Air Moving Device with Bypass Intake for Low-Power Destratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air moving devices have high power requirements for a given thrust or generate low thrust for a given power input, necessitating improvements in efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a primary and secondary flow path, where the secondary flow path creates a low-pressure region that induces air to flow through the primary path, enhancing mixing and thrust generation, utilizing an impeller assembly and longitudinal stator vanes and ribs to optimize airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional air moving device uses a single flow path design, then the structure is simple, but the power consumption is high for a given thrust
Solution Approach 1:
The air moving device is divided into two separate flow paths: a primary flow path for main air intake and a secondary flow path for bypass air intake. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path, reducing overall power consumption while managing structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A mixing section is introduced as an intermediary component between the primary and secondary flow paths. This mixing section allows the two air streams to combine and mix before exiting, creating a more efficient thrust generation mechanism that reduces power consumption without requiring complete structural redesign
2Force
If the housing cross-sectional area is increased to improve thrust, then the thrust increases, but the device size and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the axial dimension by extending the housing length to accommodate the secondary flow path and mixing section. This allows thrust enhancement through extended airflow path rather than simply increasing the radial cross-sectional area, thereby improving thrust without proportionally increasing overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary flow path is nested within the overall housing structure, with the bypass inlet positioned on the housing exterior and the flow path routed through the housing wall. This nesting approach allows the secondary flow path to occupy space that would otherwise be structural, enhancing thrust generation without significantly increasing external dimensions
3Productivity
If the secondary flow path is positioned closer to the primary flow path, then the mixing efficiency improves, but the risk of flow interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing section is designed with a sufficient axial length to ensure continuous and complete mixing of the primary and secondary air streams before they reach the exit. This continuous mixing action maintains flow stability while achieving high mixing efficiency, preventing flow interference issues that would arise from premature mixing
Solution Approach 2:
The housing cross-sectional area is increased specifically in the region where the secondary flow path is positioned, creating a localized expansion that accommodates the bypass flow without interfering with the primary flow path. This local quality change allows the secondary flow path to be positioned closer to the primary path for better mixing while maintaining flow stability through increased local volume
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces power consumption while increasing thrust, achieving more efficient air movement and destratification of thermal gradients within enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
the impeller assembly is configured to rotate a blade to cause air to enter the housing through the primary inlet and flow along the primary flow path
Implementation Method 2
the secondary flow path creates a low-pressure region that induces air to flow through the primary path, enhancing mixing and thrust generation
Data Source
AI summary
An air moving device has a housing with a primary flow path and a secondary flow path that extends from a secondary inlet of the housing and empties into an inner outlet adjacent the primary flow path. An impeller assembly rotates a blade to cause air to enter the housing and flow along the primary flow path. The flow of air through the primary flow path creates a low pressure region at the inner outlet of the secondary flow path, causing air to flow through the secondary flow path and mix with the air in the primary flow path. The mixture of air flows through a downstream portion of the primary flow path having an expanded width compared to an upstream portion of the primary flow path and exits the housing. Stator vanes may extend longitudinally within the housing to cause columnar air flow. The device may be used for destratification of thermal gradients of air within an enclosure, such as a home or warehouse.