 mm, up to 125 mm, up to 120 mm, up to 115 mm, up to 110 mm and / or up to 105 mm.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The extended intake chamber 150 may have and / or define an intake chamber height 158. Alternatively, the extended exhaust chamber 170 may have and / or define an exhaust chamber height 178. Both the intake chamber height 158 ​​and the exhaust chamber height 178 may be different and / or corresponding fractions or percentages of the total nozzle height 102. Examples of such fractions include: at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, up to 75%, up to 60%, up to 55%, up to 50%, up to 45%, up to 40%, up to 35%, up to 30%, and / or up to 25%.

[0041] The elongated intake chamber 150 may include any suitable structure, form, and / or configuration that extends along the intake chamber length 152, receives intake fluid flow 70 from the intake port 220, and / or provides slotted fluid flow 206 to the elongated outlet chamber 170 via a tapered elongated orifice 190. In some examples, the elongated intake chamber 150 may be shaped to guide and / or enter the tapered elongated orifice 190.

[0042] In some examples, and roughly as Figure 7 and Figure 8Best illustrated, the cross-sectional area 156 of the elongated intake chamber 150 may decrease along the intake airflow axis 72 and / or along the intake airflow direction. In some such examples, the maximum cross-sectional area 156 of the elongated intake chamber 150 may be relatively close to the intake port 220, while the minimum cross-sectional area 156 of the elongated intake chamber may be relatively far from the intake port. In some such examples, the cross-sectional area 156 of the elongated intake chamber 150 may decrease or monotonically decrease along the intake airflow axis and / or along the intake airflow direction. In some such examples, the maximum cross-sectional area 156 of the elongated intake chamber 150 may be a threshold intake chamber area multiple of the minimum cross-sectional area 156 of the elongated intake chamber. Examples of threshold inlet chamber area multiples include the following multiples: at least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and / or up to 1.5. This configuration can increase the uniformity of flow or flow rate of the orifice fluid flow 206, such as by increasing the uniformity of flow along the tapered orifice length 192 of the tapered elongated orifice 190.

[0043] In some examples, the inlet chamber height 158 ​​(which may also be referred to herein as the height of the extended inlet chamber 150) may decrease or monotonically decrease along the inlet flow axis 72 and / or along the inlet flow direction. In some such examples, the maximum value of the inlet chamber height 158 ​​(which may also be referred to herein as the maximum height of the extended inlet chamber 150) may be at least a threshold inlet chamber height multiple of the minimum value of the inlet chamber height 158 ​​(which may also be referred to herein as the minimum height of the extended inlet chamber). Examples of threshold inlet chamber height multiples include the following multiples: at least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5. This configuration can also increase the uniformity of flow or flow rate of the orifice fluid flow 206, such as by increasing the uniformity of flow along the tapered orifice length 192 of the tapered elongated orifice 190.

[0044] In some examples, the inlet chamber width 160 (which may also be referred to herein as the width of the extended inlet chamber 150) may decrease or monotonically decrease along the inlet flow axis 72 and / or along the inlet flow direction. In some such examples, the maximum value of the inlet chamber width 160 (which may also be referred to herein as the maximum width of the extended inlet chamber 150) may be at least a threshold inlet chamber width multiple of the minimum value of the inlet chamber width 160 (which may also be referred to herein as the minimum width of the extended inlet chamber). Examples of threshold inlet chamber width multiples include the following multiples: at least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5. This configuration can also increase the uniformity of flow or flow rate of the orifice fluid flow 206, such as by increasing the uniformity of flow along the tapered orifice length 192 of the tapered elongated orifice 190.

[0045] The elongated vent chamber 170 may include any suitable structure, shape, and / or configuration that extends along the vent chamber length 172, receives vent fluid flow 206 from the tapered elongated orifice 190, and / or discharges vent fluid flow 90, such as via the elongated vent port 230. In some examples, the elongated vent chamber 170 may be shaped to generate counter-rotating vortices 80 and / or direct the vent fluid flow 206 toward the elongated vent port 230 as vent fluid flow 90.

[0046] In some examples, and roughly as Figure 7 and Figure 8Best illustrated, the cross-sectional area 176 of the elongated exhaust chamber 170 may decrease along the intake airflow axis 72 and / or along the intake airflow direction. In some such examples, the maximum cross-sectional area 176 of the elongated exhaust chamber 170 may be relatively close to the intake port 220, while the minimum cross-sectional area 176 of the elongated exhaust chamber may be relatively far from the intake port. In some such examples, the cross-sectional area 176 of the elongated exhaust chamber 170 may decrease or monotonically decrease along the intake airflow axis and / or along the intake airflow direction. In some such examples, the maximum cross-sectional area 176 of the elongated exhaust chamber 170 may be a multiple of the threshold exhaust chamber area of ​​the minimum cross-sectional area 176 of the elongated exhaust chamber. Examples of threshold outlet chamber area multiples include the following multiples: at least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and / or up to 1.5. This configuration can increase the uniformity of flow or flow rate of the outlet fluid flow 90, such as by increasing the uniformity of flow along the outlet longitudinal axis 234 of the extended outlet 230.

[0047] In some examples, the outlet chamber height 178 (which may also be referred to herein as the height of the extended outlet chamber 170) may decrease or monotonically decrease along the inlet airflow axis 72 and / or along the inlet airflow direction. In some such examples, the maximum value of the outlet chamber height 178 (which may also be referred to herein as the maximum height of the extended outlet chamber 170) may be at least a threshold outlet chamber height multiple of the minimum value of the outlet chamber height 178 (which may also be referred to herein as the minimum height of the extended outlet chamber). Examples of threshold outlet chamber height multiples include the following multiples: at least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5. This configuration can increase the uniformity of flow or flow rate of the outlet fluid flow 90, such as by increasing the uniformity of flow along the outlet longitudinal axis 234 of the extended outlet 230.

[0048] In some examples, the exhaust chamber width 180 (which may also be referred to herein as the width of the extended exhaust chamber 170) may decrease or monotonically decrease along the intake airflow axis 72 and / or along the intake airflow direction. In some such examples, the maximum value of the exhaust chamber width 180 (which may also be referred to herein as the maximum width of the extended exhaust chamber 170) may be at least a threshold multiple of the minimum value of the exhaust chamber width 180 (which may also be referred to herein as the minimum width of the extended exhaust chamber). Examples of threshold outlet chamber width multiples include the following multiples: at least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5. This configuration can increase the uniformity of flow or flow rate of the outlet fluid flow 90, such as by increasing the uniformity of flow along the outlet longitudinal axis 234 of the extended outlet 230.

[0049] like Figure 2 The dashed lines in the middle and Figures 3 to 8 As illustrated by the solid line in the diagram, the air distribution nozzle 100 may include an extended exit structure 250. The extended exit structure 250, if present, can be configured to receive an exhaust fluid flow 90 from the extended exhaust chamber 170 and / or discharge an exhaust fluid flow from the air distribution nozzle 100.

[0050] In some examples, the elongated outlet structure 250 may define a diffuser mounting structure 252. The diffuser mounting structure 252, if present, may be modified, configured, shaped, and / or sized to accommodate an air diffuser 254 and / or to operatively attach an air diffuser to the remainder of the air distribution nozzle 100. In some examples, the air distribution nozzle 100 also includes an air diffuser 254 that may operatively attach to the diffuser mounting structure 252. Examples of the diffuser mounting structure 252 include areas shaped to accommodate the air diffuser 254 and / or any suitable fasteners. Examples of the air diffuser 254 include screens, grilles, and / or louvers. The air diffuser 254, if present, may be configured to diffuse the exhaust fluid flow 90 and / or provide back pressure to the elongated outlet chamber 170. This configuration may increase the uniformity of the flow or volume of the exhaust fluid flow 90, such as by increasing the uniformity of the flow along the longitudinal axis 234 of the outlet of the elongated outlet 230.

[0051] In some examples, the air distribution nozzle 100 may include a nozzle body 110. The nozzle body 110, if present, may define an elongated inlet chamber 150, an elongated outlet chamber 170, a tapered elongated orifice 190, an inlet 220, and / or an elongated outlet structure 250. In some such examples, the nozzle body 110 may include and / or be a monolithic or single nozzle body 110, which may be formed and / or defined by an additive manufacturing process. In some examples, and as... Figure 2 As illustrated, the nozzle body 110 may include and / or be a composite nozzle body 110, which may be defined by at least two body components 112 or by only two body components that may be operatively attached to each other to define the nozzle body. In some examples, the body components 112 may be shaped as mirror images or substantially mirror images of each other.

[0052] The nozzle body 110 can define various components of the air distribution nozzle 100 in any suitable manner. As an example, and roughly as follows... Figures 7 to 8 As best illustrated, the nozzle body 110 may include an upper region 114 that defines the upper surface of the elongated intake chamber 150. As another example, the nozzle body 110 may define a first intake chamber side region 116 and / or a second intake chamber side region 118, the first intake chamber side region 116 defining a first side of the elongated intake chamber 150, and the second intake chamber side region 118 defining a second side of the elongated intake chamber. As yet another example, the nozzle body 110 may define a first intake chamber transition region 120 and / or a second intake chamber transition region 122, the first intake chamber transition region 120 transitioning from the upper region 114 to the first intake chamber side region 116, and the second intake chamber transition region 122 transitioning from the upper region 114 to the second intake chamber side region 118.

[0053] As another example, the nozzle body 110 may define a first intake chamber conical region 124 and / or a second intake chamber conical region 126. The first intake chamber conical region may taper gradually from a first intake chamber side region 116 to at least partially define a first side of the conical elongation orifice 190, and the second intake chamber conical region may taper gradually from a second intake chamber side region 118 to at least partially define a second side of the conical elongation orifice 190. As illustrated, the first intake chamber conical region 124 and the second intake chamber conical region 126 may taper gradually toward each other.

[0054] As another example, the nozzle body 110 may define a first upper exhaust chamber conical region 128 and / or a second upper exhaust chamber conical region 130. The first upper exhaust chamber conical region 128 may extend from the first intake chamber conical region 124 and / or may taper away from the conical elongation orifice 190. The second upper exhaust chamber conical region 130 may extend from the second intake chamber conical region 126 and / or may taper away from the conical elongation orifice. The first upper exhaust chamber conical region 128 and the second upper exhaust chamber conical region 130 may taper away from each other.

[0055] As another example, the nozzle body 110 may define a first lower exhaust chamber conical region 132 and / or a second lower exhaust chamber conical region 134. The first lower exhaust chamber conical region 132 may extend from the first upper exhaust chamber conical region 128 to define a first side of the extended exhaust port 230, and the second lower exhaust chamber conical region 134 may extend from the second upper exhaust chamber conical region 130 to define a second side of the extended exhaust port 230. The first lower exhaust chamber conical region 132 and the second lower exhaust chamber conical region 134 may taper towards each other.

[0056] As another example, the nozzle body 110 may define a first outlet structure side region 136, which extends from the first lower outlet chamber conical region 132 to define a first side of the extended outlet structure 250. As yet another example, the nozzle body 110 may define a second outlet structure side region 138, which extends from the second lower outlet chamber conical region 134 to define a second side of the extended outlet structure.

[0057] As another example, the nozzle body 110 can define an intake area 140, approximately as follows: Figures 3 to 5 As best illustrated in the diagram, the intake region 140 may at least partially define the intake port 220 and / or may extend from the upper region 114, the first intake chamber side region 116, and / or the second intake chamber side region 118.

[0058] As yet another example, the nozzle body 110 may define an end region 142, approximately as follows: Figure 6As best illustrated in the diagram, the end region 142 may define the intake-far end of the air distribution nozzle 100. Alternatively, the end region 142 may extend from the following regions: from the upper region 114, from the first intake chamber side region 116, from the second intake chamber side region 118, from the first intake chamber transition region 120, from the second intake chamber transition region 122, from the first intake chamber conical region 124, from the second intake chamber conical region 126, from the first upper exhaust chamber conical region 128, from the second upper exhaust chamber conical region 130, from the first lower exhaust chamber conical region 132, from the second lower exhaust chamber conical region 134, from the first outlet structure side region 136, and / or from the second outlet structure side region 138.

[0059] According to this disclosure, the air distribution nozzle 100 can be relatively simpler and / or may include fewer components compared to conventional air distribution nozzles. Such conventional air distribution nozzles typically rely on internal baffles, flow straighteners, and / or guides to provide the desired level of fluid flow uniformity, thereby making conventional air distribution nozzles more expensive and / or more complex in terms of manufacturing, installation, and / or maintenance. Considering the above, and given... Figures 2 to 9 The illustration of the air distribution nozzle 100 shown, within the scope of this disclosure, may not include or may not have baffles, straighteners and / or guides that extend and / or protrude within and / or between the elongated inlet chamber 150, elongated outlet chamber 170, tapered elongated orifice 190, inlet 220 and / or elongated outlet 230.

[0060] The following paragraphs describe exemplary, non-exclusive examples of the inventive subject matter according to this disclosure:

[0061] A1. An air distribution nozzle (100) comprising: an elongated inlet chamber (150) extending along an inlet chamber length (152); an elongated outlet chamber (170) extending along the inlet chamber length (152); a tapered elongated orifice (190) extending between the elongated inlet chamber (150) and the elongated outlet chamber (170) and fluidly interconnecting the elongated inlet chamber and the elongated outlet chamber; and an inlet (220) opening into the elongated inlet chamber (150). 50), wherein the air inlet (220) is configured to receive an intake fluid flow (70) along at least one of the intake airflow axis (72) and the intake airflow direction; and an extended air outlet (230) extending from the extended air outlet chamber (170), wherein the extended air outlet (230) is configured to discharge an exhaust fluid flow (90) along at least one of the exhaust airflow axis (92) and the exhaust airflow direction; and wherein the exhaust airflow axis (92) is oriented at an angle (96) relative to the intake airflow axis (72).

[0062] A2. According to paragraph A1, the air distribution nozzle (100) is wherein the air intake axis (72) is at least one of the following: (i) perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the cross section of the air intake (220); and (ii) parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (154) of the air intake chamber (150).

[0063] A3. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A2, wherein the outlet airflow axis (92) is at least one of the following: (i) perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the cross section of the extended outlet (230); (ii) perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis (234) of the extended outlet (230); and (iii) perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the outlet longitudinal axis (174) of the extended outlet chamber (170).

[0064] A4. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the tilt angle (96) is at least one of the following: (i) at least 45 degrees, at least 50 degrees, at least 55 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 65 degrees, at least 70 degrees, at least 75 degrees, at least 80 degrees, at most 85 degrees or at least 90 degrees; (ii) at most 135 degrees, at most 130 degrees, at most 125 degrees, at most 120 degrees, at most 115 degrees, at most 110 degrees, at most 105 degrees, at most 100 degrees, at most 95 degrees or at most 90 degrees; and (iii) at least substantially equal to 90 degrees.

[0065] A5. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A4, wherein the air inlet (220) is circular, at least partially circular, or at least substantially circular.

[0066] A6. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A5, wherein the air inlet (220) is oriented such that the air intake fluid flow (70) is guided along or at least substantially along the longitudinal axis (154) of the extended air intake chamber (150).

[0067] A7. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A6, wherein the cross-section of the air inlet (220) is perpendicular to or at least partially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (154) of the extended air inlet chamber (150).

[0068] A8. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A7, wherein the elongated air outlet (230) is at least one of the following: (i) a rectangular elongated air outlet (230); (ii) an elongated air outlet (230) that is at least substantially rectangular; and (iii) a rectangular elongated air outlet (230) with rounded corners.

[0069] A9. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A8, wherein the longitudinal axis (234) of the extended air outlet (230) extends parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (174) of the extended air outlet chamber (170).

[0070] A10. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A9, wherein the minimum elongation slit (190) extends continuously between the first slit end (196) and the second slit end (200).

[0071] A11. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A10, wherein the tapered elongated orifice (190) comprises a plurality of orifice segments (204), wherein each of the plurality of orifice segments (204) fluidly interconnects a given region of the elongated inlet chamber (150) with a corresponding region of the elongated outlet chamber (170).

[0072] A12. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A11, wherein the tapered elongated orifice (190) defines a first orifice width (198) at the first orifice end (196) of the tapered elongated orifice (190), and defines a second orifice width (202) different from the first orifice width (198) at the second orifice end (200) of the tapered elongated orifice (190).

[0073] A13. According to the air distribution nozzle (100) described in paragraph A12, wherein the first slit end (196) of the tapered elongated slit (190) is relatively close to the air inlet (220), and the second slit end (200) of the tapered elongated slit (190) is relatively far away from the air inlet (220).

[0074] A14. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A12 to A13, wherein the width of the first slit (198) is greater than the width of the second slit (202).

[0075] A15. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A12 to A14, wherein the tapered elongated orifice (190) is at least one of the following: (i) monotonically tapering from the first orifice width (198) to the second orifice width (2302); (ii) linearly tapering from the first orifice width (198) to the second orifice width (2302); and (i) arcuately tapering from the first orifice width (198) to the second orifice width (2302).

[0076] A16. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A12 to A15, wherein the ratio of the width of the first slit (198) to the width of the second slit (202) is at least one of the following: (i) at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9 or at least 2.0; and (ii) at most 4.0, at most 3.8, at most 3.6, at most 3.4, at most 3.2, at most 3.0, at most 2.9, at most 2.8, at most 2.7, at most 2.6, at most 2.5, at most 2.4, at most 2.3, at most 2.2, at most 2.1, at most 2.0, at most 1.9, at most 1.8, at most 1.7, at most 1.6 or at most 1.5.

[0077] A17. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A12 to A16, wherein the width of the first slit (198) is at least one of the following: (i) at least 1.5 mm, at least 1.6 mm, at least 1.7 mm, at least 1.8 mm, at least 1.9 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 2.1 mm, at least 2.2 mm, at least 2.3 mm, or at least 2.4 mm; and (ii) at most 3 mm, at most 2.9 mm, at most 2.8 mm, at most 2.7 mm, at most 2.6 mm, at most 2.5 mm, at most 2.4 mm, at most 2.3 mm, at most 2.2 mm, at most 2.1 mm, or at most 2 mm.

[0078] A18. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A12 to A17, wherein the second slit width (202) is at least one of the following: (i) at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.6 mm, at least 0.7 mm, at least 0.8 mm, at least 0.9 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.1 mm, at least 1.2 mm, at least 1.3 mm, or at least 1.4 mm; and (ii) at most 2 mm, at most 1.9 mm, at most 1.8 mm, at most 1.7 mm, at most 1.6 mm, at most 1.5 mm, at most 1.4 mm, at most 1.3 mm, at most 1.2 mm, at most 1.1 mm, or at most 1 mm.

[0079] A19. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A18, wherein the elongated intake chamber (150) defines an intake chamber length (152) and the elongated exhaust chamber (170) defines an exhaust chamber length (172).

[0080] A20. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to paragraph A19, wherein at least one of the following: (i) the length (153) of the intake chamber is measured along the longitudinal axis (154) of the intake chamber; and (i) the length (172) of the exhaust chamber is measured along the longitudinal axis (174) of the exhaust chamber.

[0081] A21. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A19 to A20, wherein the ratio of the length of the intake chamber (152) to the length of the outlet chamber (172) is at least one of the following: (i) at least 1.0, at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4 or at least 1.5; and (ii) at most 2.0, at most 1.9, at most 1.8, at most 1.7, at most 1.6, at most 1.5, at most 1.4, at most 1.3 or at most 1.2.

[0082] A22. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A19 to A21, wherein the length (152) of the air intake chamber is at least one of the following: (i) at least 300 mm, at least 325 mm, at least 350 mm, at least 375 mm, at least 400 mm, at least 425 mm, at least 450 mm, at least 475 mm or at least 500 mm; and (ii) at most 600 mm, at most 575 mm, at most 550 mm, at most 525 mm, at most 500 mm, at most 450 mm, at most 425 mm or at most 400 mm.

[0083] A23. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A22, wherein the elongated intake chamber (150) defines an intake chamber width (160) or an average intake chamber width (160), and the elongated exhaust chamber (170) defines an exhaust chamber width (180) or an average exhaust chamber width (180).

[0084] A24. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to paragraph A23, wherein at least one of the following: (i) the width of the intake chamber (160) is measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (154) of the intake chamber; (ii) the width of the exhaust chamber (180) is measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (174) of the exhaust chamber; (iii) the width of the intake chamber (160) is perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (154) of the intake chamber. The airflow axis (72) is measured; (iv) the width of the outlet chamber (180) is measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the outlet airflow axis (92); (v) the width of the inlet chamber (160) is measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (194) of the extended orifice along which the tapered elongated orifice (190) is located; and (vi) the width of the outlet chamber (180) is measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (194) of the orifice.

[0085] A25. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A23 to A24, wherein at least one of the width of the intake chamber or the average width of the intake chamber (160) and the width of the exhaust chamber or the average width of the exhaust chamber (180) is at least one of the following: (i) at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm or at least 50 mm; and (ii) at most 75 mm, at most 70 mm, at most 65 mm, at most 60 mm, at most 55 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 45 mm, at most 40 mm or at most 35 mm.

[0086] A26. An air distribution nozzle (100) as described in any of paragraphs A1 to A25, wherein the air distribution nozzle (100) defines a total nozzle height (102) or an average total nozzle height (102).

[0087] A27. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to paragraph A26, wherein the total nozzle height (102) is at least one of the following: (i) measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (154) of the intake chamber; (ii) measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (174) of the outlet chamber; (iii) measured parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the outlet airflow axis (92); and (iv) measured perpendicular to or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (194) of the orifice.

[0088] A28. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A26 to A27, wherein the total nozzle height (102) is at least one of the following: (i) at least 75 mm, at least 80 mm, at least 85 mm, at least 90 mm, at least 95 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 105 mm, at least 110 mm, at least 115 mm, or at least 120 mm; and (ii) at most 150 mm, at most 145 mm, at most 140 mm, at most 135 mm, at most 130 mm, at most 125 mm, at most 120 mm, at most 115 mm, at most 110 mm, or at most 105 mm.

[0089] A29. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A28, wherein the cross-sectional area (156) of the elongated intake chamber (150) decreases along the direction of airflow, optionally wherein the maximum cross-sectional area (156) of the elongated intake chamber (150) is a threshold intake chamber area multiple of the minimum cross-sectional area (156) of the elongated intake chamber (150), and further optionally wherein the threshold intake chamber area multiple is at least one of the following: at least 1. 05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5.

[0090] A30. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A29, wherein the height (158) of the elongated intake chamber (150) decreases along the direction of airflow, optionally wherein the maximum height (158) of the elongated intake chamber (150) is a threshold intake chamber height multiple of the minimum height (158) of the elongated intake chamber (150), and further optionally wherein the threshold intake chamber height multiple is at least one of the following: at least 1.05, At least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5.

[0091] A31. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A30, wherein the width (160) of the elongated intake chamber (150) decreases along the intake airflow direction, optionally wherein the maximum width (160) of the elongated intake chamber (150) is at least a multiple of a threshold intake chamber width (160) of the minimum width (160) of the elongated intake chamber (150), and further optionally wherein the multiple of the threshold intake chamber height width (160) is at least one of the following: At least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5.

[0092] A32. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A31, wherein the elongated intake chamber (150) is configured to guide the intake fluid flow (70) toward the tapered elongated orifice (190).

[0093] A33. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A32, wherein the cross-sectional area (176) of the elongated outlet chamber (170) decreases along the airflow direction, optionally wherein the maximum cross-sectional area (176) of the elongated outlet chamber (170) is at least a threshold outlet chamber area multiple of the minimum cross-sectional area (176) of the elongated outlet chamber (170), and further optionally wherein the threshold outlet chamber area multiple is at least one of the following: at least 1 .05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5.

[0094] A34. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A33, wherein the height (178) of the elongated outlet chamber (170) decreases along the airflow direction, optionally wherein the maximum height (178) of the elongated outlet chamber (170) is at least a threshold outlet chamber height multiple of the minimum height (178) of the elongated outlet chamber (170), and further optionally wherein the threshold outlet chamber height multiple is at least one of the following: at least 1.05 At least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5.

[0095] A35. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A34, wherein the width (180) of the elongated exhaust chamber (170) decreases along the airflow direction, optionally wherein the maximum width (180) of the elongated exhaust chamber (170) is at least a threshold exhaust chamber width multiple of the minimum width (180) of the elongated exhaust chamber (170), and further optionally wherein the threshold exhaust chamber width multiple is at least one of the following: at least 1.05 At least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at least 1.3, at least 1.35, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, up to 3.0, up to 2.9, up to 2.8, up to 2.7, up to 2.6, up to 2.5, up to 2.4, up to 2.3, up to 2.2, up to 2.1, up to 2.0, up to 1.9, up to 1.8, up to 1.7, up to 1.6, and up to 1.5.

[0096] A36. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A35, wherein the air inlet chamber (150) is formed to induce a pair of opposing vortices (80) in the fluid flow from the tapered elongated orifice (190) to the elongated outlet (230).

[0097] A37. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A36, wherein the air distribution nozzle (100) further includes an elongated outlet structure (250) configured to receive the outlet fluid flow (90) from the elongated outlet (230).

[0098] A38. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to paragraph A37, wherein the elongated outlet structure (250) defines the diffuser mounting structure (252).

[0099] A39. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to paragraph A38, wherein the air distribution nozzle (100) further includes an air diffuser (254) operatively attached to the diffuser mounting structure (252), optionally wherein the air diffuser (254) includes at least one of a screen, a grille, and a louver.

[0100] A40. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A39, wherein the air distribution nozzle (100) includes a nozzle body (110) defining the elongated inlet chamber (150), the elongated outlet chamber (170), the tapered elongated orifice (190), the inlet (220), and the elongated outlet (230).

[0101] A41. The air distribution nozzle (100) as described in paragraph A40, wherein the nozzle body (110) is a single nozzle body.

[0102] A42. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A40 to A41, wherein the nozzle body (110) is a composite nozzle body (110) defined by at least two body components (112) and optionally only by two body components (112), the at least two body components being operatively attached to each other to define the nozzle body (110).

[0103] A43. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to paragraph A42, wherein the at least two main components (112) are shaped as mirror images or at least substantially mirror images of each other.

[0104] A44. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A43, wherein the nozzle body (110) includes at least one of the following: (i) an upper region (114) defining an upper surface of the extended intake chamber (150); (ii) a first intake chamber side region (116) defining a first side of the extended intake chamber (150); (iii) a second intake chamber side region (118) defining a second side of the extended intake chamber (150); (iv) a first intake chamber transition region (120) transitioning from the upper region (114) to the first intake chamber side region (116); (v) from the... (vi) A second intake chamber transition region (122) that transitions from the upper region (114) to the second intake chamber side region (118); (vii) A first intake chamber conical region (124) that gradually tapers from the first intake chamber side region (116) to define a first side of the conical elongation orifice (190); (vii) A second intake chamber conical region (126) that gradually tapers from the second intake chamber side region (118) to define a second side of the conical elongation orifice (190); (viii) A first upper exhaust chamber conical region that extends from the first intake chamber conical region (124) and gradually widens away from the conical elongation orifice (190). (128); (ix) a second upper exhaust chamber conical region (130) extending from the second intake chamber conical region (126) and gradually widening away from the conical elongation slot (190); (x) a first lower exhaust chamber conical region (132) extending from the first upper exhaust chamber conical region (128) to define a first side of the elongated exhaust port (230); (xi) a second lower exhaust chamber conical region (134) extending from the second upper exhaust chamber conical region (130) to define a second side of the elongated exhaust port (230); (xii) an elongated outlet structure extending from the first lower exhaust chamber conical region (132). (250) a first outlet structure side region (136) on the first side; (xiii) a second outlet structure side region (138) extending from the second lower outlet conical region (134) to define the second side of the elongated outlet structure (250); (xiv) an intake region (140) that at least partially defines the intake port (220) and extends from at least one of the upper region (114), the first inlet chamber side region (116), and the second inlet chamber side region (118); and (xv) an end region (142) that defines the intake distal end of the air distribution nozzle (100).And extending from at least one of the following: the first intake chamber side region (116), the second intake chamber side region (118), the first intake chamber transition region (120), the second intake chamber transition region (122), the first intake chamber conical region (124), the second intake chamber conical region (126), the first upper exhaust chamber conical region (128), the second upper exhaust chamber conical region (130), the first lower exhaust chamber conical region (132), the second lower exhaust chamber conical region (134), the first outlet structure side region (136), and the second outlet structure side region (138).

[0105] A45. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A44, wherein the air distribution nozzle (100) is configured to redirect the intake fluid flow (70) from the intake flow direction to the outlet flow direction such that at least one of the following is true: (i) the outlet fluid flow (90) is uniform or at least substantially uniform along the outlet length of the extended outlet (230); (ii) the outlet fluid flow (90) is laminar; and (iii) the outlet fluid flow (90) is directed at least substantially uniformly to the outlet flow direction.

[0106] A46. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A45, wherein at least one of the elongated inlet chamber (105), the elongated outlet chamber (170), the tapered elongated orifice (190), the inlet (220), and the elongated outlet (230) does not have at least one of the following: (i) a baffle; (ii) a fluid straightener; and (iii) a flow guide.

[0107] A47. An air distribution nozzle (100) according to any of paragraphs A1 to A46, wherein the outlet air flow (90) is configured to generate an air curtain (98).

[0108] B1. An aircraft (10) comprising: an air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A47; and an air supply duct (30) configured to provide the intake fluid flow (70) to the air inlet (220).

[0109] B2. The aircraft (10) according to paragraph B1, wherein an air distribution nozzle (100) is placed in the cockpit (20) of the aircraft (10), and wherein the exhaust fluid flow (90) is configured to create an air curtain (98) between the pilot's seat area (12) and the co-pilot's seat area (14) of the aircraft (10).

[0110] C1. A method utilizing an air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A47, the method comprising the steps of: providing an intake fluid flow (70) to an elongated intake chamber (150) via the intake port (220) and along the intake airflow direction; redirecting the intake fluid flow (70) within the elongated intake chamber (150) to generate a slotted fluid flow (206) flowing through the tapered elongated orifice (190) and into the elongated outlet chamber (170); generating a pair of opposing rotating vortices (80) within the elongated outlet chamber (170) and within the slotted fluid flow (206); and discharging the outlet fluid flow (90) from the elongated outlet (230) along the outlet airflow direction.

[0111] C2. The method according to paragraph C1, wherein the discharge step includes: discharging such that the outflow direction is oriented at an angle (96) relative to the inflow direction.

[0112] C3. The method according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C2, wherein the discharge step includes at least one of: (i) discharging a linear outflow fluid flow (90); and (i) discharging a laminar outflow fluid flow (90).

[0113] D1. An application of an air distribution nozzle (100) for receiving an intake fluid flow (70) in an intake airflow direction, redirecting the intake fluid flow (70) to an outlet airflow direction oriented at an angle (96) relative to the intake airflow direction, and generating an outlet fluid flow (90) that defines an air curtain (98).

[0114] As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively” when modifying the action, movement, configuration or other activity of one or more components or features of a device mean that the specific action, movement, configuration or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of aspects of the device or one or more components.

[0115] As used herein, the terms “suitable” and “configurable” mean that an element, component, or other subject is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Therefore, the use of the terms “suitable” and “configurable” should not be construed as meaning that a given element, component, or other subject is simply “capable” of performing a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other subject is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing that function. Also within the scope of this disclosure, an element, component, and / or other stated subject that is suited to perform a particular function may be additionally or alternatively described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, a subject stated as being configured to perform a particular function may be additionally or alternatively described as being operable to perform that function.

[0116] As used herein, with respect to a list of one or more entities, the phrase "at least one" should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more entities in the entity list, but not necessarily including at least one of every entity explicitly listed in the entity list, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the entity list. This definition also allows for the optional presence of other entities besides those explicitly identified in the entity list as referred to by the phrase "at least one," whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") could refer to: in one embodiment, at least one (optionally including more than one) A, and no B (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, at least one (optionally including more than one) B, and no A (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, at least one (optionally including more than one) A and at least one (optionally including more than one) B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that can be either connected or separate in operation. For example, the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” can refer to: A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally, a combination of any of the above with at least one other entity.

[0117] For all devices and methods according to this disclosure, the various disclosed elements of the device and the steps of the method disclosed herein are not required, and this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Furthermore, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein may define an independent inventive subject matter separate and distinct from the entire disclosed device or method. Therefore, such inventive subject matter does not need to be associated with the specific device and method explicitly disclosed herein, and such inventive subject matter can be found in devices and / or methods not explicitly disclosed herein.

[0118] As used herein, the phrases “for example,” “as an example,” and / or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, implementations, and / or methods according to this disclosure, are intended to express illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the described components, features, details, structures, implementations, and / or methods according to this disclosure. Therefore, the described components, features, details, structures, implementations, and / or methods are not intended to be limiting, claiming, or exclusive / exhaustive; rather, other components, features, details, structures, implementations, and / or methods (including those structurally and / or functionally similar and / or equivalent) are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0119] As used herein, when modifying degree or relation, "at least substantially" can include not only the stated "substantial" degree or relation, but also the entire range of the stated degree or relation. A substantial amount of the stated degree or relation can include at least 75% of the stated degree or relation. For example, an object at least substantially formed of a certain material includes an object formed of at least 75% of that material, and also includes an object formed entirely of that material. As another example, a first length at least substantially equal to a second length includes a first length within 75% of the second length, and also includes a first length equal to the second length.

Claims

1. An air distribution nozzle (100), the air distribution nozzle comprising: An elongated intake chamber (150) extends along the length of the intake chamber (152); An elongated exhaust chamber (170) extends along the length (152) of the intake chamber; A tapered elongation slot (190) extends between the elongation inlet chamber (150) and the elongation outlet chamber (170) and fluidly interconnects the elongation inlet chamber and the elongation outlet chamber; An air inlet (220) is provided, which leads into the extended air inlet chamber (150), wherein the air inlet (220) is configured to receive an intake fluid flow (70) along the intake airflow axis (72) and in the intake airflow direction; and An elongated air outlet (230) extends from the elongated air outlet chamber (170), wherein the elongated air outlet (230) is configured to discharge an airflow (90) along the airflow axis (92) and in the airflow direction; and wherein the airflow axis (92) is oriented at an angle (96) relative to the airflow axis (72). The tapered elongated slot (190) defines a first slot width (198) at the first slot end (196) of the tapered elongated slot (190), and defines a second slot width (202) at the second slot end (200) of the tapered elongated slot (190) that is different from the first slot width (198). The first slot end of the tapered elongated slot (190) is relatively close to the air inlet (220), and the second slot end of the tapered elongated slot (190) is relatively far away from the air inlet (220).

2. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The air inlet (220) is oriented such that the air intake fluid flow (70) is guided at least along the longitudinal axis (154) of the extended air intake chamber (150).

3. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal axis (234) of the extended air outlet (230) extends at least parallel to the longitudinal axis (174) of the air outlet chamber of the extended air chamber (170).

4. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The elongated intake chamber (150) defines an intake chamber length (152), and the elongated exhaust chamber (170) defines an exhaust chamber length (172), wherein the ratio of the intake chamber length (152) to the exhaust chamber length (172) is at least 1.0 to at most 2.

0.

5. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to claim 1, wherein: (i) The cross-sectional area (156) of the elongated intake chamber (150) decreases along the direction of the intake airflow; and (ii) The cross-sectional area (176) of the elongated exhaust chamber (170) decreases along the direction of the air intake flow.

6. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The air distribution nozzle (100) further includes an extended outlet structure (250) configured to receive the exhaust fluid flow (90) from the extended outlet (230), wherein the extended outlet structure (250) defines a diffuser mounting structure (252), and wherein the air distribution nozzle (100) includes an air diffuser (254) operatively attached to the diffuser mounting structure (252).

7. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The air distribution nozzle (100) includes a nozzle body (110) that defines the elongated inlet chamber (150), the elongated outlet chamber (170), the tapered elongated orifice (190), the inlet (220), and the elongated outlet (230).

8. The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The elongated air inlet chamber (150), the elongated air outlet chamber (170), the conical elongated orifice (190), the air inlet (220), and the elongated air outlet (230) do not have the following: (i) baffle; (ii) rectifiers; and (iii) Flow guide.

9. An aircraft (10), said aircraft comprising: The air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; as well as An air supply duct (30) is configured to provide the intake fluid flow (70) to the air inlet (220).

10. The aircraft (10) according to claim 9, wherein, The air distribution nozzle (100) is placed in the cockpit (20) of the aircraft (10), and the exhaust fluid flow (90) is configured to create an air curtain (98) between the pilot's seat area (12) and the co-pilot's seat area (14) of the aircraft (10).

11. A method utilizing an air distribution nozzle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising the steps of: The intake fluid flow (70) is provided to the extended intake chamber (150) via the intake port (220) and in the direction of the intake flow. The intake fluid flow (70) is redirected within the elongated intake chamber (150) to generate a slit fluid flow (206) that flows through the tapered elongated slit (190) and into the elongated exhaust chamber (170). Within the elongated exhaust chamber (170), a pair of opposing rotating vortices (80) are generated within the slit fluid flow (206); and The exhaust fluid flow (90) is discharged from the extended exhaust port (230) along the exhaust flow direction.

Images