Tower Fan Adjustable Vane Control for Focused and Divergent Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tower fan designs are unable to manipulate airflow patterns, limiting their ability to create desired airflow configurations.

Innovation Solution

The integration of adjustable, pivotally mounted veins at the outlet of a tower fan, which can be adjusted from a divergent to a focused pattern or any intermediate setting using a knob-controlled sliding mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tower fan designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the airflow pattern cannot be manipulated or adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow pattern manipulationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the veins adjustable and movable rather than fixed. The veins can be repositioned along curved guides to change airflow patterns, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different airflow requirements while maintaining relatively simple construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the airflow control function into separate adjustable veins that can be independently positioned. Each vein acts as an independent segment that can be manipulated to create different airflow patterns, allowing versatile control without requiring complete redesign of the entire fan structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If fixed vertical veins are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the airflow directionality and velocity control is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow direction controlVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The veins are designed to be adjustable along curved guides rather than fixed in position. This dynamic configuration allows users to control airflow directionality and velocity by repositioning veins to different locations on the guides, while the guides themselves maintain a simple manufactured form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The curved guides act as intermediaries between the simple manufactured vein structures and the desired complex airflow patterns. By positioning veins along these pre-formed guides, the system achieves sophisticated airflow control without requiring complex manufacturing of the veins themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the creation of various airflow patterns, enhancing airflow directionality and velocity, allowing for customizable air distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the veins of the present invention are pivotally mounted in such a way that by turning a knob, the veins can either be directed into a focused air-flow pattern or adjusted to a divergent air-flow pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic flow direction control:

Data Source

PatentUS11519616B2Air circulator with vane control system

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 VORNADO AIR LLC

AI summary

An air circulator with a vane control system to direct and adjust airflow patterns. According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides adjustable, vertical vanes that are attached to the outlet of a tower fan. According to a preferred embodiment, the vanes are pivotally mounted in such a way that by turning a knob, the vanes can either be directed into a focused air-flow pattern or adjusted to a divergent air-flow pattern, or at any setting in between.