Fan assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan assemblies that do not use caged blades struggle to manipulate air flow direction effectively without oscillating the nozzle, limiting their ability to provide targeted air distribution for thermal comfort and environmental control.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly with a nozzle featuring steerable air outlets that can be independently rotated relative to the nozzle body, allowing for precise control of air flow direction without oscillating the nozzle, utilizing a motor-driven impeller and a control circuit to manage the orientation of each outlet body within the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fan assemblies without caged blades are used, then the structure is simpler and safety is improved, but the ability to manipulate air flow direction without oscillating the nozzle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple steerable air outlets (first and second outlets) that can be independently rotated relative to the nozzle body. Each outlet can be controlled separately to direct air flow in different directions, providing precise manipulation of air distribution without requiring oscillation of the entire nozzle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlets are designed with rotational capability, allowing them to dynamically change their orientation relative to the nozzle body. This dynamic adjustment enables flexible control of air flow direction to target specific areas for thermal comfort and environmental control applications.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle is oscillated to change air flow direction, then directional control is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of oscillating the entire nozzle, the invention segments the nozzle into independently controllable outlets. Each outlet can be rotated individually and rapidly to change air flow direction, significantly reducing the response time compared to oscillating a large nozzle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The independent rotational capability of each outlet body allows for rapid directional changes without the mechanical constraints of oscillation mechanisms. This dynamic control enables faster response times for targeting specific areas with air flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple steerable air outlets are added to the nozzle, then air flow direction manipulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into multiple steerable outlets, each capable of independent rotation and air flow direction control. This segmentation provides versatile air distribution capability, allowing different outlets to be directed at different targets simultaneously, enhancing adaptability for various environmental control scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
Each steerable outlet body serves multiple functions: it can rotate to change direction, it can be independently controlled, and it can work in coordination with other outlets. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while managing complexity through standardized modular outlet designs.
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 precise manipulation of air flow direction, enhancing thermal comfort and environmental control by allowing for targeted air distribution without the need for nozzle oscillation, improving the fan's effectiveness in dehumidification, humidification, filtration, cooling, and heating applications.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow generator that is arranged to generate an air flow through the fan assembly
Implementation Method 2
an elongate outlet body that is arranged to substantially occlude the opening and that is arranged to rotate within the opening around a longitudinal axis of the outlet body
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a fan assembly comprising an air flow generator that is arranged to generate an air flow through the fan assembly, and a nozzle arranged to emit the air flow from the fan assembly. The nozzle comprises a nozzle body and a plurality of steerable air outlets that are each arranged to emit a portion of the air flow, wherein the plurality of steerable air outlets are arranged to be independently rotated relative to the nozzle body.