Articulated Air Outlet Fan for Blade-Free Airflow Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fans often obstruct the ambient air flow with visible blades or require complex repositioning to adjust airflow direction, limiting their usability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A fan design featuring a portable, free-standing base with a support member and an air outlet positioned above the base, utilizing a redirecting element and adjustable arms to guide airflow, allowing for high-velocity jet formation and redirection without moving the fan, and incorporating moveable control members to reshape airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visible blades are used to move air, then air movement function is achieved, but aesthetics and visual obstruction are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional visible fan blades from the exterior view by enclosing them within a housing. The air moving member is extracted from direct visual exposure while maintaining its air-moving function through the outlet, resolving the contradiction between functional visibility and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a housing structure that encloses the air moving member, creating a sleek external appearance. The housing acts as a protective shell that hides the mechanical components while allowing air to pass through controlled outlets, thus improving aesthetics without compromising function.
2Ease of operation
If the fan base is moved to adjust airflow direction, then airflow direction is changed, but convenience and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable arms with articulation joints that allow the air outlet to be dynamically repositioned without moving the entire fan base. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables users to change airflow direction quickly by manipulating the arms, eliminating the need to relocate the whole unit and thus reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan structure is segmented into a stationary base and movable air outlet components connected by adjustable arms. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the airflow direction through the arms while the base remains in place, improving operational convenience without requiring full fan relocation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex repositioning mechanisms are added to adjust airflow, then airflow direction control is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple articulation joints and pivot points in the adjustable arms that provide flexible airflow direction control through basic mechanical movements. These dynamic joints allow multi-directional adjustment without requiring complex mechanisms, maintaining adaptability while minimizing structural complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the air outlet is positioned close to the base, then device compactness is improved, but airflow effectiveness and coverage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable arms that can extend and reposition the air outlet to optimal distances from the base. This dynamic positioning capability allows the device to maintain compact storage form while achieving effective airflow coverage when deployed, resolving the contradiction between compactness and productivity.
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
Enhances airflow efficiency and user control over direction and shape, providing a sleek appearance by minimizing visible components and enabling easy adjustment of airflow without physical relocation.
Implementation Method 1
An air moving member is provided in the air flow path to drive air movement through the air flow path
Implementation Method 2
The outlet air flow may be in the form of a high-velocity jet
Implementation Method 3
The jet may be of any suitable shape... The outlet air flow which induces ambient air flow to add to the air movement in the ambient environment
Data Source
AI summary
A fan has a first air outlet arm and a second air outlet arm, wherein the second air outlet arm is rotatable with respect to the first air outlet arm.