US20190264698A1 - Modular fan systems and assemblies - Google Patents
Modular fan systems and assemblies Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190264698A1 US20190264698A1 US16/281,574 US201916281574A US2019264698A1 US 20190264698 A1 US20190264698 A1 US 20190264698A1 US 201916281574 A US201916281574 A US 201916281574A US 2019264698 A1 US2019264698 A1 US 2019264698A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fan
- assembly
- housing
- mount
- electrical contacts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
- F04D25/0693—Details or arrangements of the wiring
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
- F04D25/084—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation hand fans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
- F04D29/52—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps
- F04D29/522—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/60—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling
- F04D29/64—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling of axial pumps
- F04D29/644—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling of axial pumps especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
- F04D29/646—Mounting or removal of fans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D19/00—Axial-flow pumps
- F04D19/002—Axial flow fans
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to fans and, in particular, to modular fans.
- Fans are typically positioned within rooms to circulate air within that room. Some fans include blades or impellers positioned within a housing such that the blades or impellers are not visible to a user. These fans are commonly referred to as bladeless fans.
- a bladeless fan typically draws air through an opening in the housing and guides the air through inner pathways until the air is pushed out of airways in a desired direction. Taking advantage of the Bernoulli principle and Coanda effect, the geometry uses high velocity air expelled from the airways to draw additional surrounding air into the airflow zone, increasing a total air flow.
- a modular fan assembly may include a fan unit and a mount assembly removably connected to the fan unit.
- the fan unit may include a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller, and first electrical contacts disposed on the fan housing.
- the first electrical contacts can electrically communicate with the motor.
- the mount assembly may include a support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing and second electrical contacts disposed on the support housing. The second electrical contacts can electrically communicate with the first electrical contacts.
- a method of assembling a modular fan assembly may include providing a fan unit.
- the fan unit may include a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller, and fan electrical contacts disposed on the fan housing.
- the method may also include providing a first mount assembly.
- the first mount assembly may include a first support housing removably connectable to at least a portion of the fan housing and first mount electrical contacts positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts.
- the method may further include providing a second mount assembly.
- the second mount assembly may include a second support housing removably connectable to at least a portion of the fan housing and second mount electrical contacts positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts.
- the method may also include selectively coupling the fan unit to the first mount assembly or the second mount assembly.
- a modular fan system may include a fan unit, a first mount assembly removably connectable to the fan unit, and a second mount assembly removably connectable to the fan unit.
- the fan unit may include a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller, and fan electrical contacts electrically coupled to the motor.
- the first mount assembly may include a first support housing. The first support housing may removably receive at least a portion of the fan housing. The first support housing may be adjustable relative to at least a portion of the first mount assembly.
- First mount electrical contacts may be positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts upon connecting the first mount assembly to the fan unit.
- the second mount assembly may include a second support housing.
- the second support housing may removably receive at least a portion of the fan housing.
- the second support housing may be adjustable relative to at least a portion of the second mount assembly.
- Second mount electrical contacts may be positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts upon connecting the second mount assembly to the fan unit.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the modular fan assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the modular fan assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIGS. 1-5 illustrate different embodiments of a modular fan assembly, generally designated 100 , 200 , 300 .
- the modular fans 100 , 200 , 300 may be intended for use within a room to create airflows within that room.
- the modular fan assembly 100 may include a fan unit 110 that may be removably connected to a mount assembly 114 (e.g., a base).
- a single fan unit 110 may be connected (e.g. physically connected, mechanically connected, electrically connected, and/or the like) to any one of a plurality of different types of mount assemblies (e.g., floor mount assemblies, pedestal mount assemblies, wall mount assemblies, ceiling mount assemblies, and/or the like) for providing a modular, customizable fan.
- mount assemblies e.g., floor mount assemblies, pedestal mount assemblies, wall mount assemblies, ceiling mount assemblies, and/or the like
- any one of a plurality of different types of fan assemblies e.g., bladed fan assemblies, bladeless fan assemblies, and/or the like
- a user may assemble a fan suitable for use in a desired space and/or suitable for use in a desired application (e.g., for ventilation, for floor drying, and/or the like).
- the fan unit 110 may include a motor 116 , a fan housing 118 , and an impeller 120 .
- the impeller 120 may be disposed within the fan housing 118 and be coupled to an output shaft of the motor 116 .
- the output shaft may extend along (e.g., parallel to) an impeller rotation axis A 1 of the fan unit 110 .
- the motor 116 may also be disposed within the fan housing 118 .
- the motor 116 may drive (e.g., rotate) the impeller 120 by way of the output shaft causing the impeller 120 to rotate about the rotation axis A 1 and induce an airflow.
- the nozzle 126 , the motor 116 , and/or the impeller 120 may be co-axial respective to the impeller rotation axis A 1 and/or concentric.
- the fan housing 118 may include an air inlet 122 and a nozzle 126 in fluid communication with the air inlet 122 .
- the nozzle 126 may be an annular nozzle.
- Other embodiments may include a nozzle 126 that may be square, rectangular, oblong, elliptical, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, and/or the like.
- the nozzle 126 may be positioned about the motor 116 and the impeller 120 . Air may be drawn into the annular nozzle 126 by way of rotating the impeller 120 , drawing the air in through the air inlet 122 , and forcing the air into the nozzle 126 from which the air may ultimately be expelled.
- the air inlet 122 may be comprised of a series of air vents 130 (see e.g., FIG. 2 ) that are formed in the fan housing 118 and/or a support housing 158 that supports the fan housing 118 , as described in more detail below.
- the air inlet 122 may be an opening or a slot that allows air to pass into the fan housing 118 of the fan unit 110 .
- the fan unit 110 may additionally include electrical contacts 134 (see e.g., FIG. 2 ) disposed on, over, and/or in portions of the fan housing 118 .
- the electrical contacts 134 may extend about a periphery of the fan housing 118 .
- the electrical contacts 134 may be positioned on a side opposite of the nozzle 126 , for example, and be disposed proximate to the mount assembly 114 .
- the fan unit 110 may include four electrical contacts 134 . In other embodiments, the fan unit 110 may include fewer or more electrical contacts 134 .
- the electrical contacts 134 may be formed as an electrical plug, socket, or other type of connector (e.g., an adapter, a port (e.g., an HDMI port, a USB port, and/or the like), a dongle, and/or the like).
- the electrical contacts 134 may be configured to route electrical current or power from the mount assembly 114 to portions of the motor 116 for energizing the motor 116 and rotating the impeller 120 to generate an airflow as described herein.
- the fan unit 110 may be electrically compatible with and/or interchangeable respective to a plurality of different types of fan mounts (e.g., fan assemblies 114 ) as described herein.
- the nozzle 126 may be positioned around the fan housing 118 .
- the fan unit 110 thereby, may define a central opening 138 between the nozzle 126 and the fan housing 118 .
- the central opening 138 may include an open space formed between portions of the nozzle 126 and the fan housing 118 .
- the nozzle 126 may also include at least one outlet 142 defined therein.
- the outlet 142 may include one or more openings.
- the outlet 142 may be one or more slits, slots, holes, openings, and/or the like.
- the outlet 142 may extend at least partially about the fan housing 118 along the nozzle 126 .
- the outlet 142 may include an annular outlet that extends at least partially around an inner perimeter of the annular nozzle 126 .
- the annular outlet 142 may extend completely around the inner perimeter of the annular nozzle 126 .
- One or more arms 146 may connect (e.g., physically connect, fluidly connect, and/or the like) the fan housing 118 to the annular nozzle 126 and, thus, support the fan housing 118 respective to the nozzle 126 .
- the fan unit 110 may include two arms 146 . In other embodiments, the fan unit 110 may include one arm 146 or more than two arms 146 .
- Each arm 146 may include an air passageway 148 disposed therein that allows the fan housing 118 to be in fluid communication with the annular nozzle 126 .
- the fan unit 110 may include a light (e.g., a bulb, a LED, and/or the like) positioned on, over, and/or in the fan housing 118 .
- the central opening 138 may be defined between the nozzle 126 and the fan housing 118 , and may be divided by the one or more arms 146 .
- the mount assembly 114 may include a base member 150 , an elongated support member 154 , and a support housing 158 .
- the base member 150 may be a wall or ceiling mount, and the elongated support member 154 may be a wall or ceiling mount arm.
- the base member 150 may be configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling of a room via fasteners 162 (e.g., screws, nails, bolts, etc.).
- the elongated support member 154 may be connected to the base member 150 and may include a bifurcated end 166 that movably supports the support housing 158 .
- the elongated support member 154 may be a swivel arm that allows the fan unit 110 to be positioned in various positions.
- the support housing 158 may be pivotally connected to the bifurcated end 166 of the elongated support member 154 to allow the support housing 158 to rotate relative to the elongated support member 154 about a pivot axis A 2 .
- the pivot axis A 2 may be perpendicular to the impeller rotation axis A 1 .
- the support housing 158 may include or define a cavity 170 , in which electrical wiring 174 may be positioned, and the support housing 158 may include or define a plurality of air vents 130 disposed on an outer periphery thereof.
- the electrical wiring 174 may be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet, a power strip, a generator, and/or the like) within the room that the fan unit 110 may be located.
- the electrical wiring 174 may extend out the back (rear) of the support housing 158 to a power source (see e.g., FIG. 1 ).
- the electrical wiring 174 may extend from the back of the support housing 158 and internally through the elongated support member 154 (see e.g., FIG. 2 ).
- the support housing 158 may further include electrical contacts 178 that correspond to the electrical contacts 134 on the fan housing 118 of the fan unit 110 .
- the electrical contacts 178 of the support housing 158 may correspond in size, shape, location, quantity, material, and/or the like, to the electrical contacts 134 of the fan housing 118 .
- the electrical contacts 178 of the support housing 158 may be configured to contact and align with the electrical contacts 134 of the fan housing 118 upon positioning the fan housing 118 respective to the support housing 158 .
- the electrical contacts 178 of the support housing 158 may electrically couple and/or communicate with the electrical contacts 134 of the fan housing 118 so that power from the power source may be routed towards the fan unit 110 .
- the electrical contacts 178 and 134 may be electrically conductive contacts, such as metal or metal-alloy contacts (e.g., comprising copper, silver, gold, tin, aluminum, iron, and/or the like). Steel contacts may be more robust, in some embodiments, and resist frictional wear during the repeated insertion and removal of the fan unit 110 respective to the mount assembly 114 .
- the electrical contacts 178 may include other types of electrically conductive materials (e.g., conductive paints, conductive polymers, and/or the like).
- the fan unit 110 may be removably connected to the mount assembly 114 .
- the fan unit 110 may be inserted in the cavity 170 of the mount assembly 114 in an insertion direction D 1 .
- the insertion direction D 1 may be parallel to or collinear with the rotation axis A 1 of the impeller 120 .
- the fan housing 118 of the fan unit 110 may be positioned within the cavity 170 of the support housing 158 of the mount assembly 114 .
- the fan unit 110 may then be rotated until the electrical contacts 134 of the fan unit 110 align, contact, and/or otherwise electrically connect or couple with the electrical contacts 178 of the mount assembly 114 , allowing electricity to flow therebetween to power the fan unit 110 .
- the mount assembly 114 or the fan unit 110 may include a coupling mechanism (e.g., a latch, a quick-release connect mechanism, a tongue-in-groove coupler, and/or the like) and/or a locking mechanism to further couple and/or lock the fan unit 110 to the mount assembly 114 .
- the fan unit 110 may be removed from the mount assembly 114 and positioned in another mount assembly that is located elsewhere.
- the fan unit 110 may mount to the mount assembly 114 without the use of a tool (e.g., without the use of a power tool, a hand tool, and/or the like).
- the fan unit 110 may be frictionally held in place, may snap into place, may slide into place, may rotate into place, may be accommodated in one or more angled slots, and/or the like.
- electrical current or power may be provided by a power source and be routed to the motor 116 by way of routing the power through the electrical wiring 174 and the electrical contacts 134 , 178 .
- the motor 116 may rotate the impeller 120 to draw air from outside the fan unit 110 through the air vents 130 of the air support housing 158 and the air inlet 122 and into the fan housing 118 .
- the impeller 120 may continue to push the air through the arms 146 and into the annular nozzle 126 .
- Air pressure may begin to build within the annular nozzle 126 as more air is pushed into the annular nozzle 126 . Once the air pressure is high enough, the air may be continually expelled from the annular outlet 142 and away from the fan unit 110 . Due to the high air pressure, the air may be expelled at a high velocity, drawing air surrounding the fan unit 110 through the central opening 138 and creating an amplified airflow effect.
- FIGS. 3-4 illustrate a modular fan assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
- the modular fan assembly 200 may be similar to the modular fan assembly 100 of FIG. 1 , with like features being represented by like reference numerals.
- the modular fan assembly 200 may include the fan unit 110 , but instead of a mount assembly 114 with a base member 150 being formed as a wall mount, may include a mount assembly 210 with being formed as a floor mount 214 .
- the floor mount 214 may include a base member 218 , an elongated support member 222 with a bifurcated end 226 , and a support housing 230 .
- the base member 218 may be a support base
- the elongated support member 222 may be an elongated stem.
- the fan unit 110 may be positioned within the support housing 230 with the electrical contacts 134 on the fan housing 118 of the fan unit 110 facing and connected to the electrical contacts 178 on the support housing 230 of the floor mount 214 .
- the electrical wiring 174 may extend through the elongated stem 222 of the floor mount 214 and out of the support base 218 to be connected to a power source.
- the elongated stem 222 may have a length of, for example, about two feet, about three feet, about four feet, about five feet, about ten feet, or more than ten feet. Additionally, or alternatively, the length of the elongated stem 222 may be adjustable by, for example, by way of a telescoping mechanism.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a modular fan assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
- the modular fan assembly 300 may be similar to the modular fan assembly 200 of FIG. 2 , with like features being represented with like reference numerals.
- the modular fan assembly 300 may include the fan unit 110 , but may include a mount assembly 310 with a floor mount 314 that has an elongated support member (or elongated stem) 318 that is shorter than the elongated stem 222 shown in FIGS. 3-4 .
- the shorter elongated stem 318 may be more conducive for positioning the modular fan assembly 300 on a desk, table, or stand.
- the elongated stem 318 may have a length that is less than two feet.
- the length of the elongated stem be six inches, one foot, 1.5 feet, and/or the like.
- the fan unit 110 may be removably connected to a mount assembly 114 , 210 , 310 .
- the fan unit 110 may be removed from one mount assembly 114 , 210 , 310 and connected to another mount assembly 114 , 210 , 310 with or without the use of one or more tools.
- the fan unit 110 may be removed from the mount assembly 114 with the base member 150 and positioned into the mount assembly 210 with the elongated stem 222 or the mount assembly 310 with the shorter stem 318 .
- the fan unit 110 may be pivotable and/or rotatable respective to the respective mount assembly by way of pivoting and/or moving about a pivot axis (e.g., A 2 ) and/or moving about a universal joint.
- a pivot axis e.g., A 2
- a fan unit 110 that is removably connected to a mount assembly 114 , 210 , 310 allows for the easy repositioning of the fan unit 110 within a room.
- the convenience of a removable fan unit 110 allows for the fan unit 110 to provide airflow in a variety of ways within a room, and/or allows the fan unit 110 to be moved from room to room.
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Abstract
A modular fan assembly includes a fan unit and a mount assembly removably connected to the fan unit. The fan unit may include a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller, and first electrical contacts disposed on the fan housing. The first electrical contacts can electrically communicate with the motor. The mount assembly may include a support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing and second electrical contacts disposed on the support housing. The second electrical contacts can electrically communicate with the first electrical contacts.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/636,186, filed Feb. 28, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The present disclosure relates to fans and, in particular, to modular fans.
- Fans are typically positioned within rooms to circulate air within that room. Some fans include blades or impellers positioned within a housing such that the blades or impellers are not visible to a user. These fans are commonly referred to as bladeless fans. A bladeless fan typically draws air through an opening in the housing and guides the air through inner pathways until the air is pushed out of airways in a desired direction. Taking advantage of the Bernoulli principle and Coanda effect, the geometry uses high velocity air expelled from the airways to draw additional surrounding air into the airflow zone, increasing a total air flow.
- In one embodiment, a modular fan assembly may include a fan unit and a mount assembly removably connected to the fan unit. The fan unit may include a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller, and first electrical contacts disposed on the fan housing. The first electrical contacts can electrically communicate with the motor. The mount assembly may include a support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing and second electrical contacts disposed on the support housing. The second electrical contacts can electrically communicate with the first electrical contacts.
- In another embodiment, a method of assembling a modular fan assembly may include providing a fan unit. The fan unit may include a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller, and fan electrical contacts disposed on the fan housing. The method may also include providing a first mount assembly. The first mount assembly may include a first support housing removably connectable to at least a portion of the fan housing and first mount electrical contacts positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts. The method may further include providing a second mount assembly. The second mount assembly may include a second support housing removably connectable to at least a portion of the fan housing and second mount electrical contacts positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts. The method may also include selectively coupling the fan unit to the first mount assembly or the second mount assembly.
- In another embodiment, a modular fan system may include a fan unit, a first mount assembly removably connectable to the fan unit, and a second mount assembly removably connectable to the fan unit. The fan unit may include a fan housing, an impeller disposed within the fan housing, a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller, and fan electrical contacts electrically coupled to the motor. The first mount assembly may include a first support housing. The first support housing may removably receive at least a portion of the fan housing. The first support housing may be adjustable relative to at least a portion of the first mount assembly. First mount electrical contacts may be positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts upon connecting the first mount assembly to the fan unit. The second mount assembly may include a second support housing. The second support housing may removably receive at least a portion of the fan housing. The second support housing may be adjustable relative to at least a portion of the second mount assembly. Second mount electrical contacts may be positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts upon connecting the second mount assembly to the fan unit.
- Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the modular fan assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the modular fan assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modular fan assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure. - Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
-
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate different embodiments of a modular fan assembly, generally designated 100, 200, 300. Themodular fans - With reference to
FIGS. 1-2 , themodular fan assembly 100 may include afan unit 110 that may be removably connected to a mount assembly 114 (e.g., a base). In this way, asingle fan unit 110 may be connected (e.g. physically connected, mechanically connected, electrically connected, and/or the like) to any one of a plurality of different types of mount assemblies (e.g., floor mount assemblies, pedestal mount assemblies, wall mount assemblies, ceiling mount assemblies, and/or the like) for providing a modular, customizable fan. Further, in this way, any one of a plurality of different types of fan assemblies (e.g., bladed fan assemblies, bladeless fan assemblies, and/or the like) may be connected asingle mount assembly 114. In this way, a user may assemble a fan suitable for use in a desired space and/or suitable for use in a desired application (e.g., for ventilation, for floor drying, and/or the like). - The
fan unit 110 may include amotor 116, afan housing 118, and animpeller 120. Theimpeller 120 may be disposed within thefan housing 118 and be coupled to an output shaft of themotor 116. The output shaft may extend along (e.g., parallel to) an impeller rotation axis A1 of thefan unit 110. Themotor 116 may also be disposed within thefan housing 118. Themotor 116 may drive (e.g., rotate) theimpeller 120 by way of the output shaft causing theimpeller 120 to rotate about the rotation axis A1 and induce an airflow. In some embodiments, thenozzle 126, themotor 116, and/or theimpeller 120 may be co-axial respective to the impeller rotation axis A1 and/or concentric. - The
fan housing 118 may include anair inlet 122 and anozzle 126 in fluid communication with theair inlet 122. Thenozzle 126, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, may be an annular nozzle. Other embodiments may include anozzle 126 that may be square, rectangular, oblong, elliptical, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, and/or the like. In some embodiments, thenozzle 126 may be positioned about themotor 116 and theimpeller 120. Air may be drawn into theannular nozzle 126 by way of rotating theimpeller 120, drawing the air in through theair inlet 122, and forcing the air into thenozzle 126 from which the air may ultimately be expelled. In the illustrated embodiment, theair inlet 122 may be comprised of a series of air vents 130 (see e.g.,FIG. 2 ) that are formed in thefan housing 118 and/or asupport housing 158 that supports thefan housing 118, as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, theair inlet 122 may be an opening or a slot that allows air to pass into thefan housing 118 of thefan unit 110. - The
fan unit 110 may additionally include electrical contacts 134 (see e.g.,FIG. 2 ) disposed on, over, and/or in portions of thefan housing 118. Theelectrical contacts 134 may extend about a periphery of thefan housing 118. Theelectrical contacts 134 may be positioned on a side opposite of thenozzle 126, for example, and be disposed proximate to themount assembly 114. In the illustrated embodiment, thefan unit 110 may include fourelectrical contacts 134. In other embodiments, thefan unit 110 may include fewer or moreelectrical contacts 134. In further embodiments, theelectrical contacts 134 may be formed as an electrical plug, socket, or other type of connector (e.g., an adapter, a port (e.g., an HDMI port, a USB port, and/or the like), a dongle, and/or the like). Theelectrical contacts 134 may be configured to route electrical current or power from themount assembly 114 to portions of themotor 116 for energizing themotor 116 and rotating theimpeller 120 to generate an airflow as described herein. In this way, thefan unit 110 may be electrically compatible with and/or interchangeable respective to a plurality of different types of fan mounts (e.g., fan assemblies 114) as described herein. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1-2 , thenozzle 126 may be positioned around thefan housing 118. Thefan unit 110, thereby, may define acentral opening 138 between thenozzle 126 and thefan housing 118. Thecentral opening 138 may include an open space formed between portions of thenozzle 126 and thefan housing 118. Thenozzle 126 may also include at least oneoutlet 142 defined therein. Theoutlet 142 may include one or more openings. Theoutlet 142 may be one or more slits, slots, holes, openings, and/or the like. Theoutlet 142 may extend at least partially about thefan housing 118 along thenozzle 126. In embodiments including anannular nozzle 126, theoutlet 142 may include an annular outlet that extends at least partially around an inner perimeter of theannular nozzle 126. In some embodiments, theannular outlet 142 may extend completely around the inner perimeter of theannular nozzle 126. One ormore arms 146 may connect (e.g., physically connect, fluidly connect, and/or the like) thefan housing 118 to theannular nozzle 126 and, thus, support thefan housing 118 respective to thenozzle 126. In the illustrated embodiment, thefan unit 110 may include twoarms 146. In other embodiments, thefan unit 110 may include onearm 146 or more than twoarms 146. Eacharm 146 may include anair passageway 148 disposed therein that allows thefan housing 118 to be in fluid communication with theannular nozzle 126. In some embodiments, thefan unit 110 may include a light (e.g., a bulb, a LED, and/or the like) positioned on, over, and/or in thefan housing 118. Thecentral opening 138 may be defined between thenozzle 126 and thefan housing 118, and may be divided by the one ormore arms 146. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
mount assembly 114 may include abase member 150, anelongated support member 154, and asupport housing 158. Thebase member 150 may be a wall or ceiling mount, and theelongated support member 154 may be a wall or ceiling mount arm. Thebase member 150 may be configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling of a room via fasteners 162 (e.g., screws, nails, bolts, etc.). Theelongated support member 154 may be connected to thebase member 150 and may include abifurcated end 166 that movably supports thesupport housing 158. In some embodiments, theelongated support member 154 may be a swivel arm that allows thefan unit 110 to be positioned in various positions. Thesupport housing 158 may be pivotally connected to thebifurcated end 166 of theelongated support member 154 to allow thesupport housing 158 to rotate relative to theelongated support member 154 about a pivot axis A2. The pivot axis A2 may be perpendicular to the impeller rotation axis A1. - With reference to
FIG. 2 , thesupport housing 158 may include or define acavity 170, in whichelectrical wiring 174 may be positioned, and thesupport housing 158 may include or define a plurality ofair vents 130 disposed on an outer periphery thereof. Theelectrical wiring 174 may be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet, a power strip, a generator, and/or the like) within the room that thefan unit 110 may be located. In some embodiments, theelectrical wiring 174 may extend out the back (rear) of thesupport housing 158 to a power source (see e.g.,FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments, theelectrical wiring 174 may extend from the back of thesupport housing 158 and internally through the elongated support member 154 (see e.g.,FIG. 2 ). Thesupport housing 158 may further includeelectrical contacts 178 that correspond to theelectrical contacts 134 on thefan housing 118 of thefan unit 110. For example, theelectrical contacts 178 of thesupport housing 158 may correspond in size, shape, location, quantity, material, and/or the like, to theelectrical contacts 134 of thefan housing 118. In some embodiments, theelectrical contacts 178 of thesupport housing 158 may be configured to contact and align with theelectrical contacts 134 of thefan housing 118 upon positioning thefan housing 118 respective to thesupport housing 158. In this way, theelectrical contacts 178 of thesupport housing 158 may electrically couple and/or communicate with theelectrical contacts 134 of thefan housing 118 so that power from the power source may be routed towards thefan unit 110. In the illustrated embodiment, theelectrical contacts fan unit 110 respective to themount assembly 114. In other embodiments, theelectrical contacts 178 may include other types of electrically conductive materials (e.g., conductive paints, conductive polymers, and/or the like). - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thefan unit 110 may be removably connected to themount assembly 114. In some embodiments, thefan unit 110 may be inserted in thecavity 170 of themount assembly 114 in an insertion direction D1. The insertion direction D1 may be parallel to or collinear with the rotation axis A1 of theimpeller 120. To connect thefan unit 110 to themount assembly 114, thefan housing 118 of thefan unit 110 may be positioned within thecavity 170 of thesupport housing 158 of themount assembly 114. Thefan unit 110 may then be rotated until theelectrical contacts 134 of thefan unit 110 align, contact, and/or otherwise electrically connect or couple with theelectrical contacts 178 of themount assembly 114, allowing electricity to flow therebetween to power thefan unit 110. In some embodiments, themount assembly 114 or thefan unit 110 may include a coupling mechanism (e.g., a latch, a quick-release connect mechanism, a tongue-in-groove coupler, and/or the like) and/or a locking mechanism to further couple and/or lock thefan unit 110 to themount assembly 114. Thefan unit 110 may be removed from themount assembly 114 and positioned in another mount assembly that is located elsewhere. In some embodiments, thefan unit 110 may mount to themount assembly 114 without the use of a tool (e.g., without the use of a power tool, a hand tool, and/or the like). For instance, thefan unit 110 may be frictionally held in place, may snap into place, may slide into place, may rotate into place, may be accommodated in one or more angled slots, and/or the like. - During operation of the
modular fan assembly 100, electrical current or power may be provided by a power source and be routed to themotor 116 by way of routing the power through theelectrical wiring 174 and theelectrical contacts motor 116 may rotate theimpeller 120 to draw air from outside thefan unit 110 through theair vents 130 of theair support housing 158 and theair inlet 122 and into thefan housing 118. Theimpeller 120 may continue to push the air through thearms 146 and into theannular nozzle 126. Air pressure may begin to build within theannular nozzle 126 as more air is pushed into theannular nozzle 126. Once the air pressure is high enough, the air may be continually expelled from theannular outlet 142 and away from thefan unit 110. Due to the high air pressure, the air may be expelled at a high velocity, drawing air surrounding thefan unit 110 through thecentral opening 138 and creating an amplified airflow effect. -
FIGS. 3-4 illustrate amodular fan assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Themodular fan assembly 200 may be similar to themodular fan assembly 100 ofFIG. 1 , with like features being represented by like reference numerals. Themodular fan assembly 200 may include thefan unit 110, but instead of amount assembly 114 with abase member 150 being formed as a wall mount, may include amount assembly 210 with being formed as afloor mount 214. Thefloor mount 214 may include abase member 218, anelongated support member 222 with abifurcated end 226, and asupport housing 230. Thebase member 218 may be a support base, and theelongated support member 222 may be an elongated stem. Similar to themodular fan assembly 100, thefan unit 110 may be positioned within thesupport housing 230 with theelectrical contacts 134 on thefan housing 118 of thefan unit 110 facing and connected to theelectrical contacts 178 on thesupport housing 230 of thefloor mount 214. In the illustrated embodiment, theelectrical wiring 174 may extend through theelongated stem 222 of thefloor mount 214 and out of thesupport base 218 to be connected to a power source. In some embodiments, theelongated stem 222 may have a length of, for example, about two feet, about three feet, about four feet, about five feet, about ten feet, or more than ten feet. Additionally, or alternatively, the length of theelongated stem 222 may be adjustable by, for example, by way of a telescoping mechanism. -
FIG. 5 illustrates amodular fan assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Themodular fan assembly 300 may be similar to themodular fan assembly 200 ofFIG. 2 , with like features being represented with like reference numerals. Themodular fan assembly 300 may include thefan unit 110, but may include amount assembly 310 with afloor mount 314 that has an elongated support member (or elongated stem) 318 that is shorter than theelongated stem 222 shown inFIGS. 3-4 . The shorterelongated stem 318 may be more conducive for positioning themodular fan assembly 300 on a desk, table, or stand. In some embodiments, theelongated stem 318 may have a length that is less than two feet. For example, the length of the elongated stem be six inches, one foot, 1.5 feet, and/or the like. - As discussed above, the
fan unit 110 may be removably connected to amount assembly fan unit 110 may be removed from onemount assembly mount assembly fan unit 110 may be removed from themount assembly 114 with thebase member 150 and positioned into themount assembly 210 with theelongated stem 222 or themount assembly 310 with theshorter stem 318. Thefan unit 110 may be pivotable and/or rotatable respective to the respective mount assembly by way of pivoting and/or moving about a pivot axis (e.g., A2) and/or moving about a universal joint. - A
fan unit 110 that is removably connected to amount assembly fan unit 110 within a room. The convenience of aremovable fan unit 110 allows for thefan unit 110 to provide airflow in a variety of ways within a room, and/or allows thefan unit 110 to be moved from room to room. - Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A modular fan assembly comprising:
a fan unit including:
a fan housing;
an impeller disposed within the fan housing;
a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller; and
first electrical contacts disposed on the fan housing,
wherein the first electrical contacts are configured to electrically communicate with the motor;
a mount assembly removably connected to the fan unit, the mount assembly including:
a support housing removably connected to at least a portion of the fan housing; and
second electrical contacts disposed on the support housing,
wherein the second electrical contacts are configured to electrically communicate with the first electrical contacts.
2. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fan unit is adjustable relative to a portion of the mount assembly when the fan unit is connected to the support housing.
3. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mount assembly further includes an elongated support member connected to the support housing.
4. The modular fan assembly of claim 3 , wherein the support housing is movable respective to the elongated support member.
5. The modular fan assembly of claim 3 , wherein the mount assembly further includes a base member connected to the elongated support member.
6. The modular fan assembly of claim 5 , wherein the base member is configured to mount to a wall.
7. The modular fan assembly of claim 5 , wherein the base member is configured to mount to a ceiling.
8. The modular fan assembly of claim 5 , wherein the base member is configured to contact a floor.
9. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fan unit further includes a nozzle configured to direct air leaving the fan unit.
10. The modular air assembly of claim 9 , wherein the fan unit further includes at least one arm connecting the nozzle to the fan housing.
11. The modular air assembly of claim 9 , wherein the fan unit further includes at least one central opening defined between the nozzle and the fan housing.
12. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fan unit further includes at least one air intake vent defined in the fan housing.
13. The modular fan assembly of claim 12 , wherein the mount assembly further includes at least one air intake port defined in the support housing, the at least one air intake port being fluidly coupled to the at least one air intake vent.
14. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
the support housing defines a cavity, and
at least a portion of the fan housing is removably received in the cavity.
15. The modular fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the support housing removably receives the fan housing in a linear insertion direction.
16. The modular fan assembly of claim 15 , wherein the linear insertion direction is parallel to a rotation axis of the impeller.
17. A method of assembling a modular fan assembly, the method comprising:
providing a fan unit including:
a fan housing;
an impeller disposed within the fan housing;
a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller; and
fan electrical contacts being disposed on the fan housing;
providing a first mount assembly including:
a first support housing being removably connectable to at least a portion of the fan housing; and
first mount electrical contacts positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts;
providing a second mount assembly including:
a second support housing being removably connectable to at least a portion of the fan housing; and
second mount electrical contacts positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts; and
selectively coupling the fan unit to the first mount assembly or the second mount assembly.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein selectively coupling the fan unit to the first mount assembly or the second mount assembly includes:
physically coupling the fan housing to the first support housing or the second mount assembly, and
electrically coupling the fan electrical contacts to the first mount electrical contacts or the second mount electrical contacts.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein selectively coupling the fan unit to the first mount assembly or the second mount assembly is accomplished without the use of a tool.
20. A modular fan system comprising:
a fan unit including:
a fan housing;
an impeller disposed within the fan housing;
a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the impeller; and
fan electrical contacts electrically coupled to the motor;
a first mount assembly removably connectable to the fan unit, the first mount assembly including:
a first support housing to removably receive at least a portion of the fan housing, the first support housing adjustable relative to at least a portion of the first mount assembly; and
first mount electrical contacts positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts upon connecting the first mount assembly to the fan unit; and
a second mount assembly removably connectable to the fan unit, the second mount assembly including:
a second support housing to removably receive at least a portion of the fan housing, the second support housing adjustable relative to at least a portion of the second mount assembly; and
second mount electrical contacts positioned to electrically couple to the fan electrical contacts upon connecting the second mount assembly to the fan unit.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/281,574 US20190264698A1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2019-02-21 | Modular fan systems and assemblies |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862636186P | 2018-02-28 | 2018-02-28 | |
US16/281,574 US20190264698A1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2019-02-21 | Modular fan systems and assemblies |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190264698A1 true US20190264698A1 (en) | 2019-08-29 |
Family
ID=67685049
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/281,574 Abandoned US20190264698A1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2019-02-21 | Modular fan systems and assemblies |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20190264698A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN210240042U (en) |
CA (1) | CA3034868A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220178528A1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2022-06-09 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Fan and Light Units and Associated Mounting Arrangements for Use at a Loading Dock |
-
2019
- 2019-02-21 US US16/281,574 patent/US20190264698A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-02-26 CN CN201920245699.6U patent/CN210240042U/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2019-02-26 CA CA3034868A patent/CA3034868A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220178528A1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2022-06-09 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Fan and Light Units and Associated Mounting Arrangements for Use at a Loading Dock |
US11739924B2 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2023-08-29 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Fan and light units and associated mounting arrangements for use at a loading dock |
USD1018958S1 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2024-03-19 | Rite-Hite Holding Corporation | Fan and light mount assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN210240042U (en) | 2020-04-03 |
CA3034868A1 (en) | 2019-08-28 |
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