Tower Fan Duct Geometry for Passive Upward Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fans are limited in their ability to simultaneously circulate air in multiple directions, particularly vertically, without mechanical repositioning, and often require movable components that introduce complexity, noise, and durability issues.

Innovation Solution

A fan design utilizing a uniquely engineered volute and internal duct geometry that induces upward airflow deflection through passive aerodynamic principles, such as the Coanda effect, without movable airflow-directing components, allowing for both forward and upward airflow from a single outlet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fans use movable components (pivoting heads, oscillation mechanisms, adjustable louvers) to direct airflow upward, then airflow directionality is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow directionalityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical airflow-directing components (pivoting heads, oscillation mechanisms, adjustable louvers) with a fixed geometric structure consisting of a curved upper surface and angled interior wall. This static geometric configuration passively redirects airflow upward through aerodynamic principles, eliminating moving parts while maintaining airflow directionality control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow itself serves to redirect itself by following the curved upper surface and angled interior wall geometry. The air stream naturally adheres to the surface contours and deflects upward without requiring external mechanical actuation, achieving self-direction through the interaction between airflow and fixed geometric features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fans use movable components to adjust airflow direction, then airflow adaptability is improved, but noise increases and durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow directionalityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical components that generate noise during operation by replacing them with a fixed geometric structure. The curved upper surface and angled interior wall passively redirect airflow through aerodynamic principles without requiring motors, gears, or moving parts, thereby eliminating the noise associated with mechanical operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If tower fans emit airflow horizontally without vertical directionality, then device simplicity is maintained, but airflow versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent simplicityVSAvoidmultidirectional airflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces vertical airflow directionality to a traditionally horizontal airflow system by incorporating a curved upper surface and angled interior wall that redirect air upward. This adds a vertical dimension to the airflow pattern, transforming it from purely horizontal to a compound pattern with both forward and upward components, without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design achieves efficient multidirectional air distribution with a compact, durable, and user-friendly package, maintaining a clean profile and minimizing component complexity.

Implementation Method 1

leverages passive aerodynamic principles such as the Coanda effect and pressure differentials within an elongated duct chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoanda effect: Coanda Effect

Implementation Method 2

pressure differentials within an elongated duct chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250354563A1Fan

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 VORNADO AIR LLC

AI summary

A fan configured to generate multidirectional airflow from a vertically elongated main outlet is disclosed. The fan includes a housing with a blower assembly that receives ambient air through lateral intake openings and emits air through a narrow, vertically extending outlet. Internally, a blower housing with a curved wall directs airflow into a duct chamber that includes an upwardly angled wall surface. The blower outlet is spaced below the main outlet, and the duct geometry, including the angled wall, induces a portion of the airflow to adhere to the surface and exit the outlet in an upward direction. The remaining airflow exits horizontally, producing a compound airflow pattern comprising both forward and upward components without any movable louvers or tilt mechanisms. An oscillating base and optional pivoting support arm allow further directional control.