Radial Stacked-Disc Ceiling Fan for Uniform Laminar Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling fans are inefficient in circulating and equalizing air distribution within a room, as they create a single vertical column of air that results in turbulent flow and incomplete mixing of hot and cold layers, limiting their ability to provide uniform comfort and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A laminar flow radial ceiling fan design featuring multiple stacked discs with radial symmetry, allowing unobstructed air entry and exit in all directions, promoting efficient air circulation and mixing by generating a conical return air pattern that enhances air distribution and reduces buffeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pitched blade ceiling fans are used to circulate air, then air movement is achieved, but turbulent flow and incomplete mixing of hot and cold layers occur, reducing air circulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fan blade is segmented into multiple aerodynamic elements arranged radially across the rotor disc. Each element acts as an independent air-moving component, collectively creating multiple streams of laminar flow that merge to form uniform circulation patterns throughout the room, eliminating dead zones and improving mixing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic elements are curved to generate laminar flow patterns rather than turbulent flow. The curved surfaces guide air smoothly across the rotor disc and into the room, creating stable, uniform circulation that efficiently mixes hot and cold air layers without abrupt directional changes
2Ease of operation
If ceiling fans operate continuously to maintain air circulation, then comfort level is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates at lower rotational speeds while maintaining effective air circulation through optimized aerodynamic element design. The changed parameters include reduced RPM, modified blade geometry, and adjusted pitch angles, which together achieve the same comfort level with lower energy input
3Area of stationary object
If multiple fans are installed in larger rooms to improve air distribution, then air circulation coverage is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple aerodynamic elements are merged into a single rotor disc assembly, creating one integrated fan unit that produces multiple laminar flow streams. These streams combine to provide comprehensive room coverage equivalent to or better than multiple traditional fans, reducing system complexity and installation requirements
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 laminar flow radial ceiling fan achieves complete air circulation and mixing, eliminating dead air zones and improving comfort and energy efficiency by distributing air uniformly throughout a room, while maintaining a lower operational RPM compared to traditional fans.
Implementation Method 1
The discs rotate which will rotate the air mass trapped between the discs. Centrifugal force acts on the air mass and expels it outward beyond the edges of the discs and into the surrounding air space.
Implementation Method 2
A laminar flow radial ceiling fan design featuring multiple stacked discs with radial symmetry, allowing unobstructed air entry and exit in all directions, promoting efficient air circulation and mixing
Data Source
AI summary
The prior art has used pitched blades attached to a stationary motor, normally electric. to move air within the confines of a structure or room. The preferred invention incorporates a series of solid discs. The discs are affixed to a stationary electric motor and thus rotate around a central axis. The discs are equally spaced and centrally perforated in a manner that will allow air to flow in high volumes through the perforations and pass along the discs thus exiting symmetrically between each disc perpendicularly to the flow of air that is at its entrance. Due to the less restrictive or low pressure air entrance as well as the correct vertical disc spacing a corresponding increase in the laminar flow is realized. This feature of the preferred invention allows for operation at a rotational speed that practical for use as a ceiling fan.