Steerable Air Outlet Nozzle for 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 variable air flow direction without rotating the nozzle, utilizing a motor-driven impeller and 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 simplified 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 independent outlet bodies (first outlet body, second outlet body, etc.) that can be independently rotated relative to the nozzle body. Each outlet body has its own rotation mechanism, allowing independent control of air flow direction from each outlet without requiring oscillation of the entire nozzle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet bodies are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Each outlet body can rotate to different angular positions around its respective outlet axis, enabling the air flow direction to be dynamically changed according to operational requirements without moving the entire nozzle.
2Measurement precision
If the nozzle is oscillated to change air flow direction, then air distribution coverage is improved, but the precision of targeted air flow control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single oscillating nozzle is segmented into multiple independent outlet bodies, each capable of precise rotational adjustment. This segmentation allows each outlet to be precisely directed at specific targets while collectively providing wide area coverage through coordinated positioning of multiple outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of oscillating the entire nozzle in a single plane, the invention introduces multiple rotational dimensions by allowing each outlet body to rotate independently around its own axis. This multi-dimensional control enables precise directional control while maintaining broad coverage through spatial distribution of multiple outlets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlet bodies are added to the nozzle, then air flow direction control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into multiple modular outlet bodies that can be independently controlled. Each outlet body functions as a separate module with its own rotation capability, providing versatile air flow distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each outlet body serves multiple functions: it can be rotated to different positions, independently controlled, and coordinated with other outlets to achieve various air flow patterns. This multi-functionality of each modular component provides high adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 over air flow direction, enhancing thermal comfort and environmental control by allowing for diffused or focused air distribution without the need for nozzle oscillation, improving the fan's effectiveness in climate control 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
Implementation Method 3
an air outlet channel that extends through a width of the outlet body. The air outlet channel allows air to flow out of the nozzle through the outlet body
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a fan assembly including 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 includes 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.