Window Fan With Cross-Flow Blower and Movable Air Duct Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional window fans are bulky, prone to environmental damage, and allow insects and debris to enter the interior space, requiring removal and reinstallation when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A window fan design featuring a cross-flow blower configuration with a movable air duct panel and modular foam blocks for secure installation, allowing airflow control and protection from external elements, while maintaining a sleeker profile and allowing continuous use without removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If axial fans are positioned in series, then the fan can provide sufficient airflow, but the window fan becomes tall and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from an axial fan configuration (airflow parallel to shaft) to a cross-flow blower configuration (airflow perpendicular to shaft). This dimensional change allows the fan to achieve sufficient airflow while maintaining a shorter, sleeker profile suitable for window installation, directly resolving the contradiction between airflow performance and height.
2Productivity
If the window fan is left installed in the window, then it provides continuous ventilation, but insects and debris can enter the interior space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable air duct panel that can dynamically transition between open and closed positions. When the fan is operational, the panel remains open for ventilation. When not in use, the panel closes to block insects and debris from entering through the window fan opening, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous ventilation and harmful factor entry.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the window fan is removed when not in use, then insects and debris are blocked, but the user must repeatedly install and remove the unit
Solution Approach 1:
The movable air duct panel provides dynamic control over the opening, allowing the window fan to remain installed while blocking contaminants when not in use. This eliminates the need for repeated installation and removal, resolving the contradiction between harmful factor blocking and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The air duct panel can be manually operated by the user to close the opening when the fan is not needed, providing a simple self-service mechanism that blocks contaminants without requiring the user to remove the entire unit. This resolves the contradiction by providing an easy, quick solution that doesn't involve time-consuming installation and removal.
4Productivity
If the window fan housing is exposed to the outside environment, then it provides ventilation function, but environmental elements accumulate inside and decrease performance
Solution Approach 1:
The movable air duct panel creates a dynamic sealing mechanism that closes when the fan is not in use, preventing dust, rain, ice, and other environmental elements from entering and accumulating inside the housing. This resolves the contradiction between maintaining ventilation function and preventing performance degradation from environmental contamination.
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 provides a more attractive, efficient, and functional window fan that blocks external contaminants, maintains performance, and fits various window styles, ensuring continuous operation without the need for frequent installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The fan of the window fan assembly may be a cross flow blower
Implementation Method 2
an air duct assembly rotatably mounted within the chamber having an air duct panel that is moveable from an open to closed position such that the air duct panel, when in the closed position blocks the airflow through the window fan
Data Source
AI summary
A window fan is provided that includes a fan housing and chamber assembly. The fan housing includes a front panel with an air outlet and a rear panel with an air inlet and defines a central chamber. The chamber assembly is positioned within the central chamber of the fan housing and includes a cylindrical fan rotatably mounted within the chamber and driven by a fan motor. An air duct assembly is rotatably mounted within the chamber having an air duct panel that is moveable from an open to closed position such that the air duct panel, when in the closed position blocks the airflow through the window fan and permits air flow through the window fan when in the open position. The fan of the window fan assembly may be a cross flow blower fan.