Modular fan assembly with articulating nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fan assemblies inadvertently circulate harmful bacteria and foul-smelling particles, and promote the growth of bacteria and mold due to exposure to water vapor, leading to compromised air quality and reduced component lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A modular air treatment system comprising a fan module with an articulating nozzle, a filter module, and a humidifier module that can stack vertically, with the fan module receiving only filtered air to minimize bacterial and mold growth, and a controller for managing airflow and humidity, allowing for directional control and independent operation of each module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fan assembly is integrated with a humidifier and water reservoir, then air circulation and humidification functions are combined, but bacterial and mold growth is promoted due to water vapor exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a fan module for air circulation, a humidifier module for humidification, and a filter module for air purification. Each module operates independently, allowing the fan to circulate air without direct exposure to water vapor, thereby preventing bacterial and mold growth while maintaining integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A filter module is introduced as an intermediary component between the environment and the fan assembly. The filter purifies air before it enters the fan module, removing harmful particles and reducing moisture content, which prevents bacterial and mold growth while allowing the humidifier to function independently.
2Productivity
If the fan assembly circulates air from the environment, then air circulation is achieved, but harmful bacteria and foul-smelling particles are inadvertently circulated
Solution Approach 1:
The filter module performs preliminary purification of air before it enters the fan assembly. By filtering air in advance, the system removes harmful bacteria and foul-smelling particles, ensuring that only clean air is circulated by the fan, thus maintaining productivity while eliminating harmful factors.
3Device complexity
If the fan operates at a fixed position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the fan cannot adjust to varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly incorporates an articulating nozzle that can rotate and tilt, transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic one. This allows the fan to adjust its airflow direction to target specific areas or respond to varying environmental conditions, while the modular design keeps the overall system relatively simple and easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
An air treatment system is disclosed that includes a modular configuration whereby a fan module, filter module, and humidifier module may couple together to provide a plurality of air treatment solutions. In more detail, the modules can stack end-to-end in a vertical configuration. The modules may electrically couple to each other via a common electrical bus and enable a controller disposed in the fan module (or other module) to control fan flow rates, direction, and humidity. The fan module can include an articulating nozzle capable of directing airflow in virtually any direction and angle about an environment. The fan module can further include an inlet arrangement that can selectively restrict external air from entering the fan module housing when the fan module is fluidly coupled to the filter module. Thus, the fan module may generate air flow from exclusively filtered air to minimize or otherwise reduce bacterial/mold growth within the fan module housing.