Air-generation apparatus for a chair

Abstract

According to various embodiments, there may be provided an air-generation apparatus for a chair. The air-generation apparatus may include an airflow manifold couplable to the chair, the airflow manifold comprising an air inlet arrangement, an air outlet arrangement, and an airflow. The air-generation apparatus may further include a fan unit coupled to the airflow manifold, the fan unit operable to direct the air to enter the air inlet arrangement of the airflow manifold for the air to flow along the airflow conduit and exit via the air outlet arrangement. According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold may be couplable to the chair in a manner so as to direct at least a portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement of the airflow manifold to flow over a backrest of the chair. 1A

Description

AIR-GENERATION APPARATUS FOR A CHAIRTechnical Field

[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to an air-generation apparatus. In particular, various embodiments relate to an air-generation apparatus for a chair.Background

[0002] The shift towards computer-based work environments has become increasingly prevalent, with many individuals engaging in extended periods of sitting for professional tasks, gaming, and leisure activities. As users spend extended hours seated, issues such as heat build-up and physical discomfort have become prominent, impacting productivity and overall comfort.

[0003] The demand for seating solutions to enhance comfort in seated environments is more pressing than ever. Traditional seating arrangements often lead to discomfort that can hinder focus and engagement. Moreover, as the need for a conducive environment in both work and leisure settings grows, so does the demand for seating solutions that maximize user comfort.

[0004] Recognizing these issues, there is a need for improved seating technology which effectively alleviates the physical discomfort associated with prolonged sitting.Summary

[0005] According to various embodiments, there may be provided an air-generation apparatus for a chair. The air-generation apparatus may include an airflow manifold couplable to the chair, the airflow manifold including an air inlet arrangement for air to enter, an air outlet arrangement for the air to exit, and an airflow conduit to guide the air to flow within the airflow manifold from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement. The air-generation apparatus may further include a fan unit coupled to the airflow manifold, the fan unit operable to direct the air to enter the air inlet arrangement of the airflow manifold for the air to flow along the airflow conduit and exit via the air outlet arrangement. According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold may becouplable to the chair in a manner so as to direct at least a portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement of the airflow manifold to flow over a backrest of the chair.

[0006] According to various embodiments, there may be provided a chair. The chair may include a backrest mounting frame for supporting a backrest mounted to the backrest mounting frame. The chair may further include an air-generating device which may include an airflow manifold coupled to the backrest mounting frame, the airflow manifold including an air inlet arrangement for air to enter, an air outlet arrangement for the air to exit, and an airflow conduit to guide the air to flow within the airflow manifold from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement, a fan unit coupled to the airflow manifold, the fan unit configured to cause the air to enter the air inlet arrangement of the airflow manifold for the air to flow along the airflow conduit and exit via the air outlet arrangement. According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold may be coupled to the backrest mounting frame in a manner so as to direct at least a portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement of the airflow manifold to flow over the backrest when the backrest is mounted to the backrest mounting frame.Brief description of the drawings

[0007] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings:FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of an air-generation apparatus coupled to a chair, according to various embodiments;FIG. IB shows a schematic diagram of the air-generation apparatus of FIG. 1A, delivering air in a different direction from FIG. 1 A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 1C shows a schematic diagram of the air-generation apparatus of FIG. 1A, delivering air in multiple directions simultaneous, according to various embodiments;FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an air-generation apparatus coupled to a backrest of a chair, according to various embodiments;FIG. 2B shows a front view of the air-generation apparatus of FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 2C shows a partial cross-sectional view of an airflow manifold of the airgeneration apparatus of FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E show partial perspective views of the airflow manifold of the air-generation apparatus of FIG. 2A, from different angles, according to various embodiments; andFIG. 2F shows a close-up perspective view of a baffle arrangement of the airgeneration apparatus of FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments.Detailed description

[0008] Embodiments described below in context of the apparatus are analogously valid for the respective methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0009] It should be understood that the terms “on”, “over”, “top”, “bottom”, “down”, “side”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “lateral”, “up” etc., when used in the following description are used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or structure or any part of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0010] Various embodiments generally relate to an air-generation apparatus (or device) for a chair. Particularly, the air-generation apparatus may be configured to be coupled to or integrated with a chair to enhance user comfort through effective temperature regulation.

[0011] In various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus may be coupled to a backrest portion (e g. a backrest or a backrest mounting frame) of the chair, enabling targeted temperature control in high-need areas or regions of the chair.

[0012] Furthermore, the air-generation apparatus may be configured to avoid direct contact with a user on the chair - while being coupled to the chair - thereby providing unobtrusive experience that maximizes user comfort during extended periods of sitting.

[0013] Additionally, according to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus may be configured (e.g. coupled to the chair) in a manner such that it mayoperate to regulate the temperature of the chair as well as the user in an efficient and / or direct manner regardless of any adjustments in the angle or position of the backrest portion relative to a chair seat. As a result, the air-generation apparatus may enhance overall comfort and promote sustained focus during prolonged periods of sitting.

[0014] According to various other embodiments, the air-generation apparatus may also be configured to be coupled to other components of the chair, such as a seat portion (e.g. seat or seat pan) of the chair, to regulate temperature for these areas as needed.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus may feature strategically placed ventilation outlets (e.g. of an air outlet arrangement) and / or baffles (e.g. of a baffle arrangement) for generating a consistent and / or evenly distributed airflow around the user's body In particular, the air-generation apparatus may be configured for optimal airflow distribution.

[0016] Additionally, the air-generation apparatus may be configured to be modular, allowing users to selectively attach or detach it relative to the chair as needed. Such flexibility allow the air-generation apparatus to adapt to different environments and personal preferences, making it a versatile enhancement for any chair.

[0017] In various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus may also function or be configured as a temperature-regulation apparatus. For instance, the air-generation apparatus may be configured to output warm or cold air depending on a temperature of the chair and / or a surrounding environment. Thus, in various embodiments, the airgeneration apparatus may be capable of mitigating common hotspots on the chair (e.g. at the backrest portion), providing particular benefits for users (e.g. like gamers), who may experience these during intensive sessions.

[0018] Various embodiments may also encompass a chair system (or a chair assembly) which includes (or combines) the chair and the air-generation apparatus as a unified and / or integrated system (or assembly).

[0019] The following Examples pertain to various embodiments.

[0020] Example 1 is an air-generation apparatus for a chair which may include an airflow manifold couplable to the chair, the airflow manifold including an air inlet arrangement for air to enter, an air outlet arrangement for the air to exit, and an airflow conduit to guide the air to flow within the airflow manifold from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement. The air-generation apparatus may further include a fan unit coupled to the airflow manifold, the fan unit operable to direct the airto enter the air inlet arrangement of the airflow manifold for the air to flow along the airflow conduit and exit via the air outlet arrangement and, for which, the airflow manifold may be couplable to the chair in a manner so as to direct at least a portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement of the airflow manifold to flow over a backrest of the chair.

[0021] Tn Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include that the airflow manifold may be couplable to the chair in a manner so as to direct at least the portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement in a direction non-perpendicular to a region of the backrest of the chair at which the air outlet arrangement is located.

[0022] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example I or 2 may optionally include that the air-generation apparatus may further include a fan housing that houses the fan unit, the fan housing including an intake opening for the fan to draw the air into the fan housing and an exhaust opening for the air to exit the fan housing, for which, the exhaust opening of the fan housing may be fluidly coupled to the air inlet arrangement of the airflow manifold.

[0023] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 3 may optionally include that the air outlet arrangement of the airflow manifold may be disposed along the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold, for which, the airflow manifold may be couplable to the chair such that the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold runs alongside a border of the backrest of the chair.

[0024] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 may optionally include that the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold may form a loop shape and defines a central opening for exposing the backrest of the chair.

[0025] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 4 or Example 5 may optionally include that the air outlet arrangement may include a plurality of air outlet ports disposed along the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold.

[0026] Tn Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 may optionally include that at least a pair of the plurality of air outlet ports may be opposite each other along the airflow conduit of the airflow conduit forming the loop shape.

[0027] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Example 6 or Example 7 may optionally include that the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold may include a plurality of tubular segments coupled end-to-end, each tubular segment defining a portion of the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold, each tubular segment mayinclude at least one corresponding air outlet port, and each tubular segment may be independently rotatable about a tubular axis of said tubular segment, with respect to an adjacent tubular segment, for adjusting an air output direction of the at least one corresponding air output port of said tubular segment.

[0028] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 4 to 8 may optionally include that the airflow manifold may include at least one baffle within the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold.

[0029] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 4 to 9 may optionally include that the airflow manifold may include a baffle arrangement within the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold, the baffle arrangement including at least one baffle plate oriented non-parallel to an airflow direction along the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold.

[0030] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 may optionally include that the baffle arrangement may be configured to channel the air within the airflow conduit to exit through the plurality of air outlet ports of the air outlet arrangement.

[0031] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 11 may optionally include that the air-generation apparatus may further include a temperature sensor and a controller configured to control at least the fan unit based on a temperature reading by the temperature sensor.

[0032] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 may optionally include that the air-generation apparatus may further include a heating element configured to heat the air, and the controller may be further configured to operate the heating element based on the temperature reading by the temperature sensor.

[0033] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 12 or Example 13 may optionally include that the air-generation apparatus may further include a cooling element configured to cool the air, and the controller may be further configured to operate the cooling element based on the temperature reading by the temperature sensor.

[0034] Example 15 is a chair. The chair may include a backrest mounting frame for supporting a backrest mounted to the backrest mounting frame and the air-generation device of any one of Examples 1 to 14.

[0035] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 may optionally include that the air output arrangement of the backrest airflow manifold may include at least one airoutlet port oriented to direct air exiting therefrom to flow in a direction nonperpendicular to at least a region of the backrest.

[0036] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 15 or Example 16 may optionally include that the airflow manifold may be coupled to the chair such that the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold runs alongside a border of the backrest.

[0037] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 may optionally include that the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold forms a loop shape and defines a central opening for exposing the backrest.

[0038] FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of an air-generation apparatus 100 coupled to a chair 190, according to various embodiments.

[0039] According to various embodiments, there may be provided the airgeneration apparatus (or device) 100 for a chair 190. The chair 190 may be any type of chair, such as an adjustable chair (e.g. swivel chair, office chair, computer chair, gaming chair, task chair, car seat, etc.) or a non-adjustable chair (e.g. fixed chair or stationary chair).

[0040] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may be couplable to the chair 190, either permanently (e.g. affixed / fixedly coupled) or removably (e g. detachably coupled). According to various embodiments, with the airgeneration apparatus 100 coupled to a chair 190, the air-generation apparatus 100 may be configured to output (e.g. deliver, dispense, or direct) air over and / or across a surface of the chair 190. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the air-generation apparatus 100 may be coupled to a backrest portion 191 (e.g. backrest or backrest mounting frame) of the chair 190 and may be configured to direct air over and / or across a support surface of the backrest portion 191 (e.g. backrest) of the chair 190. According to various embodiments, the support surface of the backrest portion 191 (e.g. backrest) may be a forward-facing surface that supports the user’s back. It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the air-generation apparatus 100 may be coupled to a different component of the chair 190 (e.g. to a seat portion of the chair 190, which may include a seat or a seat pan) and may be configured to output air over a corresponding support surface (e g. an upward-facing support surface of the seat portion) for supporting the user’s weight.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments, the airgeneration apparatus 100 may include an airflow manifold 110 which may include anair inlet arrangement 113 for allowing air to enter the airflow manifold 110, an air outlet arrangement 116 for the air to exit the airflow manifold 110, and an airflow conduit (or channel) 111 for the air to flow from the air inlet manifold to the air outlet arrangement 116 (or to guide or direct the air to flow within the airflow manifold 110, from the air inlet arrangement 113 to the air outlet arrangement 116).

[0042] According to various embodiments, the air inlet arrangement 113 may include one or more openings (herein referred to as “air inlet port(s)”), while the air outlet arrangement 116 may include one or more openings (herein referred to as “air outlet port(s)”) which may be distinct from the air inlet port(s). According to various embodiments, the air inlet port(s) and the air outlet port(s) may be oriented in (or may face) different directions. For example, the air inlet port(s) and the air outlet port(s) may be facing away from each other (e.g. in opposite or substantially opposite directions). Additionally, according to various embodiments, the air inlet port(s) and the air outlet port(s) may be positioned on different faces (or surfaces or sides) and / or sections of the airflow manifold 110. For example, the air inlet port(s) may be located at a rear face (or rear surface or rear side) and / or at a rear (or rearward) section of the airflow manifold 110, while the air outlet port(s) may be positioned at a front face (or front surface or front side) and / or at a front (or forward) section of the airflow manifold 110. Accordingly, according to various embodiments, the air inlet arrangement 113 may be disposed at a first region (e g. first end region) of the airflow conduit 111, while the air outlet arrangement 116 may be disposed at another region (e.g. a second and / or opposite end region) of the airflow conduit 111. It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the air inlet arrangement 113 may be disposed at a first region (e g. a first end region) of the airflow conduit 111, while the air outlet arrangement 116 (e.g. a plurality of air outlet ports) may be disposed or distributed or arranged along the airflow conduit 111 (e.g. downstream of the air inlet arrangement 113).

[0043] Additionally, according to various embodiments, the air inlet port(s) and the air outlet port(s) may differ in size and / or shape. For example, each (or a respective) air inlet port may be larger than each (or a respective) air outlet port. According to various embodiments, a shape of each (or a respective) air outlet port may also differ from a shape of each (or a respective) air inlet port. For example, an air outlet port may have an elongated shape (e.g. resembling a slot, or having a slot or slot-like shape), while an air inlet port may have another shape (e.g. a circular shape). However, it is alsoenvisaged that, in various other embodiments, the air inlet port(s) and the air outlet port(s) may be sized and / or shaped similarly or identically to one another.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 may form a continuous and / or uninterrupted channel or passage, fluidly connected or coupled to both the air inlet arrangement 113 and the air outlet arrangement 116. In some embodiments, the air inlet arrangement 113 and the air outlet arrangement 116 may be at different locations of the airflow conduit 111. In particular, according to various embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 may be configured to direct or guide air that enters from the air inlet arrangement 113 to the air outlet arrangement 116. According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 110 (or the air inlet arrangement 113, the air outlet arrangement 116, and / or the airflow conduit 111) may be configured (or arranged) to establish a unidirectional flow of air from the air inlet arrangement 113 to the air outlet arrangement 116, while preventing or minimizing backflow of the air (e.g. out through the air inlet arrangement 113).

[0045] According to various embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 may have a uniform cross-sectional area or size (e.g. along a substantial portion or substantially the entire length of the airflow conduit 111). However, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 may have a non-uniform (or varying) cross-sectional area. For example, in various other embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 may taper from the air inlet arrangement 113 to the air outlet arrangement 116. In other words, in various other embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 (or a size or cross-sectional area thereof) may be wider at or proximal to the air inlet arrangement 113, while being narrower at or proximal to the air outlet arrangement 116 (or narrower distal from the air inlet arrangement 113). More specifically, in various other embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 may be wider at a segment at or proximal the air inlet arrangement 113, while being narrower at another segment at or distal (e.g. further or furthest) from the air inlet arrangement 113.

[0046] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1A, the airgeneration apparatus 100 may include (e.g. further include) a fan unit 120. As some examples, according to various embodiments, the fan unit 120 may include at least one fan, such as an axial fan, centrifugal fan, brushless fan or brushless motor fan, direct current or DC fan, turbine fan, squirrel cage fan, etc., or any other suitable type of fan. As an illustration, according to various embodiments, the fan unit 120 may include ormay be configured as a bladeless fan which may be operable to produce or exhaust a continuous stream of air, for example, via a motor-driven mechanism (e g. a high-speed motor). According to various embodiments, the fan unit 120 (e.g. a bladeless fan) may be operable to draw in air through its intake section or side, guide and / or compress the air (e.g. by channeling it through a narrower tunnel or passage) (see, for example, reference “222” in FIG. 2C), and expel the air through its exhaust section or side (e g. at an end of the aforesaid tunnel or passage).[000471 According to various embodiments, the fan unit 120 may be coupled (e.g. directly or indirectly coupled) and / or fluidly connected to the airflow manifold 110, and may be operable to direct air to enter (e.g. by drawing air into, or directing air towards) the air inlet arrangement 113 of the airflow manifold 110 for the air to flow along the airflow conduit 111 and exit through the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110.

[0048] As an illustration, according to various embodiments, the exhaust section of the fan unit 120 may expel air into (e.g. directly into) the air inlet arrangement 113 of the airflow manifold 110. In particular, the air inlet arrangement 113 may be positioned downstream of the fan unit 120.

[0049] According to various other embodiments, the fan unit 120 may be located outside of the airflow manifold 110, but positioned proximal to (e g. upstream of) the air inlet arrangement 113. According to various embodiments, this configuration may enable the fan unit 120 to exhaust or push air into the air inlet arrangement 113 and facilitate movement of the air (e.g. propel the air) along the airflow conduit 111 to the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110.

[0050] As yet another illustration, according to various other embodiments, the fan unit 120 may be disposed or positioned within the airflow manifold 110, with the intake section of the fan unit 120 aligned with the air inlet arrangement 113 of the airflow manifold 110. Tn this manner, the fan unit 120 may be operable to draw in air via the intake section of the fan unit 120 which, in turn, may cause the air to be drawn into the air inlet arrangement 113 of the airflow manifold 110. Further, the exhaust section of the fan unit 120 may expel air into the airflow conduit 111 of the airflow manifold 110 such that the air may flow towards the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110 and exit from the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110.In particular, in this configuration, the fan unit 120 may be situated between the air inlet arrangement 113 and the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110.

[0051] It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the fan unit 120 may be directly coupled (e g. fastened, bolted etc.) to the chair 190 at any suitable portion of the chair 190 (e.g. to the backrest portion 191 or to a base portion of the chair 190) and may additionally be fluidly connected to the air inlet arrangement 113 of the airflow manifold 110 (e.g. either directly or indirectly, for instance, via an intermediate air passage or an air duct).

[0052] According to various embodiments, the fan unit 120 of the air-generation apparatus 100 may regulate a flow rate of the air (or airflow rate) within (or along and / or throughout) the airflow manifold 110. Specifically, the fan unit 120 of the airgeneration apparatus 100 may control a volume and / or velocity of air that moves along the airflow manifold 110, from the air inlet arrangement 113 to the air outlet arrangement 116.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may include (e.g. further and / or optionally include) a supplemental (or an auxiliary or a secondary) housing (or casing) 130 for accommodating and / or housing the fan unit 120. Hence, according to various embodiments, this supplemental housing 130 may also serve or function as a “fan housing” or “fan casing”. According to various embodiments, the supplemental housing 130 may include an intake opening 131 (e.g. a first opening) and an exhaust opening 132 (e.g. a second opening, which may be positioned opposite to and / or aligned with the intake opening 131). Further, the supplemental housing 130 may include or define an internal space which may extend from (or between) the intake opening 131 to (or and) the exhaust opening 132 for housing the fan unit 120. According to various embodiments, the exhaust opening 132 of the supplemental housing 130 may be fluidly connected to (e.g. either directly or indirectly) and / or directed towards (or facing) the air inlet arrangement 113 of the airflow manifold 110. Accordingly, according to various embodiments, with the fan unit 120 disposed or housed within the internal space of the supplemental housing 130, the fan unit 120 may be operable to draw or take in air via the intake opening 131 of the supplemental housing 130 and deliver or exhaust the air through the exhaust opening 132 (i.e. into the air intake arrangement of the airflow manifold 110).|00054| According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may include a coupling member element for coupling and securing the airflow manifold 110 to the chair 190. In various embodiments, with the air-generation apparatus 100 coupled to the chair 190 via the coupling member or element, the air-generation apparatus 100 (e.g. as a unified structure or an integrated unit) may be immovable relative to the chair 190 In particular, the structure of the airflow manifold 110 of the air-generation apparatus 100 (or a main body thereof, i.e. defining the airflow conduit 111) may be immovable relative to the chair 190.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 110 may be couplable to the chair 190 in a manner so as to direct at least a portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement 116 to flow over the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190. Thus, when the airflow manifold 110 is coupled to the chair 190 (e.g. via the coupling member or element), at least a portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110 may be directed to flow over the backrest portion 1 1 of the chair 190. Specifically, the exiting airflow may traverse or flow on and / or along and / or across the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190. According to various embodiments, such directional airflow over the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190 may improve thermal regulation (e.g. by creating a flow of air over the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190, which may facilitate heat dissipation, e.g. when cool air is provided by the air-generation apparatus 100 and / or when the flow of air carries away the heat).[00056J According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 110 (e g. its air outlet arrangement 116) may be configured to align or substantially align the output or exiting airflow with the profile or contour of the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190. This configuration enables at least the portion of the air (i.e. which is exiting the air outlet arrangement 116) to flow in a direction that may be nonperpendicular to (e g parallel to or substantially parallel to or diagonally away or diagonally towards) the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190. In this manner, according to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may enhance or maximize airflow at the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190, resulting in effective thermal regulation, thereby improving the user’s comfort without excessing energy expenditure by the air-generation apparatus 100.|00057| According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 110 (e g. its air outlet arrangement 116) may be configured to selectively direct airflow from its air outlet arrangement 116 in one or more (or a plurality of) distinct or different directions. According to various embodiments, the aforesaid directions may be with respect to the air outlet arrangement 116 itself, an outer surface (or surface region) of the airflow manifold 110 having the air outlet arrangement 116, or the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190 (i.e. to which the airflow manifold 110 may be coupled).[000581 FIG. IB shows a schematic diagram of the air-generation apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A, outputting air in a different direction from FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments.

[0059] For instance, as depicted in FIG. IB, the airflow manifold 110 may be configured to direct airflow from its air outlet arrangement 116 over the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190, in a direction different from that of FIG.1 A. As an example, shown in FIG. IB, this direction of the output airflow may be nonparallel and non-perpendicular to the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190. Specifically, with reference to FIG. IB, the airflow manifold 110 may be configured to emit air at a diagonal angle relative to the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190 or diagonally away from the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190. It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the airflow manifold 110 may be configured to direct at least a portion of air in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 may be configured to be adjustable for adjusting or changing a direction of the output airflow from the air outlet arrangement 116. As an illustration, according to various embodiments, at least one or more portions, segments or regions of the airflow conduit 111 having the air outlet arrangement 116 (or corresponding air outlet port(s)) may be configured to be movable - such as by rotating, tilting, sliding, etc. - relative to other portions, segments, regions or components of the airflow manifold 110 or the airgeneration apparatus 100. For instance, according to various embodiments, the airflow conduit 111 may be divided into a plurality of segments (e.g. tubular segments), with each segment being rotatable (e g. about its tubular axis) with respect to an adjacent or neighboring (e.g. immediately adjacent or neighboring) segment.|000611 According to various other embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 116 may be configured to be adjustable for adjusting or changing a direction of the output airflow. For example, according to various other embodiments, the airflow manifold 110 (or its main body) may include at least one movable member (e g a movable nozzle), having or defining at least one corresponding air outlet port of the air outlet arrangement 116. According to various other embodiments, the movable member (e g. movable nozzle), defining the air outlet arrangement 116, may be rotatably and / or slidably (i.e. movably) coupled to the main body of the airflow manifold 110 to allow the user to selectively change a direction of the output airflow relative to the main body of the airflow manifold 110.

[0062] As another example, according to various other embodiments, the direction of the output airflow may be selectively adjusted or controlled by a user, for example, via adjustable vane(s), louver(s), or baffle(s), etc., positioned within the airflow conduit 111 of the airflow manifold 110 or positioned proximal or at the air outlet arrangement 116 (or the air outlet port(s)). According to various embodiments, these vane(s), louver(s), orbaffle(s), etc. may define the air outlet arrangement 116 (e g. the air outlet port(s)) and may be configured to be movable (e.g. pivot or tilt) relative to the main body of the airflow manifold 110 to allow the user to selectively change a direction of the output airflow relative to the main body of the airflow manifold 110.

[0063] Thus, according to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may enable the user to selectively direct airflow in a range of directions, thereby enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the air-generation apparatus 100.

[0064] FIG. 1C shows a schematic diagram of the air-generation apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 A, outputting air in multiple directions, according to various embodiments.

[0065] As another illustration, with reference to FIG. 1C, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 110 may be configured to direct airflow from its air outlet arrangement 116 over the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190 in multiple directions simultaneously. According to various embodiments, at least one direction of the output airflow may be, but is not limited to being, parallel or substantially parallel to the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190.

[0066] For example, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 116 may include at least one wide-angle (e g. fan-shaped) air outlet port, which may cause air to exit over a range of directions simultaneously. Specifically, the wide-angleair outlet port may form a diverging output airflow, where the exiting air may be spread across a predefined arc and / or along a plane which may be parallel (or substantially parallel), or may be non-parallel (e.g. perpendicular or substantially perpendicular), to the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190 As a result, according to various embodiments, the output airflow may cover a wider area than being concentrated in a single direction

[0067] As another example, according to various other embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 116 may include a plurality of discrete air outlet ports which may be oriented or facing different directions from each other. For instance, the air outlet arrangement 116 may include multiple air outlet ports (e.g. slits, apertures, perforations, etc.) positioned at different angles (e g. within a same segment of the airflow manifold 110), facilitating the dispersion of airflow in different directions (e.g. from said segment of the airflow manifold 110) relative to the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190.

[0068] Referring back to FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments, the airgeneration apparatus 100 may include (e.g. further include) a controller 170 (e.g. which may include a processor) which may be configured to control (e g. regulate operation of) the fan unit 120.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the controller 170 may incorporate an input mechanism or a user interface element (e.g. a touch screen, buttons, etc.), enabling the user to operate the fan unit 120 (e.g. in a programmable manner). According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may feature remote operation capabilities, allowing the user to control the fan unit 120 wireless, for instance, via a smartphone application or a dedicated remote controller 170.

[0070] As an illustration, according to various embodiments, the controller 170 may be configured to initiate operation of the fan unit 120 (e.g. for a predetermined duration, and / or at a specific time, etc.). According to various embodiments, besides time-based control, the controller 170 may be configured to control (or adjust or modulate) a rotational speed of the fan unit 120, allowing for adjustments of airflow intensity.

[0071] Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the controller 170 may be configured to control the fan unit 120 based on surrounding and / or environmental conditions. To illustrate, according to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may include a temperature sensor 160. According to various embodiments, the temperature sensor 160 may be configured (e.g. positioned) to becapable of sensing or monitoring a temperature of the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190 and / or monitoring a temperature of a surrounding environment of the chair 190. As an example, according to various embodiments, the temperature sensor 160 may be disposed at the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190 (e.g. under a backrest cover, embedded within a backrest cushion, etc.) for monitoring a temperature of the support surface of the backrest portion 191 of the chair 190 As another example, according to various embodiments, the temperature sensor 160 may be disposed on an outer surface of the chair frame of the chair 190 for monitoring a temperature of the surrounding environment of the chair 190. According to various embodiments, the controller 170 may be configured to obtain (e.g. via wired or wireless communication) a temperature reading from the temperature sensor 160 According to various other embodiments, this may be performed by the controller 170 at predetermined time intervals. Consequently, the controller 170 may control the fan unit 120 based on the temperature reading by the temperature sensor 160. For instance, if the controller 170 determines that the temperature reading of the temperature sensor 160 exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. an upper temperature range), the controller 170 may increase the fan speed of the fan unit 120 to provide more cooling. Conversely, if the temperature drops below a predetermined threshold or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e g. a lower temperature range), the controller 170 may reduce the fan speed or switch off the fan unit 120, which may, in turn, conserve energy while maintaining user comfort.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may include (e.g. further include) a heating element 181 or heater for heating the air before it reaches the backrest portion 191 or the user. For example, the heating element 181 may be disposed or positioned within the airflow conduit 111 for heating the air within the airflow conduit 111 so that heated air may exit the air outlet arrangement 116 As another example, as depicted in FIG. 1A, the heating element 181 may be disposed at the fan unit 120 for heating the air before it enters the airflow manifold 110. As yet another example, the heating element 181 may be disposed at or proximal to the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110, so that the output air may be heated as it exits the airflow manifold 110. According to various embodiments, when the airgeneration apparatus 100 includes the heating element 181, the controller 170 may beconfigured (e.g. further configured) to control (e.g. regulate operation of) the heating element 181 based on the temperature reading by the temperature sensor 160. For instance, the temperature sensor 160 may be disposed at the air inlet arrangement 113, and the heating element 181 may be disposed at the air outlet arrangement 116. According to various embodiments, if the controller 170 determines that the temperature reading of the temperature sensor 160 (e.g. at the air inlet arrangement 113) exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. an upper temperature range), the controller 170 may switch off or modulate (e.g. reduce a heating intensity or effect of) the heating element 181. Conversely, if the temperature drops below a predetermined threshold or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. a lower temperature range), the controller 170 may operate (e.g. instruct and / or control) the heating element 181 to heat the air (e.g. to a predetermined temperature or an upper temperature range). As some examples, according to various embodiments, the heating element 181 may include or may be a ceramic heater, a resistance wire heater, Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater, carbon fiber heater, infrared heater, etc., or any other suitable heating element 181.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may include (e.g. further include) a cooling element 182 for cooling the air. For example, the cooling element 182 may be disposed within the airflow conduit 111 for cooling the air within the airflow conduit 111 so that cool air may exit the air outlet arrangement 116. As another example, as depicted in FIG. 1A, the cooling element 182 may be disposed at the fan unit 120 for cooling the air before it enters the airflow manifold 110. As yet another example, the cooling element 182 may be disposed at or proximal to the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110, so that the air may be cooled as it exits the airflow manifold 110. According to various embodiments, when the airgeneration apparatus 100 includes the cooling element 182, the controller 170 may be configured (e.g. further configured) to control (e.g. regulate operation of) the cooling element 182 based on the temperature reading by the temperature sensor 160. For instance, the temperature sensor 160 may be disposed at the air inlet arrangement 113, and the cooling element 182 may be disposed at the air outlet arrangement 116. According to various embodiments, if the controller 170 determines that the temperature reading of the temperature sensor 160 (e.g. at the air inlet arrangement 113)exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. an upper temperature range), the controller 170 may operate (e.g. instruct and / or control) the cooling element 182 to cool the air (e.g. to a predetermined temperature or a lower temperature range) Conversely, if the temperature drops below a predetermined threshold or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. a lower temperature range), the controller 170 may switch off or modulate (e.g. reduce a cooling intensity or effect of) the cooling element 182. As some examples, according to various embodiments, the cooling element 182 may include or may be one or more Peltier devices or modules (or thermoelectric coolers), a cooling pad, a cooling plate, a cooling system (e.g. fluid-based cooling system), a heat exchanger, phase change material(s), refrigeration unit (e g. miniature refrigeration unit), etc., or any other suitable cooling element 182.

[0074] It is also envisaged that, in various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may include (e.g. further include) a heat sink (not shown) configured (e.g. dimensioned, shaped and / or sized, and / or positioned, etc.) to dissipate heat from the air before the air is output from the air outlet arrangement 116 of airflow manifold 110. For instance, the heat sink may be disposed upstream of and / or proximal to the fan unit 120. As some examples, according to various embodiments, the heat sink may include or may be a heat pipe (e.g. to direct heat away from the airflow manifold 110), a fin heat sink, or any other suitable heat sink.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 and the chair 190 may together form or be part of a chair system 1000. Accordingly, the chair system 1000 may include any one or more or all features of the air-generation apparatus 100 and / or any one or more or all features of the chair 190.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 100 may be configured as a modular sub-unit of the chair system 1000. For instance, the airgeneration apparatus 100 may be detachably or removably coupled to the chair 1 0, or it may be selectively secured (e.g. permanently secured) or affixed to the chair 190.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the chair 190 (or the backrest portion 191) may include a backrest mounting frame configured for placing and supporting a backrest (e.g. a cushion or mesh backrest). In particular, the backrest mounting frame may define a backrest-positioning zone (e.g. a reference zone) at a central or middleregion of the backrest mounting frame (or at or along a central opening defined by the backrest mounting frame) for positioning the backrest.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the chair system 1000 may further include the backrest coupled (e.g. removably coupled) to the backrest mounting frame, with the backrest disposed or positioned on or along the backrest-positioning zone.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 110 and the chair 190 (e g. the backrest mounting frame of the chair 1 0) may be coupled together, via a coupling arrangement. Specifically, the airflow manifold 110 may include a first coupling member of the coupling arrangement, while the backrest mounting frame of the chair 190 may include a second coupling member of the coupling arrangement which may be couplable (e.g. removably couplable) or engageable with the first coupling member. As some examples, according to various embodiments, the coupling arrangement may include any one or more of fastener(s), screw(s), bolt and nut assembly, snap-fit assembly, magnetic coupling assembly, any other suitable male / female coupling assembly, etc.

[0080] According to various embodiments, within the chair system 1000, the airflow manifold 110 may be coupled to the backrest mounting frame, via the coupling arrangement, such that the air outlet arrangement 116 of the airflow manifold 110 may be configured to direct at least a portion of the air exiting therefrom to regulate a temperature of (e.g. cool or heat) at least one region along the backrest-positioning zone or of the backrest itself (e.g. when the chair system 1000 includes the backrest). For instance, the air outlet arrangement 116 may be configured to direct at least a portion of the air exiting therefrom to flow in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the backrest-positioning zone or the backrest.

[0081] According to various embodiments, within the chair system 1000, the fan unit 120 of the air-generation apparatus 100 may be selectively coupled (e.g. secured) to any suitable portion of the chair 190. For instance, the fan unit 120 may be selectively coupled (e.g. secured) to the backrest mounting frame of the chair 190.

[0082] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an air-generation apparatus 200 coupled to a backrest 291 of a chair 290, according to various embodiments.

[0083] FIG. 2B shows a front view of the air-generation apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A coupled to the backrest 291 of the chair 290, according to various embodiments.[00084| According to various embodiments, there may be provided the air-generation apparatus 200 for a chair 290.

[0085] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 200 may contain any one or more or all the features and / or limitations of the air-generation apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C. In the following, the air-generation apparatus 200 is described with like reference characters generally referring to the same or corresponding parts / features of the air-generation apparatus 100 ofFIG. lAtoFIG. 1C. The description of the parts / features made with respect to the air-generation apparatus 200 may also be applicable with respect to the air-generation apparatus 100, and vice versa.

[0086] With reference to FIG. 2A, the air-generation apparatus 200 may, similar to the air-generation apparatus 100 ofFIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, include an airflow manifold 210. According to various embodiments, this airflow manifold 210 may be configured to be couplable to the chair 290. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may be detachably or removably coupled to the chair 290, or it may be secured (e.g. permanently secured) or affixed to the chair 290. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the chair 290 may include a backrest mounting frame 292 configured for placing and supporting a backrest 291 (e g. a cushion or mesh backrest 291) of the chair 290. In particular, the backrest mounting frame 292 may define a backrestpositioning zone (e.g. a reference zone) at a central or middle region for positioning the backrest 291. According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may be coupled (e.g. directly or indirectly coupled) and / or fixedly secured to the chair 290 or the backrest mounting frame 292. In this setup, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 (e.g. as a unified structure or an integrated assembly) may be immovable relative to the backrest mounting frame 292. In particular, the structure of the airflow manifold 210 (or its main body) may remain stationary or immovable relative to the backrest mounting frame 292. In other words, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 (or its main body) may function as a fixed and / or immovable structure relative to the backrest mounting frame 292 (i.e. when the airflow manifold 210 is coupled to the chair 290 or the backrest mounting frame 292).

[0087] FIG. 2C shows a partial cross-sectional view of the airflow manifold 210, according to various embodiments.|00088| Referring to FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 of the air-generation apparatus 200 may, similar to the airgeneration apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, include an air inlet arrangement 213 (see FIG. 2C) for air to enter the airflow manifold 210, an air outlet arrangement 216 (see FIG. 2B) for the air to exit the airflow manifold 210, and an airflow conduit 211 (see FIG. 2C) for the air to flow from the air inlet arrangement 21 to the air outlet arrangement 216.

[0089] According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may be couplable to the chair 290 such that the airflow conduit 211 of the airflow manifold 210 runs alongside a border or rim of the backrest 291 of the chair 290. In particular, according to various embodiments, the airflow conduit 211 may form a loop shape (e g. an annular shape, or a ring shape, etc., or forming a continuous and / or uninterrupted and / or closed loop), as illustrated in FIG. 2B, alongside the border or rim of the backrest 291 of the chair 290. In other words, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may be configured (e.g. dimensioned, sized and / or shaped, etc.) to run and / or extend alongside (or along and / or adjacent) a border or rim (or circumferential portion or edge) of the backrest 291 of the chair 290 (i.e. when the airflow manifold 210 is coupled to the chair 290). Thus, in other words, the airflow manifold 210 may be a loop-shaped airflow manifold 210. According to various embodiments, the loopshaped airflow manifold 210 may run and / or extend continuously along an entire border or rim of the backrest 291, including the backrest mounting frame 292, of the chair 290, and may form or define at least a part, a substantial portion, or all of the airflow conduit 211 of the airflow manifold 210. According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may follow or trace a contour or shape of the border of the backrest 291 or the backrest mounting frame 292 of the chair 290 In various embodiments, the loopshaped airflow manifold 210 may be in direct contact or engagement with the backrest 291 or the backrest mounting frame 292 of the chair 290. However, it is also envisaged, that in various other embodiments, the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 may be spaced from the backrest 291 or the backrest mounting frame 292 of the chair 290. For example, the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 may be, but is not limited to being, uniformly spaced apart from the border or edge of the backrest 291 or the backrest mounting frame 292 of the chair 290, along an entire length of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210. As another example, the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210may be non-uniformly or unevenly spaced from the border or edge of the backrest 291 or the backrest mounting frame 292 of the chair 290.

[0090] With reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B, according to various embodiments, the looped-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210 may form or define a central opening (e.g. a through-hole) which enables a user to rest directly against the backrest 291 while minimizing or eliminating contact with the airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210. Thus, this central opening may expose the backrest 290 or provide access to the backrest 291 of the chair 290. Referring to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B, the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 may surround, encircle, or extend around the backrest 291 (e.g. the entire backrest 291) and / or the backrest mounting frame 292 of the chair 290. Additionally, according to various embodiments, a shape and / or size of the central opening of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 may correspond to (e g. may be similar or identical) to or may be larger than that of the backrest 291 of the chair 290 for positioning the backrest 291 thereat. Thus, according to various embodiments, with the airflow manifold 210 coupled to the chair 290, the backrest 291 of the chair 290 may be disposed or positioned at the central opening of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, according to various embodiments, the air inlet arrangement 213 may include an (e.g. a single or at least one) air inlet port. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C, the air inlet arrangement 213 (e.g. air inlet port) may be located at a lower or bottom end region (or lower or bottom end) of the airflow conduit 211 or the airflow manifold 210 (e.g. loop-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210). Additionally, as shown, the air inlet arrangement 213 may be, but is not limited to being, at a rear face (or rear surface or rear side) and / or at a rear (or rearward) section (e.g. rear half) of the airflow manifold 210. This positioning directs the air inlet port rearwards relative to the backrest 291 of the chair 290 or the main body of the airflow manifold 210. However, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the air inlet port may be oriented in other directions, such as downward, sideways, or radially relative to the backrest 291 or the main body of the airflow manifold 210.

[0092] Referring back to FIG. 2B, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include a plurality of air outlet ports. According to various embodiments, the plurality of air outlet ports (or at least a sub-set thereof) may bediscrete and / or individual air outlet ports. According to various embodiments, at least a pair of air outlet ports (e.g. adjacent or neighboring air outlet ports) may be partitioned (e.g. by a partitioning member or wall or portion of the airflow manifold 210, or baffle(s), etc.) and / or spaced apart from each other As shown in FIG. 2B, the plurality of air outlet ports may be disposed and / or arranged and / or positioned along the airflow conduit 211 or the airflow manifold 210 (e g along a substantial segment or an entire length thereof). Specifically, the air outlet arrangement 216 (e.g. the plurality of air outlet ports) may be positioned at a front face (or front surface or front side) and / or at a front (or forward) section (e.g. front half) of the airflow conduit 211 or the airflow manifold 210 (e.g. looped-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210).

[0093] Additionally, according to various embodiments, the plurality of air outlet ports may be may be spaced apart from each other such that the spacing of the air outlet ports along the airflow manifold 210 (e.g. looped-shaped airflow manifold 210) may vary based on their proximity to the air inlet arrangement 213. For instance, the air outlet ports positioned closer to the air inlet arrangement 213 (e.g. where air pressure may be higher) may be spaced closer together, while those further from the air inlet arrangement 213 may have a larger spacing between them. In other words, according to various other embodiments, the air outlet ports may be arranged or distributed in a manner such that a sub-set of air outlet ports may be denser nearer to the air inlet arrangement 213 compared to another sub-set of air outlet ports further from the air inlet arrangement 213. Specifically, a pair of neighboring or adjacent air outlet ports nearer to the air inlet arrangement 213 (e.g. at the lower or bottom end region of the airflow manifold 210) may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance, while another pair of neighboring or adj acent air outlet ports situated further from the air inlet arrangement 213 (e g. at a higher or upper region or end region of the airflow manifold 210) may be spaced apart from each other by a second distance which may be larger than the first distance. According to various other embodiments, this arrangement may facilitate a more uniform pressure distribution along the airflow manifold 210.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 2B, according to various embodiments, the plurality of air outlet ports may be distributed around, or at least partially around, the central opening defined by the looped-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210. Thus, with the airflow manifold 210 coupled to the chair 290, the plurality of air outlet ports may be positioned around, or at least partially around, the backrest 291 of the chair 290.According to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include a first sub-set of at least one air outlet port and a second sub-set of at least one other air outlet port on opposite sides or regions of the airflow manifold 210 (e.g. left and right sides, or upper and bottom ends or regions, or opposite ends or corners, etc ). Additionally, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include at least a pair of air outlet ports which may be positioned opposite (e g directly opposite) each other. In other words, at least a pair of the plurality of air outlet ports may be opposite each other along the airflow conduit 211 of the airflow manifold 210. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include at least a pair of air outlet ports which may be opposing (e.g. directly opposing or facing) each other.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include one or more air outlet ports at various location(s) along the looped-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210. In particular, with reference to FIG. 2B, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include at least one (or one or a plurality) air outlet port at an upper end of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 (e.g. for delivering air over at least an upper region of the backrest 291), at least one other outlet port at a left side of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 (e g. for delivering air over at least a left region of the backrest 291), at least one other outlet port at a right side of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 (e.g. for delivering air over at least a right region of the backrest 291), and / or at least one other outlet port at a bottom end of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 (e.g. for delivering air over at least a bottom or lower region of the backrest 291). Furthermore, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include at least one other air outlet port at one or more or all corners or bends (e.g. upper left comer, upper right comer, bottom left corner, and / or bottom right corner) of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include a plurality of air outlet ports distributed along an entire length of the upper end (or along the entire upper end) of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210, another plurality of air outlet ports along an entire length of the right side (or along the entire right side) of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210, another plurality of air outlet ports along an entire length of the left side (or along the entire left side) of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210, and / or another plurality of air outletports along an entire length of the bottom end (or along the entire bottom end) of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210.

[0096] In various other embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include one or more continuous and / or elongated (or slot-shaped) air outlet ports. For example, in various other embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include a continuous and / or elongate air outlet port that spans the length of each of the upper end, another air outlet port that spans the length of the right side, another air outlet port that spans the length of the bottom end, and / or another air outlet port that spans the length of the left side of the looped-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210. As another example, according to various other embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include at least one (or a single, respective) elongate air outlet port which runs continuously along two or more adj oining side(s) / end(s) of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210. For instance, the air outlet arrangement 216 may include at least one (or a single, respective) continuous and elongate air outlet port which extends along two or more of the upper end (i.e. which is adjoined to the right side and the left side), the right side (i.e. which is adjoined to the upper end and the bottom end), the bottom end (i.e. which is adjoined to the right side and the left side), and / or the left side (i.e. which is adjoined to the upper end and the bottom end) of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210.

[0097] FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E show partial perspective views of the airflow manifold 210, from different angles, according to various embodiments.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 2D, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may include at least one nozzle which defines (or includes) the air outlet arrangement 216 (e.g. the plurality of air outlet ports). According to various embodiments, the nozzle may be integrally formed with a main body (e.g. cylindrical or tubular main body) of the airflow manifold 210. In various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may include at least one section (e.g. its front section) which may be configured (e.g. shaped) as the nozzle, with each nozzle having a corresponding air outlet port (e.g. at its tip or edge).

[0099] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2D, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may include a tapering wall 210B that tapers towards the air outlet arrangement 216 (e.g. the plurality of air outlet ports). Specifically, this tapering wall 210B may be part of, or may encompass or surround, each nozzle. Consequently, eachnozzle may exhibit a reduction in its outer (or outermost) diameter or width from its rear end to its front end. According to various embodiments, the tapering wall 21 OB may include a planar or substantially planar outer surface. According to various other embodiments, the tapering wall 21 OB may include at least one curvature or curved outer surface (not shown).[000100] According to various embodiments, the tapering wall 210B may be directly facing and / or defining a boundary of the central opening of the airflow manifold 210. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the tapering wall 210B may extend or run continuously and / or uninterrupted along the circumference or perimeter (e.g. entire circumference or perimeter) of the central opening of the airflow manifold 210.[000101] FIG. 2F shows a close-up perspective view of a baffle arrangement 250 of the air-generation apparatus 100, according to various embodiments.[000102] With reference to FIG. 2F, according to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may include a baffle arrangement 250 within the airflow conduit 211 or the airflow manifold 210. According to various embodiments, this baffle arrangement 250 may include one or more baffles 251, such as baffle structures (e.g. baffle plates, baffle fins), deflectors, and / or diffusers. For example, as shown in FIG. 2F, the baffle arrangement 250 may include a plurality of baffles 251 (e.g. baffle plates or baffle fins) which may be positioned at intervals along the airflow manifold 210. Specifically, these baffles 251 may be, but are not limited to being, situated at or proximal to the air outlet arrangement 216 of the airflow manifold 210. According to various other embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may include (e.g. additionally or alternatively include) one or more baffles 251 at any other region (e.g. on an inner surface) of the airflow manifold 210.[000103] According to various embodiments, the baffle arrangement 250 may be configured to direct and / or guide airflow out of the airflow manifold 210. For instance, the baffle arrangement 250 may include baffle(s) 251 (e.g. at or proximal to the air outlet arrangement 216) which may be oriented or angled to guide airflow out of the airflow manifold 210 at a predetermined or desired angle relative to the airflow manifold 210 (e.g. its main body) or the backrest 291 of the chair 290. According to various embodiments, these baffle(s) 251 may be fixed and immovable relative to the main body of the airflow manifold 210. According to various other embodiments, thebaffle(s) 251 may be movably coupled to the main body of the airflow manifold 210, allowing the user to selectively adjust or change the direction of output airflow.[000104] As shown in FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F, each baffle 251 at the air outlet arrangement 216 may additionally serve or function as a partition (e g a partition wall or member) between immediately adjacent or neighboring air outlet ports of the air outlet arrangement 216. As shown, the airflow manifold 210 may include a plurality of air outlet ports, with each air outlet port positioned or defined between a pair of adjacent or neighboring and spaced apart baffles 251. In this configuration, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may (e.g. optionally) be configured as a continuous and / or elongated or slot-shaped opening, with the plurality of baffles 251 (i.e. serving or functioning as partitions) forming (or bounding or defining) the plurality of discreet and / or individual air outlet ports.[000105J According to various embodiments, the baffle arrangement 250 may include at least one baffle 251 (e g. baffle plate or baffle fin) which may be oriented non-parallel to an airflow direction within the airflow conduit 211 (e.g. between the air inlet arrangement 213 and the air outlet arrangement 216). In other words, the baffle 251 may be oriented non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the airflow conduit 211. For instance, the baffle 251 (e.g. substantially planar baffle plate or baffle fin) may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the airflow direction or the longitudinal axis of the airflow conduit 211. According to various embodiments, this configuration may facilitate pressure regulation within the airflow conduit 211 and / or direct the airflow out of the airflow manifold 210 at a predetermined or desired angle.[000106] With reference to FIG. 2F, according to various embodiments, each baffle 251 may have a leading end portion 25 l (e.g. an inner portion of the baffle 251, distal from the air outlet arrangement 216, that the airflow first encounters or interacts with) and a trailing end portion 25 lb (e g. an outer portion of the baffle 251, at the air outlet arrangement 216, and downstream of the leading end portion 251a, where the airflow exits). According to various embodiments, the leading end portion 251a may be, but is not limited to being, larger in size (e.g. having a larger planar cross-sectional area, or having a larger width) compared to the trailing end portion 251b. Additionally, according to various embodiments, the leading end portion 251a and the trailing end portion 251b may be, but are not limited to being, non-parallel (e.g. angled) relative to each other. For example, the trailing end portion 251b may be perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to the airflow direction along the airflow conduit 211 (or to its longitudinal axis), while the leading end portion 251a may be non-parallel and nonperpendicular (e.g. angled or inclined) relative to the airflow direction along the airflow conduit 211 (or to its longitudinal axis). Tn various other embodiments, the leading end portion 251a and the trailing end portion 251b may be planar (or substantially planar) and may be parallel (or substantially parallel) with each other and / or parallel with the airflow direction along the airflow conduit 211.[0001071 With reference to FIG. 2F, according to various embodiments, the leading end portion 251a of at least a sub-set or all of the baffle arrangement 250 may be nonparallel (e.g. perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) to the airflow direction along the airflow conduit 211 or to the longitudinal axis (or channel axis, e.g. central channel axis) of the airflow conduit 211.[000108J Moreover, according to various embodiments, the leading end portion 25 las of the plurality of baffles 251 may increase in size as the baffles 251 are located further away from the air inlet arrangement 213. For instance, the leading end portion 25 la of a baffle 251 that is nearer or proximal to the air inlet arrangement 213 may have a smaller size (or planar cross-sectional area) than the leading end portion 251a of another baffle 251 that is further or distal from the air inlet arrangement 213.[000109] Additionally, according to various embodiments, an orientation or angle of the leading end portion 25 las of the plurality of baffles 251 may increase with distance from the air inlet arrangement 213. For example, according to various embodiments, the leading end portion 251a of a baffle 251 that is nearer or proximal to the air inlet arrangement 213 may be oriented at a smaller angle relative to the airflow direction while facing upstream of the airflow conduit 211 (or oriented against or opposed to the airflow direction). On the other hand, the leading end portion 251a of a baffle 251 that is further or distal from the air inlet arrangement 213 may be oriented at a larger angle relative to the airflow direction and / or may be facing downstream of the airflow conduit 211 (e.g. may be perpendicular, or more than 90° or oriented or substantially aligned with the airflow direction).[000110] Additionally, according to various embodiments, the plurality of baffles 251 may be may be spaced closer to each other at region(s) of the airflow manifold 210 (e g looped-shaped airflow manifold 210) at or proximal to the air inlet arrangement 213 (e.g. where air pressure may be higher), while being spaced further apart from eachother at region(s) of the airflow manifold 210 at or distal from the air inlet arrangement 213. In other words, according to various other embodiments, the baffle arrangement 250 may be arranged or distributed in a manner such that a sub-set of baffles 251 may be denser nearer to the air inlet arrangement 213 compared to another sub-set of baffles 251 further from the air inlet arrangement 213. That is, according to various other embodiments, a pair of neighboring or adjacent baffles 251 nearer to the air inlet arrangement 213 (e.g. at the lower or bottom end region of the airflow manifold 210) may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance, while another pair of neighboring or adjacent baffles 251 situated further from the air inlet arrangement 213 (e.g. at a higher or upper region or end region of the airflow manifold 210) may be spaced apart from each other by a second distance which may be larger than the first distance.[000111] According to various embodiments, the baffle arrangement 250 may be configured or arranged to regulate air pressure within the airflow conduit 211.[0001121 According to various embodiments, the baffle arrangement 250 may be configured (e.g. dimensioned, shaped, sized, positioned, etc.) and / or arranged in a manner to regulate a pressure of the air within the airflow conduit 211 of the airflow manifold 210, such that an air pressure of the air within the airflow conduit 211 may be uniform or substantially uniform along the airflow conduit 211 (or along substantially the entire the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210). Thus, according to various embodiments, the air may exit the air outlet arrangement 216 with a uniform or substantially uniform pressure along substantially all of the air outlet arrangement 216.[000113] According to various embodiments, the baffle arrangement 250 may be configured (e.g. dimensioned, shaped, sized, positioned, etc.) and / or arranged in a manner to cause at least a portion of the air that enters the airflow manifold 210 via the air inlet arrangement 213 to exit through a first air outlet port of the air outlet arrangement 216, that is located proximally to the air inlet arrangement 213, with a first airflow rate and to cause at least another portion of the air to exit through a second air outlet port of the air outlet arrangement 216, that is located distally from the air inlet arrangement 213, with a second airflow rate which may be equal or substantially equal to the first airflow rate.[000114] With reference to FIG. 2B, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 may be configured in a manner such that, with the airflow manifold210 coupled to the chair 290 (e.g. to the backrest 291 of the chair 290), the air outlet arrangement 216 may be configured to output air over the backrest 291 (e.g. over the support surface of the backrest 291) of the chair 290.[000115] As an illustration in FIG 2B, the air outlet arrangement 216 (or the plurality of air outlet ports) may be configured (e.g. oriented) to direct air over the support surface of the chair 290. For example, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 (or each of the plurality of air outlet ports) may be configured (e.g. oriented) such that its respective hole axis or the direction of the output airflow may be parallel or substantially parallel to the support surface of the chair 290. As another example, in various other embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 (or each of the plurality of air outlet ports) may be configured (e.g. oriented) such that its respective hole axis or the direction of the output airflow may form an internal acute angle with the support surface of the chair 290. That is, its respective hole axis or the direction of the output airflow may be directed diagonally inwards from the border (or rim or edge) of the backrest 291 of the chair 290. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 2B, the air outlet arrangement 216 may direct airflow towards a central region of the backrest 291 of the chair 290. When the air outlet arrangement 216 is positioned along the looped-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210 (e g. around the entire length or circumference thereof), or when the plurality of air outlet ports are distributed along the looped-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210 (e g. along the entire looped-shaped airflow conduit 211 or airflow manifold 210), the air outlet arrangement 216 (or the plurality of air outlet ports) may channel or direct air inwardly from the border (or rim or edge) of the backrest 291 of the chair 290. In other words, according to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 (or the plurality of air outlet ports) may form a peripheral (or loop-shaped) arrangement around and / or surrounding the backrest 291 of the chair 290 (e.g. with each air outlet port oriented to direct airflow towards a central region or zone of the support surface of the backrest 291). Such a configuration, according to various embodiments, may result in the air being delivered over and / or along the entire (or substantially the entire) support surface of the backrest 291 of the chair 290. However, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 (or each of the plurality of air outlet ports) may be configured (e g. oriented) such that its respective hole axis or the direction of the output airflow may be substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the backrest 291 ofthe chair 290. That is, in various other embodiments, the respective hole axis of the air outlet port or the direction of the output airflow may be aligned to face in a same general direction as the support surface of the backrest 291 of the chair 290 (e.g. in a substantially forward direction with respect to the chair 290).[000116] According to various embodiments, the air outlet arrangement 216 (or the plurality of air outlet ports) may be a fixed and / or immovable component or structure [000117] According to various other embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may be composed of a plurality of discrete segments (e.g. cylindrical or tubular segments), which may be coupled (e.g. movably or rotatably coupled) to one another, end-to-end, to form the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210. According to various embodiments, each segment of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 may define a portion (or segment) of the airflow conduit 211. Additionally, according to various embodiments, each of one or more segments may include at least one corresponding air outlet port of the air outlet arrangement 216. According to various embodiments, each segment (or each linear or substantially linear segment) having at least one corresponding air outlet port may be configured to be independently rotatable about its longitudinal or tubular axis, relative to a neighboring or adjacent segment. In this manner, according to various embodiments, the at least one air outlet port at that segment may be oriented for changing an air output direction of that at least one air outlet port. According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of segments may be rotatable relative to its neighboring segment, providing flexibility in directing airflow.[000118] According to various other embodiments, the baffle arrangement 250 may be configured to be movable or adjustable, allowing it to direct airflow from the air outlet arrangement 216 across a range of different directions or orientations.[000119] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2C, the airgeneration apparatus 200 may, similar to the air-generation apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG 1C, include a fan unit 220 (depicted in phantom lines in FIG. 2C). According to various embodiments, the fan unit 220 may be similar or identical to the fan unit 120, as previously described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C.[000120] According to various embodiments, the fan unit 220 may be coupled (e g. directly or indirectly) to the airflow manifold 210 and may be configured to draw in (or exhaust) air into the airflow manifold 210 through the air inlet arrangement 213, as wellas channel or drive the air through the airflow conduit 211 for the air to exit via the air outlet arrangement 216 of the airflow manifold 210.[000121] For instance, with reference to FIG. 2C, the fan unit 220 may be positioned proximal or near to the air inlet arrangement 213 (e g. the air inlet port) of the airflow manifold 210. More specifically, the fan unit 220 may be disposed at or proximal to the bottom end of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210, with the exhaust section of the fan unit 220 fluidly connected to and / or directed towards the air inlet arrangement 213. According to various embodiments, the intake section of the fan unit 220, opposite the exhaust section, may face away from the air inlet arrangement 213.[000122] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2A, the airgeneration apparatus 200 may include (e.g. further include) a supplemental housing 230 adapted to accommodate and / or house the fan unit 220 and / or one or more other components of the air-generation apparatus 200. With reference to FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments, the supplemental housing 230 may have an elongate and / or tubular or cylindrical shape. Further, the supplemental housing 230 may be linear (e.g. along a vertical axis). More specifically, a hole axis of the intake opening 231 of the supplemental housing 230 may be aligned and / or coinciding with a hole axis of the exhaust opening 232 of the supplemental housing 230, forming a direct air path In particular, the supplemental housing 230 may act as a fan shroud or duct capable of guiding or directing air from its air intake opening 231 to its exhaust opening 232.[000123] With reference to FIG. 2C, the fan unit 220 may be disposed within the supplemental housing 230, between the intake opening 231 and the exhaust opening 232. The supplemental housing 230 may be placed upstream of the air inlet arrangement 213 of the airflow manifold 210, with its exhaust opening 232 fluidly coupled to and / or aligned with the air inlet arrangement 213 of the airflow manifold 210. Specifically, the supplemental housing 230 may be connected or adjoined to the airflow manifold 210, such that its internal passage converges (or meets) with the airflow conduit 211 of the airflow manifold 210 (e.g. at or proximal to the air inlet arrangement 213), forming a junction (e.g. a “Y” or substantially “Y”-shaped junction) with the airflow conduit 211 at or proximal to the air inlet arrangement 213.[000124] As shown in FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments, with the airflow manifold 210 coupled to the chair 290, the intake opening 231 of the supplemental housing 230 may be oriented or facing downward. Furthermore, the intake opening 231may be, but is not limited to being, positioned on a same reference plane (e.g. horizontal reference plane) as the seat portion 293 (e.g. seat or seat pan) of the chair 290, or it may be situated lower than the seat portion 293. Thus, when the fan unit 220 is operated, it may draw ambient air (e.g. from beneath and / or behind the chair 290) in an upward direction into the supplemental housing 230, then move (e.g. drive or direct) the air into the airflow manifold 210 through the air inlet arrangement 213 and out through its air outlet arrangement 216. Thus, in various embodiments, the air intake direction of the air-generation apparatus 200 may differ from one or more or all air output directions (e.g. at least along the left and / or right side(s) of the airflow manifold 210). Specifically, according to various embodiments, the air intake direction of the air-generation apparatus 200 may be non-parallel (e.g. perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) to one or more or all of the air output directions, particularly along the left and / or right side(s) sides of the airflow manifold 210.[000125] With reference to FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments, the fan unit 220 and / or the supplemental housing 230 may be aligned or substantially aligned (e.g. vertically aligned or substantially vertically aligned) with an upper or topmost end of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210. According to various embodiments, this configuration may enhance stability and structural support when the airflow manifold 210 is coupled to the chair 290. For instance, by positioning the fan unit 220 vertically along the upper end of the airflow manifold 210, the overall weight of the air-generation apparatus 200 may be evenly distributed, reducing risk of tilting or imbalance. Additionally, positioning the fan in this arrangement may reduce transmission of vibrations through the chair frame, as the alignment along the airflow manifold 210’s vertical axis may minimize lateral shifts during fan operation. According to various embodiments, this may also help maintain stable airflow, while enhancing user comfort.[000126] Additionally, according to various embodiments, one or more intermediate segments of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210, located between the upper end and the bottom end of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 may be offset (e g. offset forward) from the supplemental housing 230 and / or the upper end of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210. For example, according to various embodiments, intermediate segment(s) of the looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 may be positioned forward relative to the supplemental housing 230 and / or the upper end of the looped-shapedairflow manifold 210 (e.g. following a contour of the border of the backrest 291 of the chair 290).[000127] According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 and / or the supplemental housing 230 may be symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about an axis of symmetry (e.g. extending centrally and vertically thereof), with a left portion thereof being symmetrical or substantially symmetrical to a right portion thereof According to various embodiments, when the airflow manifold 210 is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about the axis of symmetry, the air inlet arrangement 213 and / or the air outlet arrangement 216 may also be symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about the axis of symmetry.[000128] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 200 may, similar to the air-generation apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, include (e g. further include) a controller (e.g. similar or identical to the temperature controller 170, as previously described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C) configured to control the fan unit 220.[000129] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 200 may, similar to the air-generation apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, include (e g. further and / or optionally include) a temperature sensor (e g similar or identical to the temperature sensor 160, as previously described with reference to FIG. 1 A to FIG. 1C). In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the fan unit 220 based on a temperature measurement obtained from the temperature sensor.[000130] As an illustration, according to various embodiments, the temperature sensor may be disposed at the backrest 291 of the chair 290 (e.g. under a backrest cover, embedded within a backrest cushion, or along a mesh that serves as the backrest 291) to monitor a temperature of the backrest 291. It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the temperature sensor may be disposed at another support surface of the chair 290 for supporting the user, such as at the seat portion 293 of the chair 290 for monitoring a temperature of the seat portion 293.[000131] As another illustration, according to various embodiments, the temperature sensor may be arranged to monitor a temperature of a surrounding environment or the ambient air. For instance, the temperature sensor may be coupled to an external surface of the chair 290 other than the support surface(s) (e.g. of the seat 293, backrest 291, etc. of the chair 290) for supporting the user. According to various embodiments, thetemperature sensor may be disposed upstream and / or proximal to or at the exhaust section of the fan unit 220 or the exhaust opening 232 of the supplemental housing 230. According to various embodiments, the temperature sensor may be disposed within the supplemental housing 230 for monitoring a temperature of the air before it enters the airflow manifold 210.[000132] As yet another illustration, according to various embodiments, the temperature sensor may be positioned to monitor a temperature of the air within the airflow conduit 211 before it is delivered to the user via the air outlet arrangement 216 of the airflow manifold 210. For instance, the temperature sensor may be disposed within the airflow conduit 211 of the airflow manifold 210.[000133] According to various embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 (e g. at least its body and / or its various other component(s)), or at least an outer or exterior surface of the airflow manifold 210, may include or may be composed of a non-thermally conductive and / or heat resistant material or material composite (e.g. carbon fibre, fiberglass, non-thermally conductive and / or heat resistant polymer or plastic such as Polypropylene or Polycarbonate, etc.).[000134] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 200 may include a plurality of temperature sensors which may be disposed at various locations (e.g. the backrest 291 of the chair 290, seat 293 of the chair 290, an external surface of the chair 290, and / or within the airflow conduit 211 of the airflow manifold 210). In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to obtain the temperature measurements from the plurality of temperature sensors, and may be configured to process these data (or information) for controlling the fan unit 220, controlling a heating element, and / or controlling a cooling element (described below).[000135] According to various embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine that the temperature measurement (or reading) of the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. an upper temperature range), and may further be configured to increase the fan speed of the fan unit 220 to provide more cooling based on this determination. According to various embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine that the temperature measurement (or reading) of the temperature sensor is below a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e g. a lower temperature range), andmay further be configured to reduce the fan speed or switch off the fan unit 220 based on this other determination to maintain the user’s comfort.[000136] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 200 may, similar to the air-generation apparatus 100 of FIG 1 A to FIG 1 C, include (e g. further and / or optionally include) a heating element (e.g. similar or identical to the heating element 181 , as previously described with reference to FIG. 1 A to FIG. 1 C) to heat the air. As an example, according to various embodiments, the heating element may be disposed within the supplemental housing 2 0 and / or within the airflow manifold 210 (or within the airflow conduit 211). According to various embodiments, when the airgeneration apparatus 200 includes the heating element, the controller may be configured (e g. further configured) to control the heating element based on the temperature measurement obtained from the temperature sensor. For instance, according to various embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine that the temperature measurement (or reading) of the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. an upper temperature range), and may further be configured to switch off or modulate (e.g. reduce a heating intensity or effect of) the heating element based on this determination. According to various embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine that the temperature measurement (or reading) of the temperature sensor is below a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. a lower temperature range), and may further be configured to operate (e.g. instruct and / or control) the heating element to heat the air (e.g. to a predetermined temperature or an upper temperature range) based on this other determination to maintain the user’s comfort[000137] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 200 may, similar to the air-generation apparatus 100 of FIG 1 A to FIG 1 C, include (e g. further and / or optionally include) a cooling element (e.g. similar or identical to the cooling element 182, as previously described with reference to FIG. lAto FIG. 1C) to cool the air. As an example, according to various embodiments, the cooling element may be disposed within the supplemental housing 230 and / or within the airflow manifold 210 (e g along the airflow conduit 211). According to various embodiments, when the airgeneration apparatus 200 includes the cooling element, the controller may beconfigured (e.g. further configured) to control the cooling element based on the temperature measurement obtained from the temperature sensor. For instance, according to various embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine that the temperature measurement (or reading) of the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. an upper temperature range), and may further be configured to operate (e.g. instruct and / or control) the cooling element to cool the air (e.g. to a predetermined temperature or a lower temperature range) based on this determination. According to various embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine that the temperature measurement (or reading) of the temperature sensor is below a predetermined threshold (e.g. room temperature, or 30°C) or falls within a predetermined temperature range (e.g. a lower temperature range), and may further be configured to switch off or modulate (e.g. reduce a cooling intensity or effect of) the cooling element based on this other determination to maintain the user’s comfort.[0001381 According to various embodiments, when the air-generation apparatus 200 includes both the heating element and the cooling element, the heating element and the cooling element may be thermally isolated from each other. For example, a thermally insulative member, heat shield, or thermal liner (e g. composed of a thermally insulated material or material composite) may be disposed between the heating element and the cooling element, thereby serving as a thermal insulator between them. As another example, the heating element and the cooling element may be arranged sequentially (or in sequence) along the airflow pathway (i.e. between the intake opening 231 of the supplemental housing 230 and the air outlet arrangement 216 of the airflow manifold 210).[000139] With reference to FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments, the airgeneration apparatus 200 may include (e.g. further include) a power supply unit 171 configured to supply power to one or more electronic components of the air-generation apparatus 200. For instance, the power supply unit 171 may be configured to supply power to the fan unit 220, the controller, the heating element, the cooling element, and / or the temperature sensor. According to various embodiments, the power supply unit 171 may draw power from a mains supply. For instance, the power supply unit 171 may include a power supply interface configured to be connectable to the mains supply for drawing power. As an example, shown in FIG. 2A, the power supply unit 171 and / orits power supply interface may be disposed at a bottom end region of the air-generation apparatus 200. For instance, the power supply unit 171 may be disposed within the supplementary housing, with its power supply interface being accessible from an outer surface of the supplemental housing 230 (e g. the power supply interface may be exposed and / or accessible from a bottom or a side opening of the supplementary housing). As some non-limiting examples, the power supply unit 171 may include (e g. further and / or optionally include) a battery, a rechargeable power source, a replaceable power source, etc., or any other power source, which may be housed within the supplemental housing 230 (e.g. within a designated chamber or compartment of the supplemental housing 230) or coupled to the supplemental housing 230 or to the airflow manifold 210.[000140] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 200 and the chair 290 may together form or be part of a chair system 2000. Accordingly, the chair system 2000 may include any one or more or all features of the air-generation apparatus 200 and / or any one or more or all features of the chair 290.[000141] According to various embodiments, the air-generation apparatus 200 may be configured as a modular sub-unit of the chair system 2000. For instance, the airgeneration apparatus 200 may be detachably or removably coupled to the chair 290, or it may be selectively secured (e.g. permanently secured) or affixed to the chair 290.[000142] According to various embodiments, the chair 290 may include a backrest mounting frame 292 configured for placing and supporting a backrest 291 (e.g. a cushion or mesh backrest 291) mounted to the backrest mounting frame 292. In particular, the backrest mounting frame 292 may define a backrest-positioning zone (e.g. a reference plane) at a central or middle region of the backrest mounting frame 292 for positioning the backrest 291.[000143] According to various embodiments, the chair 290 of the chair system 2000 may further include the backrest 291 coupled (e g. removably coupled) or mounted to the backrest mounting frame 292. In this arrangement, the backrest 291 may be at the backrest-positioning zone.[000144] According to various embodiments, within the chair system 2000, the airflow manifold 210 may be coupled to the backrest mounting frame 292 such that the air outlet arrangement 216 of the airflow manifold 210 may be configured to direct at least a portion of the air exiting therefrom to flow over the backrest-positioning zoneor the backrest 291 (i.e. when the backrest 291 is mounted to the backrest mounting frame 292) to regulate a temperature of (e.g. cool or heat) at least one region of the backrest-positioning zone or the backrest 291. For instance, the air outlet arrangement 216 (or the plurality of air outlet ports) may be arranged in the earlier described looped-shaped airflow manifold 210 around and / or surrounding the backrest-positioning zone or the backrest 291 (e g. with one or more air outlet ports directed to converge towards a central region or zone of the support surface of the backrest -positioning zone or the backrest 291).[000145] It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the airflow manifold 210 may include at least one air outlet port at the bottom end region (or lower or bottom end) of the airflow manifold 210 (e.g. looped-shaped airflow manifold 210) configured to or capable of directing or outputting air in a direction towards the seat portion 293 of the chair 290. For instance, at least one air outlet port at the bottom end region of the airflow manifold 210 may be aligned or substantially aligned (e.g. horizontally aligned) with or higher than the support surface (e.g. upper surface) of the seat portion 293 of the chair 290 and / or may selectively direct air in an air output direction parallel or substantially parallel to the support surface (e.g. upper surface) of the seat portion 293 (in other words, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the backrest-positioning zone). According to various embodiments, this at least one air outlet port at the bottom end region of the airflow manifold 210 may be, but is not limited to being, opposite the air inlet arrangement 213.[000146J According to various embodiments, when the air outlet arrangement 216 includes at least one air outlet port at the upper end region of the airflow manifold 210, this at least one air outlet port may be, but is not limited to being, aligned or substantially aligned with the user’s neck (e.g. when the user is seated on the chair 290). According to various embodiments, this at least one air outlet port may be configured to direct or output air (e.g. selectively) in a direction towards the user’s neck (e.g. perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) to the backrest-positioning zone. According to various embodiments, directing air onto the user’s neck may have a pronounced effect on adjusting the user’s body temperature.[000147] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modification, variation in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. An air-generation apparatus for a chair comprising:an airflow manifold couplable to the chair, the airflow manifold comprising an air inlet arrangement for air to enter, an air outlet arrangement for the air to exit, and an airflow conduit to guide the air to flow within the airflow manifold from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement;a fan unit coupled to the airflow manifold, the fan unit operable to direct the air to enter the air inlet arrangement of the airflow manifold for the air to flow along the airflow conduit and exit via the air outlet arrangement;wherein the airflow manifold is couplable to the chair in a manner so as to direct at least a portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement of the airflow manifold to flow over a backrest of the chair.

2. The air-generation apparatus of claim 1,wherein the airflow manifold is couplable to the chair in a manner so as to direct at least the portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement in a direction non-perpendicular to a region of the backrest of the chair at which the air outlet arrangement is located.

3. The air-generation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a fan housing that houses the fan unit, the fan housing comprising an intake opening for the fan to draw the air into the fan housing and an exhaust opening for the air to exit the fan housing, wherein the exhaust opening of the fan housing is fluidly coupled to the air inlet arrangement of the airflow manifold.

4. The air-generation apparatus of claim 1,wherein the air outlet arrangement of the airflow manifold is disposed along the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold, wherein the airflow manifold is couplable to the chair such that the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold runs alongside a border of the backrest of the chair.

5. The air-generation apparatus of claim 4,wherein the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold forms a loop shape and defines a central opening for exposing the backrest of the chair.

6. The air-generation apparatus of claim 4,wherein the air outlet arrangement comprises a plurality of air outlet ports disposed along the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold.

7. The air-generation apparatus of claim 6,wherein at least a pair of the plurality of air outlet ports are opposite each other along the airflow conduit of the airflow conduit forming the loop shape.

8. The air-generation apparatus of claim 6,wherein the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold comprises a plurality of tubular segments coupled end-to-end, each tubular segment defining a portion of the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold,wherein each tubular segment comprises at least one corresponding air outlet port,wherein each tubular segment is independently rotatable about a tubular axis of said tubular segment, with respect to an adjacent tubular segment, for adjusting an air output direction of the at least one corresponding air output port of said tubular segment.

9. The air-generation apparatus of claim 4,wherein the airflow manifold comprises at least one baffle within the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold.

10. The air-generation apparatus of claim 4,wherein the airflow manifold comprises a baffle arrangement within the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold, the baffle arrangement comprising at least one baffle plate oriented non-parallel to an airflow direction along the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold11. The air-generation apparatus of claim 10,wherein the baffle arrangement is configured to channel the air within the airflow conduit to exit through the plurality of air outlet ports of the air outlet arrangement12 The air-generation apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a temperature sensor; anda controller configured to control the fan unit based on a temperature reading by the temperature sensor.13 The air-generation apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:a heating element configured to heat the air,wherein the controller is further configured to operate the heating element based on the temperature reading by the temperature sensor.

14. The air-generation apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:a cooling element configured to cool the air,wherein the controller is further configured to operate the cooling element based on the temperature reading by the temperature sensor.

15. A chair comprising:a backrest mounting frame for supporting a backrest mounted to the backrest mounting frame;an air-generating device comprisingan airflow manifold coupled to the backrest mounting frame, the airflow manifold comprising an air inlet arrangement for air to enter, an air outlet arrangement for the air to exit, and an airflow conduit to guide the air to flow within the airflow manifold from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement,a fan unit coupled to the airflow manifold, the fan unit being operable to direct the air to enter the air inlet arrangement of the airflow manifold for the air to flow along the airflow conduit and exit via the air outlet arrangement, andwherein the airflow manifold is coupled to the backrest mounting frame in a manner so as to direct at least a portion of the air exiting the air outlet arrangement of the airflow manifold to flow over the backrest when the backrest is mounted to the backrest mounting frame.16 The chair of claim 15,wherein the air output arrangement of the backrest airflow manifold comprises at least one air outlet port oriented to direct air exiting therefrom to flow in a direction non-perpendicular to at least a region of the backrest.

17. The chair of claim 15,wherein the airflow manifold is coupled to the chair such that the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold runs alongside a border of the backrest.

18. The chair of claim 17,wherein the airflow conduit of the airflow manifold forms a loop shape and defines a central opening for exposing the backrest.

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