Directional airflow fan assembly

Abstract

A directional airflow fan assembly that includes a housing with a first and second fan assembly housed therein and that includes two curved housing surfaces specially placed on adjacent sides of two emission apertures configured to each enable airflow through said apertures from one of the fan assemblies without rotation of the housing and utilizing a fan wheel member for each fan assembly that is angled particularly or utilizes a directional flow member to cause the airflow generated by each of the fan assemblies to pass over the front wall of the housing and, using the Coandă effect, cause transportation of the airflow around the housing, again, without rotation of the housing.

Description

[0001] Docket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0002] DIRECTIONAL AIRFLOW FAN ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to fan assemblies and, more specifically, to fan assemblies operably configured, namely with the shape of the housing and airflow emission angle and configuration, to generate airflows in different directions.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Fan assemblies are widely utilized by many users throughout the world. Many users desire air generated by said fan assemblies to be circulated or pushed in multiple directions for the purposes of efficiency and effectiveness. Most known fan assemblies generate this directional variance by utilizing motors, gears, actuators, and other similar devices to control the overall rotation of the entire housing of the fan assembly generating the airflow . This often leads to a fan assembly that can be costly and prone to mechanical and electrical failure, particular has it relates to portable fan assemblies.

[0006] The Coanda effect is the tendency of a fluid, in particular air, to follow a contour of a curved surface when being transported, rather than following a straight path. This is principally due to a pressure difference that is generated by the faster-moving airflow that creates a lower pressure in its path of transportation when compared to the comparatively lower ambient pressure, thereby pulling or entraining the surrounding ambient air.

[0007] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above, namely to provide a portable fan assembly operably configured to efficiently and effectively generate directional airflow with minimal, if any, movement of the housing of the fan assembly.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention provides a directional airflow fan assembly that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that utilizes the curvature of the housing proximal to the emission port of one or more wheel blower assemblies housed therein.

[0010] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a directional airflow fan assembly having a housing having a bottom surface, having an upper surface opposing the bottomDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0011] surface, defining a housing height separating the upper and bottom surfaces, having two opposing sidewalls, a front wall interposed between the two opposing sidewalls and defining a first emission aperture and a second emission aperture, with a first curved surface interposed between the first emission aperture and one of the two opposing sidewalls, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and proximal to the first emission aperture, with a second curved surface interposed between the second emission aperture and another of the two opposing sidewalls, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and proximal to the second emission aperture, and defining a housing cavity. The assembly also includes a first fan assembly disposed in the housing cavity, having at least one fan motor, having a fan housing with a fan wheel member disposed therein and operably coupled to the at least one fan motor in the first fan assembly, and operably configured to generate and emit an airflow through an outlet defined by the fan housing and through the first emission aperture. Furthermore, the assembly includes a second fan assembly disposed in the housing cavity, having at least one fan motor, having a fan housing with a fan wheel member disposed therein and operably coupled to the at least one fan motor in the second fan assembly, and operably configured to generate and emit an airflow through an outlet defined by the fan housing and through the second emission aperture, wherein the first and second emission apertures are at least partially facing toward one another. Additionally, the assembly includes at least one electronic controller communicatively coupled to the fan motors in the first and second fan assemblies and operably configured to cause independent rotation of the fan wheel member in the first fan assembly to generate and emit the airflow through the first emission aperture in a direction toward and around the second curved surface without rotational movement of the housing and the fan wheel member in the second fan assembly to generate and emit the airflow through the second emission aperture in a direction toward and around the second curved surface without rotational movement of the housing.

[0012] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the at least one electronic controller is operably configured to cause rotation of both the fan wheel member in the first fan assembly and the fan wheel member in the second fan assembly to generate a simultaneous an air vector range of at least 200°.

[0013] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and operably coupled to the at least one fan motor in the first fan assembly and includes a first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and operably coupled to the at least one fan motor in the second fan assembly, wherein the first wheel member in the first fan assembly is vertically offset from the second wheel member in the second fan assembly and the at least one electronicDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0014] controller is operably configured to cause rotation of both the first wheel member in the first fan assembly and the second wheel member in the second fan assembly to generate the simultaneous an air vector range of at least 200°.

[0015] In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a first fan motor in the first fan assembly and a third wheel member and a fourth wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a second fan motor in the first fan assembly, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration. Additionally, the assembly may include a first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a third fan motor in the second fan assembly and a third wheel member and a fourth wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a fourth fan motor in the second fan assembly, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly are disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration.

[0016] In accordance with an exemplary feature of the present invention, the at least one electronic controller is operably configured to cause rotation of one of the fan wheel members in the first fan assembly and one of the fan wheel members in the second fan assembly in a longitudinally offset height relative to the one of the fan wheel members in the first fan assembly to generate the simultaneous an air vector range of at least 200°. In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly and the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly are symmetrically disposed relative to a central airflow direction member coupled to the housing and interposed between the first and second emission apertures.

[0017] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the electronic controller is operably configured to selectively control rotation of each of the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly and the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly to generate multi -directional airflow vectors.

[0018] In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a first airflow member coupled to the housing about a first hinge member, disposed within the airflow emitted through theDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0019] first emission aperture, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and configured to rotate about an axis through the first hinge member toward the second curved surface to cause directional variance of the airflow emitted through the first emission aperture and also includes a second airflow member coupled to the housing about a second hinge member, disposed within the airflow emitted through tire second emission aperture, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and configured to rotate about an axis through the second hinge member toward the first curved surface to cause directional variance of the airflow emitted through the second emission aperture.

[0020] In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the housing having a first distal terminal edge spanning longitudinally along the housing and partially defining the first emission aperture and a second distal terminal edge spanning longitudinally along the housing and partially defining the second emission aperture, wherein the first and second emission apertures are angled toward each other.

[0021] In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the first and second emission apertures are each partially defined by a central airflow direction member interposed between the first and second emission apertures.

[0022] In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the outlet defined by the fan housing in the first fan assembly and the outlet defined by the fan housing in the second fan assembly are angled at a substantially perpendicular angle.

[0023] Also in accordance with the present invention, a directional airflow fan assembly is disclosed that includes a housing having a bottom surface, having an upper surface opposing the bottom surface, defining a housing height separating the upper and bottom surfaces, having two opposing sidewalls, a front wall interposed between the two opposing sidewalls and defining a first emission aperture and a second emission aperture, with a first curved surface interposed betw een tire first emission aperture and one of the two opposing sidewalls, spanning longitudinally along the housing height, and adjacent to the first emission aperture, with a second curved surface interposed between the second emission aperture and another of the tw o opposing sidew alls, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and adjacent to the second emission aperture, and defining a housing cavity. The assembly also includes a first fan assembly disposed in the housing cavity and that has a first wheel member in a first fan housing defining an outlet, a second wheel member in a second fan housing defining an outlet and coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to aDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0024] first fan motor in the first fan assembly and has a third wheel member in a third fan housing defining an outlet and a fourth wheel member in a fourth fan housing defining an outlet and coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a second fan motor in the first fan assembly, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly are disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration and operably configured to generate and emit an airflow through the respective outlet defined by the respective fan housing and through the first emission aperture. Additionally, the assembly includes a second fan assembly disposed in the housing cavity and has a first wheel member in a first fan housing defining an outlet, a second wheel member in a second fan housing defining an outlet and coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a first fan motor in the second fan assembly and includes a third wheel member in a third fan housing defining an outlet and a fourth wheel member in a fourth fan housing defining an outlet and coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a second fan motor in the second fan assembly, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly are disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration, operably configured to generate and emit an airflow through the respective outlet defined by the respective fan housing and through the second emission aperture, and each arc longitudinally and horizontally aligned with the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly, respectively. The assembly also includes at least one electronic controller communicatively coupled to the fan motors in the first and second fan assemblies and operably configured to cause rotation of each of the fan wheel members in the first and second fan assemblies to generate an airflow toward at least one of the first curved surface and the second curved surface without movement of the overall housing structure.

[0025] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a directional airflow fan assembly it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, w ell-know n elements of exemplary' embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or w ill be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary' of the invention, which can be embodied in various fonns. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in tire art toDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0026] variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale but, where applicable, may be utilized to support a particular structural configuration or geometric relationship between components utilized in the assembly. Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The tenns “a” or '‘an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one, wherein the utilization of “a” or “an” does not mean multiple structures with various functions may be utilized to equate to single claimed structure with claimed functionality. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. Tire tenns “including” and / or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The tenn “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing / coming into physical existence, making available, and / or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user’s perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the housing spanning from the upper end to the lower end of the housing and / or tire elongated orientation of the wheel blower assembly. Tire terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program.” “computer program,” or “softwareDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0028] application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library / dynamic load library and / or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Tire accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of a directional airflow fan assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention:

[0032] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, elevational, transparent, and schematic side view of the directional airflow fan assembly in FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, front perspective, transparent, and schematic view of the directional airflow fan assembly in FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, rear perspective, transparent, and schematic view of the directional airflow fan assembly in FIG. 1:

[0035] FIG. 5 is an overhead, cross-sectional, and schematic view of the directional airflow fan assembly in FIG. 1 with only the right fan assembly in operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an overhead, cross-sectional, and schematic view of the directional airflow fan assembly in FIG. 1 with only the left fan assembly in operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 7 is an overhead, cross-sectional, and schematic view of the directional airflow fan assembly in FIG. 1 with only the right fan assembly in operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is an overhead, cross-sectional, and schematic view of the directional airflow fan assembly in FIG. 1 with only the left fan assembly in operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;Docket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0037] FIGS. 9-10 are overhead, cross-sectional, and schematic and fragmentary, front perspective, and transparent views, respectively, of the directional airflow fan assembly in FIG. 1 with both the left and right fan assemblies in operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram depicting the exemplary electrical and communication connections on the directional airflow fan assembly.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0040] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of tire following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0041] Tire present invention provides a novel and efficient directional airflow fan assembly that is configured to generate multiple airflow configurations without movement of the housing having one or more stacked fan blower assemblies therein. More specifically, the fan assembly is configured to selectively generate airflow on each side of the housing for the fan assembly without rotational movement of the housing, thereby providing a fan assembly less conducive to operational failure and less costly to manufacture. More specifically, the airflow assembly of the present invention may be utilized outdoors or indoors, is mobile, and is also configured to generate an evaporative cooling effect. To that end, the directional airflow fan assembly may include an adjustable air director mechanism, a specially shaped housing with a curved body shape, and independent fan blowers configured to be operated to generate several airflow configurations and airflow vectors as described further herein.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an elevational front view. FIG.

[0043] 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a directional airflow fan assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a housing 102 that is preferably of a substantially rigid material, e.g., a polymeric material, that is also lightweight to make the assembly 100 portable, preferably without the use auxiliary equipment. Some examples include polypropylene, polysty rene, nylon, polycarbonate, methacrylate, aluminum, etc. The housing 102 mayDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0044] be formed with apertures for electronic displays (e.g., electronic display 103), haptic controllers, and airflow emission(s), and intake(s).

[0045] The housing 102 includes a bottom end or surface 110 that may be configured to support the housing on a ground surface (e.g., surface 105) such that the housing 102 is generally erect and substantially perpendicular with respect to said ground surface 105. The housing 102 may utilize one or more legs (e g., leg 107) offsetting the bottom surface 110 from the ground surface. Hie housing 102 also includes an upper end or surface 112 opposing the bottom surface 110 (e.g., opposite on the structure of the housing). The housing 102 also includes two opposing sides 113a-b with surfaces that may be disposed at substantially perpendicular orientation (+ / -10°) relative to tire bottom and / or upper surfaces 110, 112 and a front surface 104 proximal to the emission port on the housing 102. The housing 102 also includes a rear surface 200 (as seen in FIG. 2) opposing the front surface 104 of the housing 102. Said another way, the housing 102 may consist of a front wall defining two apertures 106, 108, two opposing sidewalls coupled to the front wall, a rear wall coupled to the two opposing sidewalls, an upper wall, and a lower wall, wherein tire term ‘wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures that are coupled together to form a substantially continuous external surface.

[0046] The housing 102 also defines a height 202 separating the bottom and upper surfaces 110, 112. Tire housing height 202 may range from 15- 182cm. The housing 102 also defines a first emission aperture 106 and a second emission aperture 108, wherein these apertures 106, 108 may be one continuous aperture, but are preferably separate apertures that are enclosed by portions of the housing 102. Tire housing 102 may beneficially include a central airflow direction member 118 that may be stationary, spans longitudinally on the housing 102, and that includes two opposing longitudinally oriented edges that may be utilized to form one side of the apertures 106, 108. In other embodiments, a distal portion of the fan motor housing may define one side of the respective aperture 106, 108. Hie central airflow direction member 118 is preferably interposed between two serially and longitudinally aligned fan motor assemblies (e.g.. left fan motor assembly 204 and right fan motor assembly 400 as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4).

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the apertures 106, 108 fonned by the housing 102 and / or the outlets on each of the housings 206a-d, 206e-n are configured and oriented such that they face or open toward each other at a substantially perpendicular (90° + / - 10°) orientation (best seen in FIGS.5-8). The apertures 106. 108 may each include a louver slat or airflow members 210, 308 disposed over said apertures 106, 108, respectively forDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0048] selectively directing airflow from the respective fan motor assembly 204, 400 without rotation of the housing 102. In preferred embodiments, the airflow members 210, 304 are electronically controlled by an electronic controller 1100 (see FIG. 1100) communicatively coupled to, for example, one or more actuator(s) 1102 coupled to the airflow members 210, 304 that may each be coupled to a hinge member. Each of the airflow members 210. 304 may be of a polymeric material similar to the housing 102, elongated, and of a single unit spanning longitudinally on the housing 102. The airflow members 210, 304 may be selectively locked from rotational movement about the hinge member (e.g., with the actuator or a locking tab) and may, in some embodiments, also be manually rotated and locked by a user. The airflow members 210, 304 may be rotationally moved to facilitate in directing airflow generated by the fan assemblies 204, 400 housed within the housing 102.

[0049] Beneficially, the front wall of the housing 102 includes a first curved surface 114 adjacent to the first emission aperture 106 and a second curved surface 116 adjacent to the second emission aperture 108, wherein (as best seen exemplified in FIGS.5-8) the curved surfaces 114, 116. Said another way, each front surface 104 flanking the two apertures 106, 108 includes a generally straight portion (with minimal bend, i.e., + / - 5mm from a straight line), a curved portion (e.g., with a radius of curvature ranging from approximately 7mm-50cm), and a generally straight portion. Stated differently, with reference to FIG. 4, the comers of the housing are substantially and continuously arcuate, and not chamfered or squared, approximately 4cm along a width and depth of the housing 102, e.g., from the axes 402, 404, on each equated comer of then housing 102. In one embodiment, the front of the housing 102 is substantially arcuate (with no straight portions in any given 2cm length that are + / - 5mm) from a distal edge (e.g., edge 306) to a midpoint on a side of the housing 102, which is approximately located at the transverse midline 504 (see FIG. 5) of the housing 102. The distal edge(s) 306 may span longitudinally, continuously, and substantially (approximately 80% or greater) the housing height 202. Said another way, the first curved surface 114 is proximal to the first emission aperture 106 and the second curved surface 116 is proximal to the second emission aperture 108, wherein proximal is defined as being at or near, within 8cm from terminal edge defining the respective aperture to effectively generate the Coanda effect described herein. With reference FIGS. 1 -2, FIG. 7, and FIG. 11 , the assembly 100 is configured to have one or more electronic controller(s) 1100 that may be powered by the same power source 1104 powering the fan motors 208a-n and other electrical devices on the assembly 100. The power source 1104 may be an 120AC power source and / or a DC power source, lire electronic controller(s) 1100 is / are communicatively coupled to the fan motors 208a-n in the respective first and second fan assemblies 204, 400 and that are operably coupled to the fan wheel(s).Docket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0050] The electronic controller(s) 1100 are configured to cause independent rotation of fan wheel(s) to generate a desired vector of airflow. Said another way, the electronic controller 1100 is configured to send a signal (programmed through the user or manually by the user) to cause the fan wheel member in the first fan assembly 204 to generate and emit the airflow through the first emission aperture 106 in a direction toward and around the second curved surface 116 without rotational movement of the housing 102 and a signal to cause the fan wheel member in the second fan assembly 400 to generate and emit the airflow through the second emission aperture 108 in a direction toward and around the second curved surface 114 without rotational movement of the housing 102.

[0051] The housing 102, namely an inner surface 500 of tire housing 102, defines a housing cavity 02 that may house and include one or more fan assemblies 204, 400 operably configured to generate airflows. In one embodiment, the housing 102 may include a plurality of fan assemblies 204, 400 disposed within the housing 102, each assembly with one or more fan housings 206a-n and one or more fan motor(s) 208a-n, wherein “n” represents any number greater than one. The motor(s) 208a-n are preferably operably coupled to one or more fan wheel members (e.g., fan wheel member 300 disposed in housing 206a). Each fan wheel member is designed to be rotatably coupled inside of each fan housing 206a-n and rotated, with a motor 208, to generate an airflow directed to and emitted from an outlet (e.g., outlet 302 that is enclosed and approximately 15cm x 8cm) that is preferably enclosed and preferable disposed at and defined by a distal end of each fan housing 206a-n. Each of the fan assemblies 204, 400 may be communicatively and / or electrically coupled to the electronic controller such that the controller can send selective and / or programmed signals to the fan assemblies 204, 400 to generate the desired airflow direction, magnitude, vector, etc. With reference to FIG. 11. the electronic controller 1100 may be an electronic control module or integrated circuit that may formed on a semiconductor material, but is an electric -based component designed to control electrical / mechanical components of the assembly 100, namely motors 208a-n, actuator 1102, a pump 210, etc. Each of the housings 206a-n may consist of walls to direct airflow generated by the housed fan wheel member. The axis of rotation for each of the fan wheel members is preferably longitudinally aligned to provide a compact and effective airflow generation system.

[0052] For example and using FIGS. 5-8 as an example, the controller may be configured to selectively and independently initiate the first fan assembly 204, namely the motor and wheel fan wheel member 300, to generate a first directional airflow 506 through the outlet 206a and first emission aperture 106. In one embodiment, the outlets of two adjacent and opposing fan housings (e.g., housings 206a, 206e) are facing one another and disposed at approximately 90° (+ / - 10°) with respect to one another. The airflow member 210 mayDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0053] be aligned with the median axis defined by the outlet 206a or approximately perpendicular to the plane defined by the distal end of the housing 206a defining the outlet 206a. Said another way, a central airflow direction member 210 causes airflow 506 at angle 508, which may be approximately 45°, as seen in FIG. 5.

[0054] As seen in FIG. 7, the airflow member 210 may be rotated or moved in an off-set alignment such that the distal end of the airflow member 210 farthest away from the outlet 206a is rotated toward the housing 102 and angled more toward the curved surface 116, thereby causing airflow 700 more tow ard the curved surface 116, around and to the side of the housing 102 without any movement of the housing 102. Tire opposing adjacent fan wheel is not activated or rotated, thereby enabling the laterally airflow depicted and described. That said, when the assemblies 204, 400 beneficially utilize a stacked dual fan wheel configuration, the assembly 100 is operable to generate a lateral airflow in both directions (as best seen in FIG. 10, whereby an upper fan wheel is utilized on one side and a lower fan wheel is utilized on an opposing side, thereby beneficially conditioning an entire room or area by simply placing the assembly 100 in a midpoint of the room and activating as depicted and described. This aforementioned directional movement of the airflow was not previously accomplished by known portable fan assemblies without rotation of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the magnitude of airflow 700 and angle of the outlet 206a and / or emission aperture 106 is sufficient cause airflow to proceed around and to the side of the housing 102 without utilization of the airflow member 210.

[0055] Similarly, the airflow member 304 may be aligned with the median axis defined by the outlet of housing or approximately perpendicular to the plane defined by the distal end of the housing 206e defining the outlet. Said another way, the central airflow direction member 304 causes airflow 600 at angle 602, which may be approximately 45°, as seen in FIG. 6. As seen in FIG. 8, the airflow member 304 may be rotated or moved in an off-set alignment such that the distal end of the airflow member 304 farthest away from the outlet is rotated toward the housing 102 and angled more toward the curved surface 114, thereby causing airflow 800 more toward the curved surface 114, around and to the side of the housing 102 without any movement of the housing 102. Again, the magnitude of airflow 800 and angle of the outlet of housing 206e and any longitudinally aligned fan housing and / or emission aperture 108 is sufficient cause airflow to proceed around and to the side of the housing 102 without utilization of the airflow member 304.

[0056] Said another way, the housing 102 is specially configured to utilize the Coanda effect, as exemplified in FIGS.

[0057] 7-8. Therefore, the assembly 100 is configured to generate a wide degree of airflow range (greater than 200°), achieved through a combination of the housing 102 body shape and independent blower control as exemplifiedDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0058] in FIG. 9 and without any articulation or rotational movement of the housing 102. In particular, the assembly 100 may utilize in each fan assembly 204, 400 tw o fan wheels in separate housings operably coupled to a first motor (e.g., motor 208a) and configured for concentric rotation by the motor 208a and two more fan wheels in separate housings operably coupled to a second motor (e.g., motor 208b) that may be also rotated about an axis concentric to the rotation of the first motor, wherein the controller is operably configured to send a signal to either motor individually or both motors to initiate an increased airflow' in a particular direction or airflow in one direction with the first motor 208a and an airflow' in an opposite direction by an opposing and longitudinally offset motor and operably coupled fan wheel. As such, the assembly is configured to generate an airflow angle of approximately 200 without rotation of tire housing 102 and tire assembly 100 can selectively control the rotation of one or more fan wheel members, electronically with the electronic controller 1100, and tire airflow vectors and oscillation generated by the assembly 100 without mechanical movement of the housing 102. Each of the fan assemblies 204, 400 may each include wheel fan blade members disposed in a stacked or pillar configuration, w'herein the fan assemblies 204, 400 are configured to operate such that a lower wheel fan blade(s) on one side of tire housing 102 can generate an airflow and an upper wheel fan blade(s) on an opposite side of the housing 102 to generate an airflow in an opposite direction (as exemplified in FIG. 9).

[0059] The one or more fan motors 208a-n may each have a spindle or axis on one or both sides operably configured to provide independent rotation of a connected fan w heel member. Other power transfer components and parts, e.g., linkages, gears, etc., may be utilized to effectively transfer mechanical work generated from motor to the fan wheel members. Each end of the fan wheel member may be rotationally coupled to the motor or fan housing 208a-n, using, for example, a bearing enabling the reduction of frictional losses. In other embodiments, the wheel members may be structurally unattached and uncoupled to the fan housing to w hich it sits inside and / or the housing 102 itself may form the fan housing as a monolithic or unitary piece of material . In one embodiment, the coupling configuration between the fan motor and an operably coupled wheel member may include a shaft sized and shape to be inserted into a shaft channel defined on the bottom end of the wheel member. The coupling configuration between the fan motor and wheel member may also be a tongue-and-groove configuration or other configuration enabling rotation of the fan wheel member.

[0060] Therefore, the assembly 100 of the present invention is operably configured to generate airflows in a variety of different directions and in larger rooms / spaces. Further, by using the movable airflow members 210, 304 on each sides of the housing 102, a user may not need to utilize any electronic controller to generate the desired airflow direction(s).Docket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1

[0061] With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the assembly 100 utilizes a water tank with a pump 210 operably connected thereto. The pump 210 may be communicatively coupled to the electronic controller 1100 and operably configured to pump a liquid from tire water tank to one or more nozzle(s) configured to emit liquid (e.g., water) housed in the water tank in front of the first and / or second emission aperture(s) 106, 108 and / or the outlets for the housings 206a-n. As seen in FIG. 11. the dashed lines schematically indicate communication connections (e.g.. wired or wireless), electrical connections (wired, inductive, etc.), and / or fluid connections (e.g., conduit between the pump, water tank, and nozzles).

[0062] Although a specific order of utilizing the assembly has been described and depicted, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order described or shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps described or shown as occurring in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can be combined into a single process.

[0063] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.

Claims

Docket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A directional airflow fan assembly comprising:a housing having a bottom surface, having an upper surface opposing the bottom surface, defining a housing height separating the upper and bottom surfaces, having two opposing sidewalls, a front wall interposed between the two opposing sidewalls and defining a first emission aperture and a second emission aperture, with a first curved surface interposed between the first emission aperture and one of the two opposing sidewalls, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and proximal to the first emission aperture, with a second curved surface interposed between the second emission aperture and another of the two opposing sidewalls, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and proximal to the second emission aperture, and defining a housing cavity;a first fan assembly disposed in the housing cavity, having at least one fan motor, having a fan housing with a fan wheel member disposed therein and operably coupled to the at least one fan motor in tire first fan assembly, and operably configured to generate and emit an airflow through an outlet defined by the fan housing and through the first emission aperture;a second fan assembly disposed in the housing cavity, having at least one fan motor, having a fan housing with a fan wheel member disposed therein and operably coupled to the at least one fan motor in the second fan assembly, and operably configured to generate and emit an airflow through an outlet defined by the fan housing and through tire second emission aperture, wherein the first and second emission apertures are at least partially facing toward one another; andat least one electronic controller communicatively coupled to the fan motors in the first and second fan assemblies and operably configured to cause independent rotation of:the fan wheel member in the first fan assembly to generate and emit the airflow through the first emission aperture in a direction toward and around the second curved surface without rotational movement of the housing; andDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1the fan wheel member in the second fan assembly to generate and emit the airflow through the second emission aperture in a direction toward and around the second curved surface without rotational movement of the housing.

2. Tire directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic controller is operably configured to cause rotation of both the fan wheel member in the first fan assembly and the fan wheel member in the second fan assembly to generate a simultaneous an air vector range of at least 200°.

3. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 2, further comprising:a first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and operably coupled to the at least one fan motor in the first fan assembly; anda first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and operably coupled to the at least one fan motor in the second fan assembly, wherein the first wheel member in the first fan assembly is vertically offset from the second wheel member in the second fan assembly and the at least one electronic controller is operably configured to cause rotation of both the first wheel member in the first fan assembly and the second wheel member in the second fan assembly to generate the simultaneous an air vector range of at least 200°.

4. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 2, further comprising:a first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a first fan motor in the first fan assembly and a third wheel member and a fourth wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a second fan motor in the first fan assembly, the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration; andDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1a first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a third fan motor in the second fan assembly and a third wheel member and a fourth wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a fourth fan motor in the second fan assembly, the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration.

5. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 4. wherein the at least one electronic controller is operably configured to cause rotation of one of the fan wheel members in the first fan assembly and one of the fan wheel members in the second fan assembly in a longitudinally offset height relative to the one of the fan wheel members in the first fan assembly to generate the simultaneous an air vector range of at least 200°.

6. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly and the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly are symmetrically disposed relative to a central airflow direction member coupled to the housing and interposed between the first and second emission apertures.

7. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:a first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a first fan motor in the first fan assembly and a third wheel member and a fourth wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a second fan motor in the first fan assembly, the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration; anda first wheel member and a second wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a third fan motor in the second fan assembly and a third wheel member and a fourth wheel member coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fanDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1assembly and both operably coupled to a fourth fan motor in the second fan assembly, the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration.

8. Tire directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 7, wherein the electronic controller is operably configured to selectively control rotation of each of the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly and the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly to generate multi -directional airflow vectors.

9. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:a first airflow member coupled to tire housing about a first hinge member, disposed within the airflow emitted through the first emission aperture, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and configured to rotate about an axis through the first hinge member toward the second curved surface to cause directional variance of the airflow emitted through the first emission aperture; anda second airflow member coupled to the housing about a second hinge member, disposed within the airflow emitted through the second emission aperture, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and configured to rotate about an axis through the second hinge member toward the first curved surface to cause directional variance of the airflow emitted through the second emission aperture.

10. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises: a first distal terminal edge spanning longitudinally along the housing and partially defining the first emission aperture; anda second distal terminal edge spanning longitudinally along the housing and partially defining the second emission aperture, wherein the first and second emission apertures are angled toward each other.Docket No. CLEVA 26 PCT111. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first and second emission apertures are each partially defined by a central airflow direction member interposed between the first and second emission apertures.

12. Tire directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 11, wherein tire outlet defined by the fan housing in the first fan assembly and the outlet defined by the fan housing in the second fan assembly are angled at a substantially perpendicular angle.

13. A directional airflow fan assembly comprising:a housing having a bottom surface, having an upper surface opposing the bottom surface, defining a housing height separating the upper and bottom surfaces, having two opposing sidewalls, a front wall interposed between the two opposing sidewalls and defining a first emission aperture and a second emission aperture, with a first curved surface interposed between the first emission aperture and one of the tw o opposing sidewalls, spanning longitudinally along tire housing height, and adjacent to the first emission aperture, with a second curved surface interposed between the second emission aperture and another of the two opposing sidewalls, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and adjacent to the second emission aperture, and defining a housing cavity;a first fan assembly disposed in the housing cavity and having:a first wheel member in a first fan housing defining an outlet, a second wheel member in a second fan housing defining an outlet and coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a first fan motor in the first fan assembly; and a third wheel member in a third fan housing defining an outlet and a fourth wheel member in a fourth fan housing defining an outlet and coupled together in a stacked configuration in the first fan assembly and both operably coupled to a second fan motor in the first fan assembly, the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration and operably configured to generate and emit an airflowDocket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1through the respective outlet defined by the respective fan housing and through the first emission aperture;a second fan assembly disposed in tire housing cavity and having:a first wheel member in a first fan housing defining an outlet, a second wheel member in a second fan housing defining an outlet and coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a first fan motor in the second fan assembly; anda third wheel member in a third fan housing defining an outlet and a fourth wheel member in a fourth fan housing defining an outlet and coupled together in a stacked configuration in the second fan assembly and both operably coupled to a second fan motor in the second fan assembly, the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly disposed in a concentrically aligned configuration, operably configured to generate and emit an airflow through the respective outlet defined by the respective fan housing and through the second emission aperture, and each longitudinally and horizontally aligned with the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly; andat least one electronic controller communicatively coupled to the fan motors in the first and second fan assemblies and operably configured to cause rotation of each of the fan wheel members in the first and second fan assemblies to generate an airflow toward at least one of the first curved surface and the second curved surface without movement of the housing.

14. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 13, wherein the electronic controller is operably configured to selectively and independently control rotation of each of the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the first fan assembly and the first, second, third, and fourth wheel members in the second fan assembly to generate multi-directional airflow vectors.

15. Tire directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 13, further comprising:Docket No. CLEVA 26 PCT1a first airflow member coupled to the housing about a first hinge member, disposed within the airflow emitted through the first emission aperture, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and configured to rotate about an axis through the first hinge member toward the second curved surface to cause directional variance of the airflow emitted through the first emission aperture; anda second airflow member coupled to the housing about a second hinge member, disposed within the airflow emitted through the second emission aperture, spanning longitudinally along the housing, and configured to rotate about an axis through the second hinge member toward the first curved surface to cause directional variance of the airflow emitted through the second emission aperture.

16. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises: a first distal terminal edge spanning longitudinally along the housing and partially defining the first emission aperture; anda second distal terminal edge spanning longitudinally along the housing and partially defining the second emission aperture, wherein the first and second emission apertures are angled toward each other.

17. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first and second emission apertures are each partially defined by a central airflow direction member interposed between the first and second emission apertures.

18. The directional airflow fan assembly according to claim 11. wherein the outlets defined by the fan housings in the first fan assembly and the outlets defined by the fan housings in the second fan assembly are angled at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to one another.

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