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 buildings due to dispersion issues and aesthetic or space interference, particularly in high-ceilinged rooms with support beams, leading to inefficient heating and cooling costs.
Innovation Solution
A columnar air moving device with a low vertical profile, designed to fit within ceiling structures, featuring a rotary fan assembly and adjustable nozzle to direct air in a columnar pattern with minimal lateral dispersion, allowing for easy installation and directional control to target specific areas within a room.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ceiling fans are used to de-stratify air temperatures, then air circulation is attempted, but the air disperses or diffuses well above the floor and fails to maintain a columnar pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The air moving device segments the airflow into discrete vertical columns using multiple downwardly extending air moving elements (blades) arranged circumferentially. Each blade generates a focused downward air stream, and the combined effect creates multiple columnar patterns that maintain vertical flow from ceiling to floor without lateral dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the conventional horizontal/rotational airflow pattern of traditional ceiling fans to a vertical dimensional flow pattern. The air moving elements are oriented to push air primarily in the vertical downward direction, creating columnar streams that travel the full height of the room rather than spreading horizontally near the ceiling.
2Ease of operation
If fans connected to vertical tubes are used to push air vertically, then air de-stratification is achieved, but the device interferes with floor space use and is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the vertical tube component from the air moving device. By removing the physical transporting tube that previously extended from ceiling to floor, the device achieves vertical air movement through direct propulsion by the air moving elements, thereby freeing up floor space and improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining de-stratification effectiveness.
3Area of stationary object
If fans connected to vertical tubes are confined to wall locations, then floor space is preserved, but air circulation near the center of the open space is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The air moving device is designed with universal mounting flexibility, allowing installation in multiple locations including center of room positions, near walls, or in ceiling structures. The adjustable mounting mechanism and directional control of air moving elements enable the single device type to effectively circulate air regardless of installation location, providing both floor space preservation and comprehensive air circulation coverage.
4Ease of manufacture
If a low vertical profile device is used to fit within ceiling structures, then installation ease and aesthetics are improved, but the device height is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The air moving elements are designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the effective working height and airflow direction. This enables the compact device to generate sufficient vertical air movement despite its low profile, as the adjustable components can be configured to maximize air propulsion efficiency within the constrained vertical space.
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
The device effectively de-stratifies air temperatures by maintaining a columnar airflow from ceiling to floor, reducing energy costs and improving air circulation without obstructing floor space or being aesthetically unpleasing, while allowing for easy installation and adjustment to accommodate various room configurations.
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
The blades have a lift component that pushes air upwards or downwards, depending on the direction of rotation, and a drag component that pushes the air tangentially. The drag component causes tangential or centrifugal flow so that the air being pushed diverges or spreads out.
Implementation Method 3
The blades have a lift component that pushes air upwards or downwards, depending on the direction of rotation
Implementation Method 4
The nozzle can comprise a conical surface that can be inserted into the opening in the housing member
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.