The invention is related to portable air moving devices. More specifically the invention relates to portable personal heating and cooling devices.
Portable air moving devices are known and commonly utilized in personal cooling and personal heating applications. The ability to transport such devices to a location near the user has certain advantages over central heating and cooling systems. One of the advantages of such personal air moving devices is that the amount of energy required to cool or warm an individual is less than the energy requirement to cool or heat an entire room or large space. This signifies that an individual can maintain a personal comfort level within a larger area without the energy and expense of increasing the heating or cooling of the entire area.
Another advantage of such devices is the ability to more precisely control the cooling or heating in conformance to the users desires. For example, an individual within a given area may desire to be cooler or warmer than another person in the same area. Personal air moving devices allow a given individual greater control over his immediate environment without disrupting the comfort level of another person in the vicinity.
Although conventional personal air moving devices have advantages they also have several disadvantages. The air flow pattern emitted from such conventional devices is non-adjustable. In effect, the air flow pattern is either a substantially straight vector having a relatively high intensity air flow that projects directly into the room or a diffuse air flow pattern having a relatively low intensity air flow that does not project into the room as readily. The intensity of the air flow produced by both of these air flow patterns may be desirable at different times and for different reasons depending on the application and the user.
One attempt to overcome the lack of intensity adjustment of the air flow on conventional portable air moving devices is the use of oscillation mechanisms. One problem with such oscillation mechanism is the intermittent effects experienced by the user. When the oscillation movement directs the flow of air away from the user the desired effects of heating or cooling on the user are not perceptible. When the oscillation movement returns the flow of air to directly impinge the user, the heating or cooling effects of the device may be too intense.
Another problem regarding oscillation of a flow of air is its disruptive characteristics. Not only will the intermittent impingement on the user be disruptive the oscillating flow of air may be disruptive to others in the vicinity of the device. The oscillating movement of the air flow may also dislodge loose objects, such as paper. This may not be desirable as these objects can be dislodged from their intended place. Further, this also means that any dust, pollen or dander within the flow of the oscillating air stream will be disturbed and airborne. This dust and debris can be detrimental to, for example, respiratory conditions.
In light of the aforementioned problems there is a need for a portable air moving device having a variable intensity air flow. The air flow emitted from the device can be adjusted between a narrow relatively high intensity air flow pattern and a wide relatively low intensity air flow pattern. A single, portable air moving device having an intensity adjustment mechanism for adjustment between a narrow high intensity air flow pattern and wide low intensity air flow pattern, and various point in between, allows a user to vary the air flow intensity to more precisely control the cooling or heating effect required by a particular application and/or desired by a particular user.
The narrow air flow pattern yields a substantially straight vector air flow having a relatively high air flow intensity thereby allowing the heating or cooling effects of the exhaust air stream exiting the device to penetrate into an area. This in turn allows the user to experience a more intense cooling or heating sensation, if desired. This also allows the user to be located at a distance from the air moving device and still experience the effects of the air flow.
The wider air flow pattern yields a disperse air flow having a relatively low air flow intensity thereby allowing the user to reduce the intensity of the air flow and its effects. This is especially useful when the user is located near the air moving device, for example in a work area such as, for example, a workbench or desk. The ability to adjust or vary the intensity of the air flow increases the flexibility of the device afforded to the user.
An air intensity adjustment mechanism is provided to allow the adjustment of the air width “AW” of the exhaust air stream exiting the portable air moving device. The air flow intensity of the exhaust air stream may be increased by decreasing the air width “AW,” and the air flow intensity of the exhaust air stream may be decreased by increasing the air width “AW”. Movable panels may be used to allow the user to adjust or vary the air width “AW” at the air outlet between a minimum air width “AWmin” and a maximum air width “AWmax”. Setting the air intensity adjustment mechanism to a minimum air width “AWmin” provides a relatively high intensity exhaust air stream, and setting the air intensity adjustment mechanism to a maximum air width “AWmax” provides a relatively low intensity exhaust air stream exiting the device. This may also result in adjustment of the angle at which the air flow exits the device.
The portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow decreases the cost of the device when compared to a conventional portable air moving device with an oscillation mechanism. Oscillation mechanisms use motors, gears, links and the like to achieve functionality. The portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow does not require such components to function. The absence of such components will reduce the manufacturing cost and the final cost to the users.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following Figures:
The following is a description of several exemplary embodiments of portable air moving devices with adjustable intensity air flow. The air flow emitted from the exemplary devices can be adjusted between a substantially narrow and straight vector air flow having a relatively high intensity and a substantially wide divergent air flow having a relatively low intensity. Also, a variety of other air flow patterns having an air flow intensity between a high and a low air flow intensity may be provided. The adjustability of the air flow promotes a variable intensity experienced by the user not encountered in conventional portable air moving devices.
The narrow and substantially straight vector flow having a relatively high air flow intensity enhances the ability of the heating or cooling effects of the air flow to efficiently penetrate an area such as, for example, a space or room. This “ambient penetration” in turn allows the user to experience a more intense cooling or heating sensation. The “ambient penetration” afforded by the device also allows the user to be located at a greater distance from the air moving device while still experiencing the effects of the air flow.
The wider divergent air flow allows the user to lessen the intensity of the effects of the air flow experienced by the user. The lessening of intensity is useful when the user is located near the air moving device. This feature is useful in a work area such as, for example, a workbench, table or desk.
The flexibility to adjust the air flow from a straight vector to a wide divergent air pattern, or anywhere in between, increases the application and use flexibility afforded the user by the portable air moving device. The use of portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow also decreases the cost of the device when compared to conventional portable air moving devices using, for example, oscillation mechanisms. Oscillation mechanisms used on conventional portable air moving devices typically include at least of one of two major components: 1) an additional electric motor or 2) a transmission on the impeller motor. Both of these components in addition to gears, bearings, linkages and the like add significant cost to the final product. By comparison, the use of the adjustable intensity air flow mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention provide a simple and low cost alternative to such components.
Disposed within interior space 103 is blower assembly 130 and intensity adjustment mechanism 150. Blower assembly 130 draws ambient air into interior space 103 via air inlet 120 and subsequently generates exhaust air stream 180. Exhaust air stream 180 passes through intensity adjustment mechanism 150 and exits housing 102 via air outlet 108.
Slide 152 may be used to adjust the intensity of exhaust air stream 180. As shown in
The air width “AW” at the air outlet may be adjusted between a minimum air width “AWmin” and a maximum air width “AWmax”. Setting the air intensity adjustment mechanism to a minimum air width “AWmin” provides a relatively high intensity exhaust air stream exiting the device. Setting the air intensity adjustment mechanism to a maximum air width “AWmax” provides a relatively low intensity exhaust air stream exiting the device. Preferably, the air width “AW” may also be set various positions between the minimum air width “AWmin” and the maximum air width “AWmax” and results in air flow patterns having intensity characteristics between the high and low intensity air flow patterns.
As can be seen the air width “AW1” of
Q/A=V
Where: Q is the volume (cubic feet per minute) of air generated by blower assembly 130. V is the velocity (feet per minute) of exhaust air stream 180. A is the area of exhaust air stream 180 as it exits housing 102. Area A can also be expressed:
A=AL×AW
The air flow characteristics of exhaust air stream 180 therefore may be stated:
Q/(AL×AW)=V
The volume of air flow Q generated by blower assembly 130 is fixed in that Q is limited by the size and power of blower assembly 130. For example, the desire to maintain a low power motor (not shown) used in blower assembly 130 will limit the volume of air flow Q generated. A lower Q requires less power to produce than a higher Q. AL is also fixed in the present embodiment by the physical size of portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow 100. Therefore, it remains that AW can be adjusted to achieve the desired velocity V and intensity characteristics of exhaust air stream 180.
The following can be deduced from the mathematical statement:
Q/(AL×AW)=V
Although the intensity adjustment is shown in a horizontal orientation (i. e., an adjustable width), the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that the intensity adjustment may be effected in a vertical orientation as well (i.e., an adjustable height). It is further contemplated that the adjustment of the exit width of air stream 180 can be oriented at any angle without departing from the spirit of the invention. Although the exemplary embodiments are shown having a vertically oriented housing, the invention is not so limited. For example, horizontally oriented housings are also contemplated by the invention.
Also shown in both
Air outlet 108, in this example, is located partially in half 102a and half 102b. Preferably, outlet grill 110 is located proximate air outlet 108. Outlet grill 110 may be designed to protect interior space 103 from the penetration of foreign objects. Outlet grill 110 is preferably designed to minimize it's impedance to exhaust air stream 180 exiting air outlet 108. Outlet grill 110 may be attached to housing 102 through assembly devices, (not shown), such as for example; screws, adhesives or snaps. It is also contemplated that outlet grill 110 may be unitary with another component of portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow, such as for example, housing 102.
Air inlet 120, as shown is located in half 102a of housing 102. Air inlet 120 may be designed to minimize its impedance to the flow of air into interior space 103 while at the same time portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow from the penetration of foreign objects into interior space 103. As shown, intake grill 111 may be a unitary part of housing 102, specifically half 102a, the invention however is not so limited.
Disposed within interior space 103 is blower assembly 130. As shown, blower assembly 130 includes cross-flow air impeller 132 and motor 134. Cross-flow air impeller 132 may be connected to motor 134 via motor shaft 135. Cross-flow air impeller 132 may be supported by upper frame 131 and bearing 133. Motor 134 may be connected to lower frame 139 via motor bracket 136. In this example, air cut-off 137 and air guide 138 are disposed between upper frame 131 and lower frame 139. Air cut-off 137 and air guide 138 may be used to structurally support upper frame 131 and lower frame 139 relative to each other. Motor 134 rotates cross-flow air impeller 132 about axis of rotation Z. As shown in the present embodiment, axis of rotation Z has a substantially vertical orientation.
It is contemplated that portions of blower assembly 130, such as for example, upper frame 131, lower frame 139, air cut-off 137 and/or air guide 138 may be unitary in construction with other parts of portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow, such as for example, housing 102.
Preferably motor 134 will be a ventilated type electric motor. A ventilated motor allows air to enter motor 134 and efficiently cool motor 134 when in use. The cooling of motor 134 will allow a reduction of materials and reduce the cost of motor 134, which in turn will reduce the overall cost of portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow. It is also contemplated that motor 134 of blower assembly 130 may be an electric motor using AC current or DC current.
Although blower assembly 130 is shown utilizing cross-flow air impeller 132 the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that blower assembly 130 may utilize, for example, centrifugal impellers, axial impellers, and the associated structure to accommodate such.
Also disposed within interior space 103 is intensity adjustment mechanism 150. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
As shown, slide 152 is connected to link 151 and link 153, which in turn are connected to movable panels 154. When slide 152 is moved, the subsequent movement of link 151 and link 153 in turn move one or more of movable panels 154. By this manner, the width of exhaust air stream 180 is changed, (see
Also shown disposed within interior space 103 is electric heating element 190. As shown, electric heating element 190 is located between blower assembly 130 and intensity adjustment mechanism 150. Electric heating element 190 may be utilized to heat the air stream generated by blower assembly 130 prior to exiting housing 102. As such, exhaust air stream 180, (see
Although many different types of electric heating element 190 may be used, such as for example; hot wire or calrod radiator, the non-limiting example shown utilizes Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) technology for heating element 190. The use of a PTC heating element 190 assures a self-regulating low surface temperature of approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
Although the exploded perspective view of portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow 100 of
Control assembly 170 is used to control a function of portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow, such as for example, power on/off power settings for electric heating element 190, and the like. As shown, control assembly 170 may include, switch knob 172, buttons 173 and control enclosure 174. Although not shown, control assembly 170 may also include for example, tip over switches, power control boards, thermostats, LED indicators and the like. Alternatively, a remote control unit (not shown) may accomplish the control of portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow 100 in conjunction with, and/or as a replacement for control assembly 170.
Portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow may be constructed with material such as polymers, sealed motors, sealed switches, rain sensors and the like to optimize a weather proof construction. This would facilitate the use of portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow in areas that might be exposed to varying weather conditions.
As shown, angle φ1 defines the inclusive angle between minimum width limits 312 and 314 while angle φ2 defines the inclusive angle between maximum width limits 322 and 324. Preferably, intensity adjustment mechanism 150 will allow the width limits of exhaust air stream 180 to be adjusted anywhere between angle φ1 and angle φ2.
In one embodiment, the inclusive angle defined by angle φ1 will permit minimum width limits 312 and 314 to be about parallel to one another. Preferably angle φ1 may be approximately zero, and more preferably, angle φ1 may be an angle between −5 degrees and +5 degrees. Angle φ2 will allow the maximum width limits 322 and 324 to diverge from parallel as shown. In one embodiment angle φ2 may be an angle greater than about 30°. In another embodiment angle φ2 may be between about 20° degrees and about 120°. Angle φ1 produces a relatively high intensity air flow and will thereby allow exhaust air stream 180 to penetrate an ambient and travel at a greater velocity “V” when compared to the velocity and penetration when the width limits of exhaust air stream 180 are adjusted to angle φ2, which produces a relatively low intensity air flow.
The ability to adjust the inclusive angle anywhere between angle φ1 and angle φ2 increases the functional choices available to the user. Increasing the functional choices of portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow augments its value to the end user compared to a conventional portable air moving device having a fixed or static air flow intensity. In turn, the marketable value of portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow 100 is increased for the manufacturer.
In another embodiment, an oscillation mechanism (not shown) may be used to automatically cycle between angle φ1 and angle φ2. The oscillation mechanism may include gears, pinions, links and the like.
Referring now to
Intensity adjustment mechanism 450 includes movable panels 454a, 454b, 454c, side frame 456a, side frame 456b and pivot points 455. As shown in
The movement of intensity adjustment mechanism 450 may be effected by a rotation of movable panels 454a, 454c about pivot points 455. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
Although the exemplary embodiment of
Outlet grill 410 of the exemplary embodiment is shown as constructed of perforated metal, however the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that other materials, such as for example, polymer could be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is also contemplated that other structures may be used, such as for example, expanded metal, horizontal slats, vertical slats and the like without deviating from the invention.
Referring now to
Intensity adjustment mechanism 550 includes movable panels 554a, 554b, 554c, 554d and pivot point 555. As shown in
An air passageway 560 may be defined between an inlet (e.g., EW) and an outlet (e.g., AW) of the intensity adjustment mechanism 550. In one embodiment, air passageway 560 may end at the distal or forward end of the movable panels 554a, 554b, 554c and 554d, and in an another embodiment air passageway 560 may include outlet grill 510. As shown in
The movement of intensity adjustment mechanism 550 may be effected by a rotation of movable panels 554a, 554c, 554c and 554d about pivot points 555. In the exemplary embodiment movable panels 554a and 554b rotate as a pair in a divergent fashion with respect to the second pair of movable panels 554c and 554d. When movable panels 554a, 554b, 554c an 554d are adjusted, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Although the exemplary embodiment of
Outlet grill 510 may include inside edge 511 and grill elements 512, 513 and 514. Grill elements 512 and 514 located to either side of grill elements 513 may be divergent to one another and non-parallel to grill elements 513 located in the center of outlet grill 510. As can be appreciated, the divergent characteristics of grill elements 512 and 514 augment the divergent flow of exhaust air stream 180 when intensity adjustment mechanism 550 is adjusted as shown, for example, in
Inside edge 511 of outlet grill 510 may be arcuate and follows the contour of movement of movable panels 554a, 554c, 554c and 554d when rotated about pivot points 555. The arcuate form of inside edge 511 enhances the ability of exhaust air stream 180 to exit housing 502 while at the same time impeding recirculation of exhaust air stream 180 back into interior space 503. The impedance of recirculation increases the efficiency and control of the flow characteristics of exhaust air stream 180 as it exits portable air moving device 500 with adjustable intensity air flow.
In one embodiment, intensity adjustment mechanism 550 changes the ratio of air width “AW” compared to entry width “EW”. In one embodiment the ratio of air width “AW” to entry width “EW” can be adjusted to greater than 1 to 1. In another embodiment the ratio of air width “AW” to entry width “EW” can be adjusted to less than 1 to 1. In another embodiment, the ratio of air width “AW” to entry width “EW” can be adjusted between less than 1 to 1 and greater than 1 to 1. In another embodiment, the ratio of air width “AW” to entry width “EW” can be adjusted between 0.5 to 1 and 3 to 1. In another embodiment the ratio of air width “AW” to entry width “EW” can be adjusted between 1 to 1 and 3 to 1. As can be appreciated, the variation of this ratio will alter the flow characteristics of exhaust air stream 180, such as for example, the flow velocity, the flow volume, the flow width and the air flow pattern. The adjustment of the ratio between air width “AW” to entry width “EW” will effect the area “A” of exhaust air stream 180 and subsequently the velocity V of exhaust air stream 180 and/or the air volume Q generated by blower assembly 530.
As shown, exhaust air stream 680a exits housing 602 via a lower portion of air outlet 608 and outlet grill 610. Exhaust air stream 680b exits housing 602 via an upper portion of outlet 608 and outlet grill 610 above exhaust air stream 680a. Intensity adjustment mechanism 650 disposed within housing 602 includes lower portion 650a and upper portion 650b each independently controlled by adjustment knobs 652a and 652b respectively. As can be appreciated, the ability to adjust the intensity of exhaust air streams 680a and 680b independent of one another will further enhance the flexibility of use of portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow 600.
As shown, exhaust air stream 680a exits housing 602 having air width “AW2” accompanied by the divergent flow characteristics of velocity “V2” and a relatively low intensity. At the same time, exhaust air stream 680b exits housing 602 having air width “AW1” accompanied by the straight vector flow characteristics of velocity “V1” and a relatively high intensity. Adjustment knobs 652a and 652b can be used to independently adjust the air width of exhaust air stream 680a and exhaust air stream 680b anywhere between air width “AW1” and air width “AW2”.
Although portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow 600 is shown having two independently adjustable exhaust air streams 680a and 680b the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that two or more independently adjustable exhaust air streams could be utilized without departing from the spirit of the invention. Although portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow 600 is shown having exhaust air stream 680a below exhaust air stream 680b, the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that two independently adjustable exhaust air streams could be oriented horizontally, side by side without departing from the invention.
As shown in the embodiment of
Although the exemplary embodiments of a portable air moving device with adjustable intensity air flow shown in
Intensity adjustment mechanism 1250 includes movable panels 1254a, 1254b, 1254c, 1254d, side frame 1256a, and side frame 1256b. As shown in
The movement of intensity adjustment mechanism 1250 may be effected by a circumferential movement of movable panels 1254a, 1254b, 1254c, 1254d along the form of outlet grill 410. Although the exemplary embodiment of
In the embodiment shown in
Interior space 1304 serves as a plenum for pressurized air 1380. Pressurized air 1380 exits housing 1302 via air outlet 1308 and outlet grill 1310 as exhaust air steam 180. As shown in
Pressurized air 1380 may be generated by a blower assembly (not shown in
Referring now to
Intensity adjustment mechanism 1450 includes movable panels 1454a, 1454b, 1454c, 1454d. As shown in
Disposed within interior space 1503 is blower assembly 1530. Blower assembly 1530 draws ambient air into interior space 1503 via air inlet 1520 and subsequently generates exhaust air stream 180. Exhaust air stream 180 exits housing 1502 via air outlet 1508 and passes through intensity adjustment mechanism 1550.
As shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Intensity adjustment mechanism 1550 may be detachably coupled to housing 1502 by conventional means, such as for example, snaps, press fits, clips, hook and loop materials and the like. Although intensity adjustment mechanism 1550 has been shown in
As described, portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow can adjust the air width of exhaust air stream 180 between a substantially narrow and straight vector air flow pattern having a relatively high intensity and a wide divergent air flow pattern having a relatively low intensity, or an air width “AW” between “AW1” and “AW2”. The air width of exhaust air stream 180 can also be adjusted to a converged air flow pattern “AW3” (see
The narrow and substantially straight vector flow of exhaust air stream 180 enhances the ability of the heating or cooling effects of exhaust air stream 180 to efficiently penetrate a room or area, in turn allowing the user to experience a more intense cooling or heating sensation. The wider dispersed flow of exhaust air stream 180 allows the user to lessen the intensity and effects. The flexibility to adjust exhaust air stream 180 from a straight vector to a wide dispersed air pattern increases application flexibility afforded the user by portable air moving device 100 with adjustable intensity air flow.
Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims priority to provisional patent application 60/741,675 filed Dec. 2, 2005.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60741675 | Dec 2005 | US |