Columnar Air Moving Device with Integrated Light Source Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air de-stratification devices, such as ceiling fans and fans connected to vertical tubes, are ineffective in maintaining a columnar air flow from high ceilings to floors, leading to temperature stratification issues and increased heating and cooling costs in large spaces, and they often interfere with floor space or are aesthetically unpleasing. Additionally, light source members in these devices are susceptible to heat damage, reducing their lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A columnar air moving device with a rotary fan assembly, elongate nozzle, and integrated light source member that directs air and light in a downward columnar pattern, utilizing heat exchange to keep the light source cool, thereby addressing both air de-stratification and light source longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ceiling fans are used for air de-stratification, then air circulation is provided, but the air flow disperses or diffuses well above the floor and fails to maintain a columnar pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The air moving device segments the air flow into discrete columnar streams using multiple nozzle assemblies arranged in a circular pattern. Each nozzle produces a focused column of air that maintains its shape from ceiling to floor, preventing the dispersion seen in conventional ceiling fans. The segmentation of the air flow into multiple controlled columns achieves both circulation effectiveness and pattern stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary structure (the columnar air moving device itself with its housing and nozzle assemblies) between the air source and the floor to maintain the columnar pattern. This intermediary structure guides and confines the air flow in vertical columns, preventing lateral dispersion and ensuring the air reaches the floor in a focused manner.
2Productivity
If fans connected to vertical tubes are used to push air from floor to ceiling or ceiling to floor, then air de-stratification is achieved, but the devices interfere with floor space use and are not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the air moving device from a horizontal/floor-based configuration to a vertical/ceiling-mounted configuration. By mounting the device on the ceiling and directing air flow vertically downward in columnar patterns, the solution eliminates interference with floor space while maintaining effective air de-stratification. This dimensional change allows the device to operate in the vertical dimension without occupying valuable horizontal floor area.
3Illumination intensity
If light source members are positioned in ceiling structures, then illumination is provided, but the light sources are susceptible to damage from high levels of heat in the surrounding air
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the air moving device with the light source assembly, positioning the light source within the columnar air flow path. This integration allows the cooled air from the de-stratification process to directly cool the light source, extending its lifespan while maintaining illumination output. The combination of cooling function and lighting function in a single integrated assembly resolves the contradiction between providing illumination and protecting the light source from heat damage.
4Productivity
If rotary fans are used to move air, then air circulation is achieved, but the rotary component of air flow is not minimized and axial air flow quantity and velocity are not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses dynamic blade positioning and rotational speed control to optimize air flow characteristics. The adjustable pitch blades can be dynamically positioned to maximize axial air flow velocity while minimizing rotary component. The motor assembly can dynamically adjust rotational speed to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions, ensuring both high air circulation volume and axial flow velocity.
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, reduces high temperatures near ceilings, and extends the lifespan of light source members by maintaining them at lower temperatures, improving energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary fan assembly mounted within the interior space, the rotary fan assembly comprising an impeller and a plurality of blades for directing a volume of air in a downwardly direction
Implementation Method 2
an elongate nozzle communicating with and extending downwardly from the rotary fan assembly, the elongate nozzle comprising at least one structure for directing the volume of air downwardly out of the air moving device in a generally columnar manner
Implementation Method 3
a light source member positioned at least partially within the nozzle, the light source member configured to direct light out of the air moving device
Implementation Method 4
the light source member positioned within a flow of the volume of air being directed downwardly through the nozzle out of the air moving device
Data Source
AI summary
An air moving device includes a housing member, a rotary fan assembly, and a nozzle. The air moving device further includes a light source member mounted within the nozzle. The light source member can be placed within a flow of air moving out the end of the nozzle in a generally columnar pattern. The flow of air can be used to cool the light source member.