Fan Nozzle Flow Control for Adjustable Airflow Direction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan nozzles lack the ability to dynamically control the direction and profile of the air flow emitted, which limits their effectiveness in varying cooling scenarios, such as providing a diffuse flow for multiple users or a focused flow for a single user.
Innovation Solution
The nozzle features a flow control port system that selectively inhibits air flow through flow control ports, altering the pressure gradient and directing the air flow towards guide surfaces, allowing for adjustable emission profiles and enhanced entrainment of secondary air, thereby changing the direction and flow rate of the air emitted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fan nozzle structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability is limited because the air flow direction and profile cannot be dynamically controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a flow control mechanism with movable components (flaps or doors) that can dynamically adjust the air flow profile and direction. The control system enables real-time modification of the nozzle characteristics, allowing the fan to adapt between different cooling scenarios (diffuse flow for multiple users or focused flow for single user) without requiring multiple fixed nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single nozzle structure that can perform multiple functions through the flow control mechanism. The same nozzle can generate both diffuse air flow patterns for multiple users and focused air flow patterns for single user cooling, eliminating the need for separate specialized nozzles for different cooling scenarios.
2Productivity
If the air flow is focused for single user cooling, then the cooling efficiency for that user is improved, but the adaptability to serve multiple users simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism dynamically adjusts the nozzle opening and air flow distribution based on the selected operating mode. When focused cooling is selected, the mechanism concentrates the air flow in a specific direction for single user effectiveness. When diffuse cooling is selected, the mechanism distributes the air flow across multiple directions to serve multiple users simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the air flow parameters (direction, velocity distribution, flow rate allocation) through the flow control mechanism to match the cooling requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes cooling efficiency for the current usage scenario while maintaining the capability to switch to other scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air flow is diffused for multiple users, then the adaptability to serve different user configurations is improved, but the cooling efficiency for individual users may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the system to switch between diffuse and focused air flow modes. This enables the fan to maintain high cooling efficiency by selecting the appropriate mode (diffuse or focused) based on the actual number and positioning of users in the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts air flow parameters such as velocity, direction, and distribution pattern to optimize cooling efficiency for the current usage scenario. When users are positioned to benefit from diffuse flow, the system configures the air flow accordingly; when a single user requires targeted cooling, the system concentrates the air flow to maintain high efficiency.
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
This solution enables the nozzle to generate air flows with varying profiles and velocities, suitable for either diffuse cooling of multiple users or focused cooling of a single user, by adjusting the flow control mechanism, thereby improving the fan assembly's cooling efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
Through selectively inhibiting a flow of air through the flow control port, the profile of the air flow emitted from the air outlet can be changed. The inhibition of the flow of air through the flow control port can have the effect of changing a pressure gradient across the air flow emitted from the nozzle.
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle defines an opening through which air in the local environment of the fan assembly is drawn by the primary air flow emitted from the mouth, amplifying the primary air flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for a fan assembly includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an interior passage for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, an annular inner wall, and an outer wall extending about the inner wall. The interior passage is located between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall at least partially defines a bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. A flow control port is located downstream from the air outlet. A flow control chamber is provided for conveying air to the flow control port. A control mechanism selectively inhibits a flow of air through the flow control port to deflect an air flow emitted from the air outlet.