Nozzle for a fan assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan assemblies that do not use caged blades struggle to efficiently direct airflow without tilting, leading to limitations in airflow control and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design with multiple air outlets and a valve system that adjusts outlet sizes to change airflow direction without tilting, ensuring constant total airflow and enhancing velocity by lateral airflow support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional fan assemblies without caged blades are used, then the structure is simplified, but the airflow direction control efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple independent outlet channels (first outlet, second outlet, third outlet, fourth outlet) with distinct orientations. Each outlet can be independently controlled by valve members, allowing precise directional control of airflow without complex mechanical tilting mechanisms. This segmentation enables efficient airflow direction control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tilting mechanisms are used to change airflow direction, then the airflow direction can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mechanically tilting the entire nozzle assembly, the invention uses movable valve members that dynamically adjust the opening areas of different outlets. The valve members can shift positions to change airflow distribution among the four outlets, providing adaptable airflow direction control without complex tilting mechanisms. This dynamic control approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving versatile airflow direction adjustment.
3Reliability
If the total outlet area is kept constant while adjusting individual outlets, then the system load remains stable, but the valve control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four outlets are arranged with asymmetric orientations (first and second outlets in one plane, third and fourth outlets perpendicular to that plane). The valve members are designed with corresponding asymmetric configurations to control each outlet's opening area. This asymmetric design allows independent adjustment of each outlet while maintaining constant total outlet area, ensuring stable system load. The valve control system, while somewhat complex, is simplified by the regular geometric arrangement of the outlets.
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 control of airflow direction and increases airflow velocity, improving energy efficiency and reducing noise by maintaining constant system load and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a first air outlet for emitting a first air flow and a second air outlet for emitting a second air flow, the first air outlet being opposite the second air outlet, and the first and second air outlets being oriented in convergent directions
Implementation Method 2
a valve for controlling the first and second air outlets. The valve comprises one or more valve members that are moveable to simultaneously adjust the size of the first air outlet and inversely adjust the size of the second air outlet
Implementation Method 3
the third air outlet and the fourth air outlet each being substantially perpendicular to each of the first and second air outlets... providing an increase in the velocity of the resultant air flow generated by the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a nozzle for a fan assembly. The nozzle comprises an air inlet, a first air outlet and a second air outlet that are oriented in convergent directions, and a valve for controlling the first and second air outlets. The valve comprises one or more valve members that are moveable to simultaneously adjust the size of the first air outlet and inversely adjust the size of the second air outlet. The nozzle further comprises a third air outlet and a fourth air outlet, the third air outlet being opposite the fourth air outlet, the third and fourth air outlets being oriented in convergent directions, and the third air outlet and the fourth air outlet each being substantially perpendicular to each of the first and second air outlets.