Fan Nozzle With Moveable Outlet for Low-Turbulence Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan assemblies face challenges in controlling airflow direction and reducing turbulence, noise, and pressure losses due to the use of moveable valves or bodies within the ducts, which cause increased turbulence and diffuse airflow.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle design with a first duct and a second duct, where the first duct's outlet size is varied by a moveable portion to control airflow rate without changing the airflow path, and a labyrinth seal is created to minimize turbulence and leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a valve or moveable body is used within the duct to vary flow rate, then the flow rate can be controlled, but turbulence increases and airflow becomes more diffuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidturbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first duct is segmented into a moveable portion and a stationary portion, allowing the outlet size to be varied without introducing a valve body into the airflow path. This segmentation enables flow rate control while maintaining smooth airflow and reducing turbulence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving a valve body within the duct to control flow (which disrupts airflow), the invention inverts the approach by moving the duct boundary itself (the outlet) to control flow. This eliminates the valve body that causes turbulence and keeps the airflow path smooth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a valve moves within the duct to vary flow rate, then flow control is achieved, but noise and pressure losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidpressure losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional valve approach by making the duct outlet itself moveable rather than placing a valve inside the duct. This eliminates the valve body that creates flow separation, turbulence, and associated pressure losses and noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the valve body from the system entirely, replacing it with a moveable duct portion that directly forms the outlet. This removal of the valve component eliminates the source of turbulence and pressure losses that valves inherently create.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the outlet size is varied by moving a portion of the duct, then flow rate is controlled, but the airflow path may change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidairflow path consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving a valve inside the duct (which changes airflow path), the invention moves the duct outlet boundary itself. This maintains a consistent airflow path through the duct while controlling flow rate by adjusting the outlet size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The duct is segmented into moveable and stationary portions, where the moveable portion adjusts the outlet size without disrupting the main airflow path through the duct. This segmentation allows flow rate control while maintaining path consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design achieves controlled airflow direction, reduced turbulence, and lower noise and pressure losses by maintaining a consistent airflow path and using a labyrinth seal, resulting in a focused and less diffuse combined airflow.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid collision and momentum mixing: Conservation of Momentum

Implementation Method 2

the first duct comprises a portion moveable to vary a size of the first outlet and thus the flow rate of the first airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow rate control through outlet area variation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250223974A1Nozzle for a fan assembly

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 DYSON TECH LTD

AI summary

A nozzle for a fan assembly is described. The nozzle comprises a first duct through which a first airflow moves, the first duct having a first outlet for emitting the first airflow. The nozzle further comprises a second duct through which a second airflow moves, the second duct having a second outlet for emitting the second airflow. 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. The first duct then comprises a portion moveable to vary the flow rate of the first airflow.