Modular Fan Assembly with External Humidifier to Reduce Mold Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan assemblies for air treatment systems are unable to adjust to varying environmental conditions and may circulate harmful bacterial and foul-smelling particles due to exposure of internal components to water vapor, leading to mold growth and air quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular fan assembly with a pan/tilt mechanism, integrated air filter, and optional humidifier that receives humidified air externally, allowing for adjustable air flow direction and filtration, along with image and thermal sensors for user recognition and environmental mapping, enabling targeted air circulation and purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If integrated humidification devices are used with internal water reservoirs proximate to the fan/impeller, then humidification function is provided, but mold and bacterial growth is promoted due to exposure of internal components to water vapor/droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water reservoir from the internal structure and relocates it to an external position. The fan assembly now receives humidified air from an external source rather than containing the water reservoir internally, preventing internal components from exposure to water vapor and droplets that cause mold and bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - an external humidifier device that supplies humidified air to the fan assembly through a fluid coupling. This intermediary allows the fan to benefit from humidification without direct exposure to water, as the humidification occurs externally and only the treated air enters the fan assembly.
2Device complexity
If fixed position fan assemblies are used, then simple structure is maintained, but ability to adjust to varying environmental conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed fan assembly into a dynamic system with pan/tilt mechanisms that enable movement and repositioning. The fan head can rotate horizontally and tilt vertically, allowing the device to adapt to varying environmental conditions and target different areas, while maintaining relatively simple structural additions through the use of standard motorized positioning mechanisms.
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 modular fan assembly effectively adjusts air flow to improve indoor air quality by preventing mold growth, circulating clean air, and providing personalized comfort through targeted air distribution and fragrance control, while reducing the risk of bacterial circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor and fan assembly configured to output air
Implementation Method 2
a pan/tilt mechanism configured to rotate and tilt a fan head of the fan assembly to redirect air output
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present disclosure a modular air treatment system is disclosed. The modular air treatment system includes a fan apparatus having a base to removably couple to at least one of an air filter and/or a humidifier, wherein the fan apparatus includes a fan body with at least one convex surface and a nozzle to output air along the at least one convex surface.