Directional airflow device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air cleaners have limited capacity and noise issues due to increased fan performance, requiring user intervention to move the device for effective air purification across entire indoor spaces, and lack a directional airflow feature without separate motor and fan installation.

Innovation Solution

A directional airflow device with a cylindrical design incorporating helical bodies of different pitches within the airflow forming space, allowing for directional airflow while maintaining 360-degree air discharge, eliminating the need for a separate driving device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fan blowing amount is increased to improve air purification capacity, then purification performance is improved, but noise increases and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification capacityVSAvoidproduct reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blowing device is divided into multiple independent blowing units (first blowing device and second blowing device), each with its own fan. This segmentation allows the total air purification capacity to be distributed across multiple lower-power fans, reducing noise and improving reliability while maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If separate motor and fan are added to form directional airflow, then directional airflow with straightness is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow straightnessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rib structure utilizes the vertical dimension by arranging ribs in the vertical direction to guide airflow. This dimensional approach creates directional airflow with straightness by leveraging the vertical arrangement of guide ribs, achieving airflow control without adding horizontal complexity of separate motors and fans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide ribs serve multiple functions: they guide airflow upward, create directional airflow with straightness, and define the airflow path. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device complexity while achieving the desired airflow characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cylindrical shape is maintained for 360-degree air discharge, then omnidirectional purification is achieved, but directional airflow capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveomnidirectional discharge capabilityVSAvoiddirectional airflow formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical blowing device is segmented into multiple blowing units with individual discharge ports positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation enables the cylindrical shape to maintain 360-degree discharge capability while each segment can be optimized for directional airflow in specific directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cylindrical structure have locally optimized characteristics - some discharge ports are positioned and oriented to provide omnidirectional discharge, while others are configured to create directional airflow with straightness in specific directions, achieving both goals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables effective air purification in specific areas with directional airflow and improved air discharge, enhancing purification efficiency and user control without additional motor or fan components.

Implementation Method 1

a fan assembly that is configured to generate a flow of air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Implementation Method 2

at least two helical bodies having different pitches are arranged in the airflow forming space along a circumferential direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical flow guidance: Helix

Data Source

PatentEP3832215B1Directional airflow device
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3832215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3832215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3832215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Proposed are a directional airflow device. The directional airflow device includes: a cylindrical fan accommodating portion including a fan assembly that is configured to generate a flow of air; and a cylindrical guide accommodating portion integrally formed on the fan accommodating portion, and including an airflow forming member that is configured to discharge air suctioned by the fan assembly and guided to an airflow forming space, through a discharge port, wherein the airflow forming member is configured such that at least two helical bodies having different pitches are arranged in the airflow forming space along a circumferential direction of the guide accommodating portion, so that a part of the helical bodies forms a directional airflow having straightness, and a remaining part discharges air radially.