Fan Nozzle with Variable Restriction for Quiet Airflow Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan assemblies with moveable valves to control airflow direction suffer from increased noise, pressure losses, turbulence, and leak paths due to the movement of the valve, which affects the direction, spread, and speed of the combined airflow.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design with a first duct having a variable restriction and a second duct with a constant restriction, where the direction of the combined airflow is controlled by varying the restriction of the first duct only, reducing turbulence and leaks, and achieving a wide range of movement through intersecting airflow axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable valve is used to control airflow direction by varying restriction in both ducts, then the direction control capability is improved, but turbulence and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent ducts: one with variable restriction (first duct) and one with constant restriction (second duct). This segmentation allows the variable restriction element to control airflow direction while the constant restriction duct maintains laminar flow, thereby reducing turbulence and noise while preserving direction control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable valve is used to control airflow direction, then the direction control capability is improved, but pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the airflow control into two separate ducts with different restriction characteristics, the system minimizes pressure losses. The constant restriction duct ensures smooth, laminar flow with minimal turbulence, while the variable restriction duct provides direction control, together achieving energy-efficient airflow management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable valve is used to control airflow direction, then the direction control capability is improved, but leak paths increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the valve into two independent ducts with different restriction characteristics reduces leak paths. The constant restriction duct maintains a stable, sealed pathway, while the variable restriction duct provides controlled airflow adjustment, together improving system reliability by minimizing unintended leakage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable valve is used to control airflow direction, then the direction control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is segmented into two independent ducts with distinct functions, simplifying the overall control system. One duct handles variable restriction for direction control, while the other maintains constant restriction for stable laminar flow, reducing mechanical complexity compared to a single moveable valve controlling both ducts.
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 solution provides quieter and more efficient control of airflow direction with reduced noise and pressure losses, maintaining laminar airflow and focused projection, while avoiding complex mechanisms and additional leak paths.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second outlets are arranged such that the first and second airflows collide to generate a combined airflow having a direction defined by the relative flow rates of the first and second airflows
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for a fan assembly is described. The nozzle includes a first duct through which a first airflow moves, and a second duct through which a second airflow moves. The first duct has a first outlet for emitting the first airflow, and the second duct has a second outlet for emitting the second airflow. The first and the second outlets are arranged such that the first and second airflows collide to generate a combined airflow having a direction defined by the relative flow rates of the first and second airflows. The second duct has a constant restriction, and the first duct has a variable restriction to vary the flow rate of the first airflow.