HEATING AND COOLING APPARATUS
A heating and cooling apparatus provides hands free operation for heating and cooling a room and purifying the surrounding air. Apparatus includes a fan, a housing for receiving the fan, and at least one heating element positioned between an outer edge of the fan and an inner surface of the housing. Apparatus further includes system logic to control operation of a motor when a parameter, such as temperature or occupation of a room is detected. Housing includes air purifying properties to reduce virus or bacteria in the air moving through the apparatus.
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1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a heating and cooling apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus used to heat or cool a desired area. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus having a housing with a fan and a heating element, wherein the heating element is positioned between the fan and the inner surface of the housing configured to turn on/off through the use of logic.
2. Background Information
Mechanical fans are types of machines used to create flow within a fluid, typically air. Typically, axial-flow fans have blades that move air in a direction parallel to a motor drive shaft about which the blades rotate. Centrifugal fans have blades arranged to move air in a direction generally perpendicular to the intake air flow. Mixed-Flow fans move air both perpendicularly and parallel to the intake air flow.
Electrically powered mechanical fans used to move air in a desired space, typically the home, are well known and have been employed for at least a century. Over the years, improvements and variations have come and gone to the electric fan, namely, variations that alter the number of blades, the configuration of the blades, the size of the blades, the pitch angle of the blades, the drive motors, or the fan housings. Yet, even with these variations mechanical fans still have drawbacks and further, they often fail to employ modern technology.
Therefore, a need continues to exist for an improvement to the mechanical fan. The present invention address addresses this and other issues.
SUMMARYAn embodiment of the present invention provides a fan housed within a housing having a heating element attached inside the housing. The heating element and a motor may be in electrical communication with a temperature control system, a motion detector, or both. Logic controls the control system and the motion detector to cause the heating element or the motor to turn on/off when a programmed threshold has been reached. The present invention may heat a desired space when the heating elements are turned on and the motor is rotating the fan. The present invention may also cool a desired spaced when the heating elements are turned off but the motor is still rotating the fan.
In one aspect, the invention may provide a heating and cooling apparatus comprising: a fan comprising a plurality of blades extending between a support plate and a retaining collar; a housing configured to receive the fan; and at least one heating element attached to the housing.
In another aspect, the invention may provide a heating and cooling device comprising: a mixed flow fan to move fluid as the mixed flow fan rotates about an axis, the fan includes a plurality of blades having generally vertically extending exit edges to move fluid in a horizontal direction; a fan housing to receive the mixed flow fan, the housing including an annular sidewall, wherein the sidewall is spaced apart and generally parallel to the vertical exit edges, defining therebetween a heater element gap; and at least one heating element mounted to the fan housing and positioned in the heater element gap.
A sample embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe heating and cooling apparatus of the present invention is shown generally in
With primary reference to
Fan blades 24 extend downward from bottom surface 34 of support plate 26. Blades 24 include a blade entrance edge 36, a blade exit edge 38, a blade top edge 40, a blade bottom edge 42, a convex first blade surface 44, and a concave second blade surface 46. Blade entrance edge 36 extends downward from bottom surface 34 spaced apart from downwardly extending blade exit edge 38. Blade top edge 40 connects to bottom surface 34 and extends between entrance edge 36 and exit edge 38. Bottom edge 42 is spaced apart from top edge 40 extending between entrance edge 36 and exit edge 38. The respective edges 36, 38, 40 and 42 bound convex plate surface 44 and concave blade surface 46. To create the convex and concave surfaces 44 and 46, the blade edges are curved. When viewed from the side (
Collar 28 includes a concave outer surface 52, a convex inner surface 54, a top edge 56 and a bottom edge 58. When viewed from the side, top edge 56 is above bottom edge 58. The respective edges 56, 58 bound collar outer surface 52 and collar inner surface 54. Collar 28 is generally annular and in which the concave outer surface 52 faces outwardly and downwardly from axis 13, and the convex inner surface 54 faces inwardly and upwardly relative to axis 13. Convex curvature of inner surface 54 mirrors arcuately extending bottom edge 42 along which each respective blade 24 connects to collar 28.
Rim 30 connects adjacent bottom edge 58. Rim 30 includes an upwardly facing rim top surface 60, a downwardly facing rim bottom surface 62, a rim horizontal segment 64, and a rim vertical segment 66. Rim horizontal segment 64 extends radially outward, relative to axis 13, in a horizontal manner from collar bottom edge 58. Rim horizontal segment 64 has a top and bottom surfaces which make up portions of rim top surface 60 and rim bottom surface 62 respectively. Rim vertical segment 66 extends upwardly in a substantially vertical manner from an outer edge of rim horizontal segment 64. Rim vertical segment 66 defines an upwardly facing outer rim edge.
With continued reference to
Annular sidewall 72 extends downwardly from adjacent outer annular edge 84 towards bottom wall 76. Sidewall 72 includes an outwardly facing sidewall outer surface 88 and an inwardly facing sidewall inner surface 90. A plurality of heating element attachment areas 51 are positioned along inner surface 90 and configured to have heating element 16 positioned inwardly adjacent areas 51.
A first chamfered wall 92 connects bottom end of annular sidewall 72 to bottom wall 76. Chamfered wall 92 has a lower surface that faces outwardly and downwardly relative to axis 13 and an inwardly and upwardly facing upper surface. Bottom wall 76 extends generally horizontal from the first chamfered wall 92. Bottom wall 76 includes an upwardly facing top surface and a downwardly facing bottom surface. Bottom wall 76 is generally annular and horizontally aligned. A second chamfered wall 94 extends upwardly and inwardly from an inner edge of bottom wall 76. Second chamfered wall 94 has an inwardly and downwardly facing lower surface and an upwardly and outwardly facing upper surface. An annular edge 96 terminates second chamfered wall 94. Edge 96 defines a cavity aperture 98. Cavity aperture 98 is in communication with cavity 74 and configured to permit fan 12 to pass through the aperture 98 into the cavity 74.
With primary reference to
In one embodiment columns 110 have air purifying properties. Columns 110 can have an anti-septic, anti-bacterial, bacteria reducing, or germicide coatings, attachments, or filters and the like. Some exemplary anti-septics or anti-bacterials used in or otherwise applied to the columns 110 include, but are in no way limited to: alcohols, aldehydes, oxidizing agents, phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds, silver compounds, pure copper, copper alloys compounds, boric acids, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, cationic surfactants, ionizers, and similarly employed anti-septics and anti-bacterial compounds as known in the air-purifying art. The air purifying properties can be applied as a coating to the surface of housing 14. Alternatively, if housing 14 is a molded polymer, the air purifying properties can be integrally formed within housing 14 when it is housing 14 is formed or molded.
Heating element 16 comprises mounting bracket 112 and an element resistor 114. Mounting bracket 112 connects to annular sidewall 72 and extends radially inward of inner surface 90 adjacent area 51. Mounting bracket is preferably adjacent the bottom end of sidewall 72 within area 51, however other mounting locations are contemplated that permit element 16 to extend inwardly beyond inner surface 90. Heating element 16 is proximate to exit ports 100. Element resistor 114 is electrically connected to power source 17 (
Motor 18 includes a drive shaft 116 vertically aligned with imaginary fan center axis 13. Drive shaft 116 extends through plate aperture 48 and securely attaches to boss 50 via either a set screw (unnumbered) or a push-button quick connect (not shown). Motor 18 is electrically connected to power source 17. While it is contemplated that motor 18 be a direct current motor ordinarily used to drive heating and cooling fans, other motor types of motors, such as alternating current motors, as understood in the art are clearly possible. For example, motor 18 could be a shaded pole AC motor, or brushed or brushless DC motors. Direct Current motors for fans use low voltage, typically 24V, 12V, or 5 V.
Temperature control system 19 is in electrical communication with heating element 16 and motor 18. System 19 includes a thermostat (not shown) configured to sense the temperature of the area surrounding apparatus 10. System 19 is further configured to be programmable to have a temperature set point. Control system may contain logic in communication with the temperature control system 19, the at least one heating element 16, and the motor configured to turn on one of the motor 18 and the at least one heating element 16, when the system 19 indicates the surrounding temperature is not equal to the set point temperature. Further, a motion detector 19a containing logic may be in electrical communication with the motor 18 or the heating elements 16. Motion detector 19a may be configured to turn on motor when a person enters or is detected in a set area surrounding the apparatus 10.
“Logic”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, a powered electric device comprising a processor to run software, software and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another logic, method, and/or system. For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic like an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, or the like. Logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. Where multiple logics are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one physical logic. Similarly, where a single logic is described, it may be possible to distribute that single logic between multiple physical logics.
With primary reference to
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention as herein described above, heating and cooling apparatus 10 and 210 provides a system that can heat, cool, and purify or disinfect ambient air while being operationally hands free. Through the use of logic, apparatus 10 and 210 knows to increase the temperature in the room or decrease the temperature in the room. Further, through the use of logic, apparatus 10 and 210 knows whether the room is occupied or unoccupied, thus whether or not to turn on the motor to rotate the fan. Even further, housing 14 disinfects air moving through system through the application of air purifying properties.
In operation, heating and cooling apparatus 10 is assembled by inserting fan 12 into cavity 74 of housing 14. Motor 18 is secured to fan 12 by drive shaft 116 extending through plate aperture 48 and secured to boss 50. Motor 18 is electrically connected to power source 17. Motor has on/off drive functions to cause drive shaft 116 to rotate. When turned on, motor rotates fan 12 about axis 13. The fan rotation causes air to be drawn in from the bottom 22 in the direction of arrow A (
Heating elements 16 are electrically connected to power source 17. Element 16 may turned on/off. When turned on, element resistor 114 converts electricity into heat through the process of Joule heating. Electric current runs through resistor 114 encountering a resistance, thus resulting in heating of the element 16. Heating elements 16 may be turned on independently of whether the fan 12 is rotating. When both heating elements 16 and fan 12 are turned on, the fan 12 will blow warmed air out exit ports 110 (
Temperature control system 19 is electrically connected to heating elements 16 and motor 18. Temperature control system may contain a thermostat (not shown) and be programmed to a desired set point temperature. For example, the set point temperature of the area surrounding apparatus 10 may be seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature control system monitors the surrounding temperature via the thermostat. If the surrounding area temperature is hotter than the set point temperature, control system 19, through the use of logic, may turn on motor 18 causing fan 12 to rotate in order to cool the surrounding area. If the surrounding area temperature is colder than the set point temperature, control system 19, through the use of logic, may turn on the heating elements 16, with or without turning on the motor 18, to heat the surrounding area.
Motion detector 19a (
When the motor is turned on air is drawn into the fan 12 from the bottom 22 in a generally vertical manner relative to axis 13 along directional arrow A (
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodiment of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims
1. A heating and cooling apparatus comprising:
- a fan comprising a plurality of blades extending between a support plate and a retaining collar;
- a housing configured to receive the fan; and
- at least one heating element attached to the housing.
2. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- an inner surface of the housing;
- an annular outer edge of the retaining collar on the fan;
- a spaced gap defined between the inner surface and the outer edge; and
- wherein the at least one heating element is disposed within the spaced gap.
3. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each blade comprises:
- a first edge extending along the support plate;
- a second edge spaced apart from the first edge extending along the collar;
- an entrance edge configured to draw air inwardly in a substantially vertical direction; and
- an exit edge spaced apart and shorter than the entrance edge configured to move air outwardly in a substantially horizontal direction.
4. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each blade comprises:
- a concave first surface to draw air generally vertically upwards; and
- an opposite facing convex second surface to move air horizontally outward as the fan rotates about an axis.
5. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support plate includes:
- a concave segment extending through the center of the plate;
- an annular convex segment spaced radially outward of the concave segment; and
- wherein each blade extends downward from the plate beyond a bottom surface of said support plate and move air upward and radially outward as the fan rotates about an axis.
6. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating element includes:
- an element resistor in electrical communication with a power source configured to receive electricity therethrough and adapted to radiate heat; and
- wherein the element resistor is positioned between an outer edge of the fan and an inner surface of the housing.
7. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:
- a temperature control system having logic to control a set point temperature, wherein the temperature control system is in communication with the heating element.
8. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a drive motor connected to the fan; and
- a motion sensor operatively connected to the drive motor to turn the motor to one of the on and off positions when the motion sensor detects one of the following (a) movement and (b) an absence of movement.
9. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises:
- a tapered annular sidewall, having a first diameter at a top end of the sidewall and a second diameter at a bottom end of the sidewall, wherein the first and second diameters are not equal;
- said annular sidewall defining a cavity for receiving the fan; and
- a plurality of ports formed in the sidewall extending therethrough.
10. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 9, wherein the top diameter is larger than the bottom diameter.
11. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is integrally formed with air purifying properties.
12. The heating and cooling apparatus of apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an annular sidewall comprising an air purifying coating.
13. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing includes:
- an annular sidewall extending substantially vertical from a top edge to a bottom edge; and
- a plurality of u-shaped ports defined in the top of the sidewall.
14. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- an aperture formed in the center of the support plate adapted to receive a drive shaft of a motor; and
- a boss extending downward from the support plate aligned with the aperture adapted to secure the drive shaft to the plate permitting the fan to be rotated.
15. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a motor having a drive shaft connected to the fan;
- a sensor to detect when an object has entered or left a defined space; and
- logic in communication with the sensor and the motor configured to turn on the motor when the sensor indicates a person has entered the space, and configured to turn off the motor when the sensor indicates a person has left the space.
16. The heating and cooling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a motor having a drive shaft operatively connected to the fan;
- a temperature control system to detect a temperature set point in a defined space; and
- logic in communication with the temperature control system, the at least one heating element, and the motor configured to turn on one of the motor and the at least one heating element, when the system indicates the surrounding temperature is not equal to the set point temperature.
17. A heating and cooling device comprising:
- a mixed flow fan to move fluid as the mixed flow fan rotates about an axis, the fan includes a plurality of blades having generally vertically extending exit edges to move fluid in a horizontal direction;
- a fan housing to receive the mixed flow fan, the housing including an annular sidewall, wherein the sidewall is spaced apart and generally parallel to the vertical exit edges, defining therebetween a heater element gap; and
- at least one heating element mounted to the fan housing and positioned in the heater element gap.
18. The heating and cooling device of claim 17, further comprising:
- a motor connected to the mixed flow fan;
- an air purifying material formed integrally into the fan housing;
- a sensor in communication with the motor to detect when an object has entered or left a defined space;
- a temperature control system in communication with the motor to detect a temperature set point in a defined space; and
- logic in communication with the temperature control system, the motion sensor, the at least one heating element, and the motor configured to turn on one of the motor and the at least one heating element, when one of (a) the temperature system indicates the surrounding temperature is not equal to the set point temperature and (b) the motion sensor indicates a person has left the space.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 16, 2013
Publication Date: Apr 16, 2015
Applicant: RESTLESS NOGGINS DESIGN, LLC (North Canton, OH)
Inventors: Neil Tyburk (Canton, OH), Hope D. Paolini (Canton, OH)
Application Number: 14/055,455
International Classification: F24H 9/20 (20060101); F24H 3/02 (20060101);