Vortex Ring Air Circulation to Eliminate Ducts and Reduce Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air circulation methods using ducts are costly, energy-intensive, and may generate excessively strong air flows, which can be undesirable depending on the intended use of the space.
Innovation Solution
An air circulation device that uses a suction section to draw indoor air and a blower section to blow the air as a vortex ring into the space, eliminating the need for ducts and allowing for controlled air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ducts are arranged in the space for air circulation, then air circulation is enabled, but the system becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the duct system from the air circulation setup. Instead of using extensive ductwork to transport air, the invention uses a blower to directly generate vortex rings that carry air through the space without requiring physical ducts, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining air circulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a blower to create vortex rings - rotating air structures that transport air through the space. This pneumatic approach replaces the mechanical duct system, using fluid dynamics (vortex flow) to achieve air circulation without solid conduit structures
2Productivity
If ducts and fans are used for air circulation, then air can be moved through the space, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by generating vortex rings in a pulsed or intermittent manner rather than maintaining continuous high-velocity airflow. The blower operates in cycles, creating discrete vortex rings that propagate through the space, which reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous fan operation while still achieving effective air circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters from high-velocity continuous flow (typical of fan-driven systems) to controlled vortex ring formation. By adjusting the blower operation to create rotating air structures with specific velocity profiles and coherence, the system achieves efficient air transport with lower energy input than traditional fan-and-duct systems
3Productivity
If strong air flows are generated for air circulation, then air movement is effective, but excessively strong flows may be undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating concentrated vortex rings with high rotational velocity in specific regions rather than generating uniform strong airflow throughout the space. The vortex structures provide intense local air movement where needed for circulation while the rotating nature of the vortices creates gentler, more distributed flow patterns that avoid the harmful effects of excessively strong direct flows
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 air circulation device stably conveys air as a lump, reducing energy consumption and costs associated with ducts and fans, while allowing for flexible air circulation patterns to meet specific space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The air is in a form of a vortex ring
Data Source
AI summary
An air circulation device includes a suction section configured to suck indoor air, and a blower section configured to blow the air sucked by the suction section into a room. The air is in a form of a vortex ring. The air circulation device is operable in at least a first mode in which the vortex ring blown therefrom reaches a wall surface of the room.