Rotating Fan Blade Ion Generator for Air Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan systems are ineffective in eliminating airborne pathogens due to their stationary nature, limited airflow circulation, and inefficiencies in germicidal energy distribution, leading to costly and inefficient solutions for improving air quality.
Innovation Solution
A fan design incorporating a rotatable hub, fan blades with winglets, and integrated ion generators that transmit power through a rotary coupling and conduit, allowing for dynamic germicidal energy distribution across the fan blades, enhancing ion generation and air quality improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary germicidal fixtures are positioned in a space, then germicidal energy is provided, but airflow circulation is insufficient and multiple devices are costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a germicidal fixture with a fan assembly into a single integrated unit. The germicidal fixture is mounted within the fan housing, allowing the same device to provide both air circulation and germicidal functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate stationary germicidal devices and improving overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: air circulation through the fan blades and germicidal treatment through the integrated germicidal fixture. This multi-functional design allows a single device to address both airflow and pathogen elimination needs, reducing the number of separate devices required
2Productivity
If a fan is designed to force air toward the floor, then airflow is generated, but germicidal energy is not effectively distributed to ceiling-mounted generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the germicidal fixture to face upward toward the ceiling, opposite to the typical downward airflow direction. This dynamic positioning ensures that germicidal energy is distributed in the direction of airflow movement, allowing effective treatment of air as it circulates through the space, particularly reaching ceiling areas where pathogens may accumulate
3Reliability
If multiple stationary germicidal devices are used, then germicidal coverage is improved, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the germicidal fixture directly into the fan assembly, creating a single combined device that provides both air circulation and germicidal treatment. This eliminates the need for multiple separate stationary germicidal devices, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining effective germicidal coverage through the fan's air circulation capability
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 fan effectively increases ion density and germicidal efficacy by positioning ion generators at optimal locations along the fan blades, improving air quality through enhanced airflow and ion distribution, while maintaining operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an air ionizer or ion generator, which is a device that uses high voltage energy to ionize (electrically charge) air molecules
Implementation Method 2
Airborne particles become charged as they attract charged ions from the ionizer by electrostatic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
A fan is for improving air quality, such as in an indoor environment. The fan includes a motor and a rotatable hub coupled to the motor. At least one fan blade includes a first end portion coupled to the rotatable hub and a second end portion radially distant from the rotatable hub. At least one ion generator is carried by the second end portion of the at least one fan blade, such as by a winglet associated therewith. A stationary tube passes through the rotatable hub including a conduit for transmitting power. A rotary coupling is also provided for transmitting power from the conduit to the at least one ion generator.