Tabletop Air Cooler With Segmented Horizontal Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric fans for outdoor patio use are bulky, noisy, and limited in air circulation directionality, posing tripping hazards and not aesthetically pleasing, while also requiring a power cord that can become tangled and occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A compact, battery-powered tabletop air cooler with multiple horizontally-directed outlets and moveable vanes for directional air control, allowing for efficient and controlled air circulation in multiple directions, and optionally featuring a rechargeable battery pack and filter for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electric fans are used for air circulation, then air flow generation is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and occupies valuable patio space
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is segmented into multiple independent fan units, each capable of generating air flow in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive air circulation coverage without requiring a single large bulky fan, thus resolving the contradiction between air flow generation capability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-direction air flow approach to a multi-dimensional air circulation system by arranging fans in different orientations (horizontal and vertical rotations). This dimensional approach enables effective air circulation in multiple directions simultaneously, reducing the need for a single large fan while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage.
2Productivity
If conventional electric fans are used, then air circulation is provided, but noise is generated from motor and rapid air flow
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the air circulation function into multiple smaller fan units rather than one large fan, the system reduces the noise level. Each individual fan operates at lower speeds and generates less noise, while the collective effect provides sufficient air circulation, thus resolving the contradiction between air circulation effectiveness and noise generation.
3Productivity
If conventional electric fans are used, then air flow is generated in one direction, but the fan structure becomes complex with motor and blades
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces a single complex motor-blade assembly with multiple simpler fan units. Each fan unit has a simplified structure that can be easily manufactured and assembled, while the collective arrangement provides comprehensive air circulation coverage, thus resolving the contradiction between air flow generation capability and structural complexity.
4Productivity
If electric fans are used, then air circulation is achieved, but the electric cord creates tripping hazard and tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power source requirement from the immediate vicinity of the fan by using battery-powered units. This eliminates the need for electrical cords in the patio area, removing the tripping hazard and tangling issues while maintaining the air circulation function, thus resolving the contradiction between air circulation capability and safety hazards.
5Productivity
If conventional electric fans are used, then air flow is generated, but the fan occupies valuable patio space and does not blend with aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple small, compact fan units instead of one large fan, the system minimizes the space occupied on the patio. Each unit can be strategically positioned to provide air circulation in different areas, achieving comprehensive coverage with minimal footprint, thus resolving the contradiction between air flow generation capability and space occupation.
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 solution provides a quiet, hazard-free, and aesthetically appealing means of air circulation that is not limited by direction, using rechargeable batteries and filters to enhance user experience, suitable for both outdoor and indoor settings, including restaurants.
Implementation Method 1
four centrifugal fans directed horizontally at ninety degree increments
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a housing having a top and bottom and a sidewall, with one or more horizontally-directed outlet openings through the sidewall and one or more inlet openings through the top, bottom or sidewall, one or more fans positioned to draw air through the one or more inlet openings, and to the air outward through the one or more horizontally-directed outlet openings, and a power source for the one or more fans, suitably connected through an on-off switch to turn the one or more fans on and off.