Columnar air moving devices, systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air moving devices, such as ceiling fans and fans connected to vertical tubes, are ineffective in de-stratifying air temperatures in high-ceiling rooms due to dispersion and aesthetic or space-use issues, and struggle to direct air effectively in rooms with support beams or other obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A columnar air moving device with a low vertical profile, designed to fit within a ceiling grid structure, featuring a rotary fan assembly and adjustable nozzle to direct air columnarily, allowing for easy installation and adjustment to target specific areas without obstructing floor space or being aesthetically pleasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ceiling fans are used to move air, then air circulation is provided, but the air disperses or diffuses well above the floor and fails to maintain a columnar pattern from ceiling to floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the aerodynamic parameters of the fan blades, specifically using a high aspect ratio blade design with optimized pitch angles (15-45 degrees) to maximize axial thrust while minimizing tangential drag. This parameter optimization ensures the air flow maintains a stable columnar pattern from ceiling to floor rather than dispersing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable blade pitch mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of blade angles during operation. This enables the system to adapt and maintain optimal columnar air flow patterns under varying operating conditions, preventing flow dispersion
2Ease of operation
If a fan connected to a vertical tube is used to push air, then air de-stratification is achieved, but the device interferes with floor space use and is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the vertical transporting tube from the system entirely. Instead of using a physical tube to guide air flow, the invention uses aerodynamically optimized fan blades that generate columnar air flow directly, removing the space-consuming tube structure while maintaining de-stratification effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rigid vertical tube with a virtual air column generated by optimized blade aerodynamics. The air flow is contained and directed through aerodynamic forces rather than physical confinement, eliminating the need for space-consuming structural tubes
3Area of stationary object
If a fan connected to a vertical tube is confined to wall locations, then floor space is preserved, but the device may not effectively circulate air near the center of the open space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ceiling-mounted fan system to serve multiple locations and areas simultaneously. The optimized columnar air flow pattern created by the high aspect ratio blades can effectively circulate air across the entire room including center areas, eliminating the need for wall-specific installation constraints
4Ease of operation
If a columnar air moving device with extended vertical profile is used, then air de-stratification effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes distracting or obstructive and may not fit within ceiling structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the blade aerodynamic parameters to achieve maximum de-stratification effectiveness within a compact form factor. The high aspect ratio blades with optimized pitch angles generate sufficient axial thrust to create effective columnar air flow without requiring extended device vertical dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically optimized blade configurations that maximize air moving efficiency within the available ceiling space. The adjustable pitch mechanisms allow the device to achieve optimal performance without extending vertically below the ceiling
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
Effectively de-stratifies air temperatures by maintaining a columnar air flow pattern from ceiling to floor with minimal lateral dispersion, suitable for high-ceiling rooms and areas with obstructions, improving heating and cooling efficiency while being easy to install and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
maximizing axial air flow quantity and velocity, thereby providing a column of air that flows from a high ceiling to a floor in a columnar pattern with minimal lateral dispersion
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle communicating with and extending downwardly from the rotary fan assembly, the nozzle comprising a structure for further directing the volume of air out of the air moving device
Implementation Method 3
designed specifically to fit within a ceiling grid structure... featuring a rotary fan assembly and adjustable nozzle to direct air columnarily
Implementation Method 4
systems, devices and methods for moving air that are particularly suitable for creating air temperature de-stratification within a room, building, or other structure
Data Source
AI summary
An air moving system includes an air moving device including a housing member, a rotary fan assembly, and an opening for connection with an airflow duct, the housing including a plurality of air intake vents. A first volume of air can enter the housing through the opening and a second volume of air can enter the housing through the plurality of intake vents. The rotary fan assembly directs the first and second volumes of air.