ASSEMBLY, BLOWER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
According to an embodiment of the invention, an electric machine is provided. The machine includes a support structure, a stator secured to the support structure, and a rotor rotatably secured to the support structure. The machine also includes a circuit board positioned at least partially within the support structure. The circuit board is adapted for controlling an electromagnetic field produced by the stator. The machine also includes a potting material in contact with a first surface of the circuit board and a barrier for at least partially containing the potting material.
The embodiments described herein relate generally to fluid moving devices, and more specifically, to a blower for moving air.
Blowers consist of a moving element(s), for example a fan blade(s) that moves within a confined space, for example a furnace or within an air duct. The size, attitude and shape of the blade(s), as well as, the size and shape of the confined space effects the volume of air that a blower provides. The size, attitude and shape of the blade(s), as well as, the size and shape of the confined space also effects the efficiency of the blower.
For a single speed blower motor the efficiency of the blower may be optimized by providing an optimized fixed position of the blades on the fan and an optimized fixed size and shape of the confined space. For multiple speed motors, for example for modern electronically commutated motors (ECM), a single configuration of fan blades or of the confined shape will not be optimum of all of the available speeds and air flows that the blower with the multiple speed motor may provide.
Other fluid moving devices move a liquid, for example water. Such liquid moving devices include pool and spa pumps that include rotating members in the form of impellers that moves within a confined space, for example within the housing of the pump. The size, attitude and shape of the impeller(s), as well as, the size and shape of the confined space of the pump housing effects the volume of water that a pump provides. The size, attitude and shape of the impeller(s), as well as, the size and shape of the confined space also effects the efficiency of the pump.
Fluid moving devices, including for example air moving devices, such as blowers, and liquid moving devices, such as pumps, typically provide fluid flow. Fluid flow is volumetric and includes fluctuations due to density, velocity and pressure.
For a single speed pump motor the efficiency of the pump may be optimized by providing an optimized fixed position of the impellers on the pump and an optimized fixed size and shape of the pump housing. For multiple speed motors, for example for modem electronically commutated motors (ECM), a single configuration of pump impellers or of the pump housing will not be optimum of all of the available speeds and fluid flows that the pump with the multiple speed motor may provide.
The present invention is directed to alleviate at least some of these problems with the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAccording to an embodiment of the invention, an assembly having a moveable surface adapted to advance the flow of fluid in a fluid flow device is provided. The assembly includes a body and a member moveably secured to the body. The assembly also includes a motion device secured to the body and adapted to move the member relative to the body.
According to an aspect of the invention, the body includes a blower housing and the member includes a wall of the blower housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly also includes a controller for controlling the motion device.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the controller is adapted to move the member relative to the body in response to changing operating conditions including at least one of air flow, temperature, pressure and turbulence.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the body includes a blower wheel and such that the member includes a blade.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the body includes a fan body and such that the member includes a blade.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the motion device includes a servo motor.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the motion device includes a shape memory alloy wire.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly also includes a second member moveably secured to the body and spaced from the first member. The first member and the second member are connected to an intermediate member.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the body includes a housing and such that the member includes a dampener vane.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a blower having a moveable member adapted to influence the flow of air through the blower is provided. The blower includes a body and a member moveably secured to the body. The blower also includes a motion device secured to the body and adapted to move the member relative to the body
According to an aspect of the invention, the blower is configured such that the body includes a blower housing and such that the member includes a wall of the blower housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, the blower is configured such that the wall is made of a flexible material.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the blower is configured such that the body includes a blower wheel and such that the member includes a vane.
According to another aspect of the invention, the blower is configured such that the motion device includes a servo motor.
According to another aspect of the invention, the blower is configured such that the motion device includes a shape memory alloy wire.
According to another aspect of the invention, the blower further includes a controller for controlling the motion device.
According to another aspect of the invention, the blower is configured such that the controller is adapted to move the member relative to the body in response to changing operating conditions including at least one of air flow, temperature, pressure and turbulence.
According to another aspect of the invention, the blower is configured such that the body includes a blower wheel and such that the member includes a blade. The blower further includes a second vane moveably secured to the blower wheel and spaced from the first vane. The first vane and the second vane are connected to an intermediate member. The intermediate member is connected to the motion device.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method for altering the flow of air in a blower is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a body, providing a member, moveably securing the member to the body, providing a motion device and moving the member relative to the body with the motion device.
According to another aspect of the invention, the method further includes the steps of providing a controller for controlling the motion device, measuring at least one of temperature, air flow, turbulence and pressure, and moving the member relative to the body with the motion device in response to changes in at least one of temperature, air flow, turbulence and pressure.
Fluid moving devices typically include moving, typically rotating, members or elements moved by a power source, typically an electric motor. The fluid may be a liquid, for example water, or a gas, for example air.
Liquid moving devices include pool and spa pumps that include rotating elements in the form of impellers that moves within a confined space, for example within the housing of the pump. The size, attitude and shape of the impeller(s), as well as the size and shape of the confined space of the pump housing, effects the volume of water that a pump provides. The size, attitude and shape of the impeller(s), as well as, the size and shape of the confined space also effect the efficiency of the pump.
For a single speed pump motor the efficiency of the pump may be optimized by providing an optimized fixed position of the impellers on the pump and an optimized fixed size and shape of the pump housing. For multiple speed motors, for example for modem electronically commutated motors (ECM), a single configuration of pump impellers or of the pump housing will not be optimum of all of the available speeds and fluid flows that the pump with the multiple speed motor may provide.
Gas moving devices are in many forms and are used to move a variety of gases. One such gas is air and the air is typically moved by elements or members that are located in blowers or fans.
Blowers and fans consist of a moving element(s), for example a blower wheel element(s) or a fan blade(s), respectively, that moves within a confined space, for example a furnace or within an air duct. The size, attitude and shape of the element(s) or blade(s), as well as, the size and shape of the confined space effect the volume of air that a blower provides. The size, attitude and shape of the element(s) or blade(s), as well as, the size and shape of the confined space also effect the efficiency of the blower.
For a single speed blower motor the efficiency of the blower may be optimized by providing an optimized fixed position of the elements or blades on the Wheel or fan and an optimized fixed size and shape of the confined space. For multiple speed motors, for example for modern electronically commutated motors (ECM), a single configuration of elements or blades or of the confined shape will not be optimum of all of the available speeds and air flows that the fan or blower with the multiple speed motor may provide.
According to an embodiment of the present invention and referring to
The fluid flow device 16 may he any device that provides for the flow of a fluid. For example the fluid flow device 16 may be a liquid pump or, as shown in the embodiment of
The body 18 may have any suitable size and shape and may be designed to accommodate the blower 16. For a cylindrical squirrel cage or generally cylindrically shaped blower 16, the body 18 typically is generally cylindrical and defines an inlet 24 positional centrally along rotational axis 26 of the blower 16. The body 18 typically further defines an outlet 28 extending outwardly from periphery 30 of the body, typically in a spirally extending fashion. The blower 16 serves to advance air flow 32 in the direction of arrows 34 from inlet 24 to outlet 28. The body 18 may be made of any suitable materials and may, for example, be made of a polymer, a metal or a composite. The body 18 may be cast, molded fabricated or welded, or a combination thereof.
The member 20 may be any member capable of modifying the air flow 32. The member 20 may have any suitable size and shape. The member 20 may be made of any suitable materials and may, for example, be made of a polymer, a metal or a composite. The member 20 may be cast, molded fabricated or welded, or a combination thereof.
The motion device 22 may be any device capable of moving the member 20. The motion device 20 may have any suitable size and shape. The motion device 20 may be made of any suitable materials and may, for example, be made of a polymer, a metal or a composite. The motion device 20 may be cast, molded fabricated or welded, or a combination thereof.
As shown in the embodiment of
Similar to the body 18, the blower housing 36 may be made of any suitable materials and may, for example, be made of a polymer, a metal or a composite. The blower housing 36 may be cast, molded fabricated or welded, or a combination thereof, The blower housing 36 may be secured to assembly 10 at, for example, assembly frame 42.
The blower 16 may include generally cylindrical body or blower frame 44 to which one or more blades or fins 46 are secured, typically equally spaced about periphery 48 of the frame 44.
As shown in
The wall 38, as shown in
While, as shown, a pivoting, hinged arrangement for moveably positioned the wall 38 onto the housing 36 may be used, it should be appreciated that other arrangements may be used to provide a moveable wall. For example, the wall may extend outwardly as a drawer face along drawer guide rails, not shown, or the wall may be flexible and/or expandable and be moved outwardly by, for example, air pressure.
The wall 38 is moved by motion device 22. The motion device may be any device capable of moving the wall. The motion device 22 may manually move the wall or do so under power and/or remotely. It should be appreciated that the motion device may be merely capable of positioning the wall 38 in either the open position 50 or the closed position 52. Such a motion device may be in the form of a solenoid. Preferably the motion device 22 may be used to selectively position the wall 38 in any desired position from the open position 50 to the closed position 52. The motion device may, as shown, be an electric motor or a servo 22 which may be configured to so selectively position the wall 38.
To selectively position the wall and according to another aspect of the invention, the assembly 10 may further include a controller 54 for controlling the motion device 22, The controller may be any device capable of sending signals, either by hard wiring or wirelessly to the motion device 22. The controller 54 may receive signals, either by hard wiring or wirelessly, from a signaling device 56 in the form of, for example, a master controller, a input/output device or a smart device, for example an, I-Phone, an android phone, a laptop or a notebook.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the assembly 10 may be configured such that the controller 54 is adapted to move the member 20 or wall 38 relative to the body or housing 40 in response to inputs 58 including, for example changing operating conditions 58. Such changing operating conditions may include at least one of air flow, temperature, pressure and turbulence.
As shown in
According to another embodiment of the present invention and referring to
The motion device 122 includes a servo motor 123. The servo motor 123 include an arm 125 which is connected to a linkage 127. The linkage 127 is connected to the wall 138 to move the wall 138. As shown the motion device 122 is connected to a battery 129 that serves to power the motion device 122.
Referring now to
According to another embodiment of the present invention and referring now to
The motion device 222 includes a servo motor 223. The servo motor 223 includes an arm 225 which is connected to a linkage 227. The linkage 227 is connected to the wall 238 to move the wall 238. As shown the motion device 222 is connected to a battery 229 that serves to power the motion device 222. As shown the blower is connected to a generator 231 that provides electricity to controller 254, similar to controller 54 of
According to another embodiment of the present invention and referring now to
The motion device 322 is different than the motion device 122 of assembly 110. The motion device 322 includes a shaped memory alloy actuator wire 313. The wire 313, when exposed to an electrical current, contracts. This contraction is in the order of magnitude of 3 to 4 percent of its length and thus provides for a stroke or movement of the wire of around 3 to 4 percent of the wire's length. The wire thus typically may need a device attached to the wire 313 to multiply the stroke it can provide so that it may effectively move the wall 338 sufficiently. For example and as shown the motion device 322 may further include a multiplier 315.
The multiplier 315 may be any mechanical device capable of multiplying the movement provided by the wire 313. For example the multiplier may be a normal bias spring, a dead weight bias, a leaf spring bias, a right angle pull, a simple lever, an adjusting curvature, and a clam shell. The multiplier 315 may be attached to the wire to increase the motion provided by the wire 313.
The wire 313 may be electrically connected to power source 317 either directly through a switch 319 or, as shown, through controller 354, similar to controller 54 of apparatus 10 as shown in
The wire 313 is a shaped memory alloy actuator wire. The shaped memory alloy actuator wire may be available as a Flexinol® actuator wire. Such Flexinol® actuator wires are available from Dynalloy, Inc, 1562 Reynolds Avenue, Irvine, Calif. 92614.
The multiplier 315 may be any mechanical device and such devices are described in greater detail in a publication titled “Technical Characteristics of Flexinol® Actuator Wires”, F1140 Rev 1.2, available from Dynalloy, Inc. 1562 Reynolds Avenue, Irvine, Calif. 92614 and available online at http://www.dynalloy.com hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
According to another embodiment of the invention and referring now to
The fin or blade 446 may be moveable from a first or tangential position 450 (shown as a dashed line) aligned with periphery 448 of the body 418 to a second or radial position 452 (shown as a phantom line) extending radially outward from axis 426 of fan 416. Air flow 432 from the fan 416 may be varied by pivoting the blade 446 from the open position 450 to the closed position 452 and back.
The blade 446 may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown in
While a single, pivoting blade arrangement for moveably positioning a single blade may be used, it should be appreciated and, as shown, other arrangements including multiple, pivoting, spaced apart, blades may be used. For example, additional pivoting blades 446, (shown as dashed lines) may each be positioned on periphery 448 of the body 418.
The additional pivoting blades 446 may be pivoted in an suitable manner. For example and as shown adjacent blades 446 are connected at their periphery by links 445. When the servo 422 which rotates the blade 446 is energized, the adjacent blades 446 are pivoted by the links connected to the blade rotated by the servo 422.
Alternately, each blade 446 may have its own servo 422 as shown in phantom.
Alternately, the first blade 446 may be pivoted by the use of an actuator wire 413, similar to wire 313 of the assembly 310 of
To selectively position the blades 446 and according to another aspect of the invention, the assembly 410 may further include a controller 454 for controlling the blades 446. The controller 454 may be any device capable of sending signals, either by hard wiring or wirelessly to the servo 422 or to the wire 413. The controller 454 may receive signals, either by hard wiring or wirelessly, from a signaling device 456 in the form of, for example, a master controller, a input/output device or a smart device, for example an, I-Phone, an android phone, a laptop or a notebook.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the assembly 410 may be configured such that the controller 454 is adapted to move the blades 446 in response to changing inputs 458, for example to operating conditions. Such changing operating conditions may include at least one of air flow, temperature, pressure and turbulence.
According to another embodiment of the invention and referring now to
The dampener vane 520 may be positioned anywhere and in any orientation within the outlet 528 of the assembly 510. For convenience for example the vanes may be oriented horizontally and/or vertically. As shown in
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the first dampener vane 519 may he pivoted such that its affect on airflow 532 may be easily adjusted. As shown in
The vane 519 may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown in
While a single, pivoting vane arrangement for moveably positioning a single vane may be used, it should be appreciated and, as shown, other arrangements including multiple, pivoting, spaced apart, vanes may be used. For example, additional pivoting vanes 520, (shown as solid lines) may each be secured to housing 518 of the assembly 510 and may be oriented, for example, horizontally or vertically.
The additional pivoting vanes 520 may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown adjacent vanes 520 are connected at their periphery by links 545. When the servo 522 which rotates the first vane 519 is energized, the adjacent vanes 520 are pivoted by the links 545 connected to the vanes 520 rotated by the servo 522.
Alternately, each vane 520 may have its own servo 522 as shown in phantom.
Alternately and as shown in
To selectively position the vanes 520 and according to another aspect of the invention, the assembly 510 may further include a controller 554 for controlling the vanes 520. The controller may be any device capable of sending signals, either by hard wiring or wirelessly to the servo 522 or to the wire 513. The controller 554 may receive signals, either by hard wiring or wirelessly, from a signaling device 556 in the form of, for example, a master controller, a input/output device or a smart device, for example an, I-Phone, an android phone, a laptop or a notebook.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the assembly 510 may be configured such that the controller 554 is adapted to move the vanes 520 in response to inputs 558, for example to changing operating conditions. Such changing operating conditions may include at least one of air flow, temperature, pressure and turbulence.
According to another embodiment of the invention and referring now to
The blade 616 may be positioned anywhere and in any orientation with respect to the motor 660. For example the blade 616 extends radially from the motor 660 and is position at an angle relative to axis of rotation 626 of the motor 660.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the blade 616 may be pivoted such that its affect on airflow 632 may be easily adjusted. As shown in
The blade 616, for example first blade 620, may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown in
While a single, pivoting blade arrangement for moveably positioning first blade 620 may be used, it should be appreciated and, as shown, other arrangements including multiple, pivoting, spaced apart, blades 616 may be used. For example, additional pivoting blades 616, (shown as solid lines) may each be secured to motor 660 and may be oriented, for example, extending from motor 660.
The additional pivoting blades 616 may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown adjacent blades 616 are connected at their periphery by links 645 that may, for example, have a ring shape. When the servo 522, which rotates the first blade 620, is energized, the adjacent blades 616 are pivoted by the links 645 connected to the first blade 620 rotated by the servo 622.
Alternately, each blade 620 may have its own servo 622.
Alternately and as shown in
To selectively position the blades 620 and according to another aspect of the invention, the assembly 610 may further include a controller 654 for controlling the blades 620. The controller may be any device capable of sending signals, either by hard wiring or wirelessly to the servo 622 or to the wire 613. The controller 654 may receive signals, either by hard wiring or wirelessly, from a signaling device 656 in the form of, for example, a master controller, a input/output device or a smart device, for example an, I-Phone, an android phone, a laptop or a notebook.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the assembly 610 may be configured such that the controller 654 is adapted to move the blades 620 in response to inputs 658, for example to changing operating conditions. Such changing operating conditions may include at least one of air flow, temperature, pressure and turbulence.
It should be appreciated that the motor 660 and the blades 616 may be positioned or mounted to any surface. For example the motor and blades may be mounted to a ceiling to provide air flow below. Alternatively and as shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
According to another embodiment of the invention and referring now to
The blade 716 may be positioned anywhere and in any orientation with respect to the motor 760. For example the blade 716 extends radially from the motor 760 and is position at an angle relative to axis of rotation 726 of the motor 760.
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that a first blade 720 of the blades 716 may be pivoted such that its affect on airflow 732 may be easily adjusted. As shown in
The blade 716 may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown in
While a single, pivoting blade arrangement for moveably positioning a single blade may be used, it should be appreciated and, as shown, other arrangements including multiple, pivoting, spaced apart, blades may be used. For example, additional pivoting blades 716, (shown as solid lines) may each be secured to motor 760 and may be oriented, for example, extending from motor 760.
The additional pivoting blades 716 may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown adjacent blades 716 are connected at their periphery by links 745 that my, for example, have a ring shape. When the servo 722 which rotates first blade 720 is energized, the adjacent blades 716 are pivoted by the links 745 connected to the blade rotated by the servo 722.
Alternately, each blade 716 may have its own servo 722.
Alternately and referring to
To further control air flow 732 from the assembly 710 and according to another aspect of the invention and referring again to
The dampener vane 773 may be positioned anywhere and in any orientation within the outlet 728 of the assembly 710. For convenience for example, the vanes may be oriented horizontally and/or vertically. As shown in phantom in
According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly is configured such that the first dampener vane 719 may be pivoted such that its affect on airflow 732 may be easily adjusted. As shown in
The vane 719 may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown in
While a single, pivoting vane arrangement for moveably positioning a single vane may be used, it should be appreciated and, as shown, other arrangements including multiple, pivoting, spaced apart, vanes may be used. For example, additional pivoting vanes 773, (shown as solid lines) may each be secured to housing 718 of the assembly 710 and may be oriented, for example, horizontally or vertically.
The additional pivoting vanes 773 may be pivoted in any suitable manner. For example and as shown adjacent vanes 773 are connected at their periphery by links 768. When the servo 766 which rotates the first vane 719 is energized, the adjacent vanes 773 are pivoted by the links 768 connected to the blade rotated by the servo 766. Alternately, each vane 773 may have its own servo 766.
Alternately and referring to
Referring again to
According to yet another embodiment of the invention and referring to
According to another aspect of the invention, the method further includes the steps of providing a controller for controlling the motion device, measuring at least one of temperature, air flow, turbulence and pressure, and moving the member relative to the body with the motion device in response to changes in at least one of temperature, air flow, turbulence and pressure.
The methods, systems, and apparatus described herein facilitate efficient and economical assembly of an electric machine. Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus are described and/or illustrated herein in detail. The methods, systems, and apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each apparatus and system, as well as steps of each method, may be utilized independently and separately from other components and steps described herein. Each component, and each method step, can also be used in combination with other components and/or method steps.
When introducing elements/components/etc. of the methods and apparatus described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Described herein are exemplary methods, systems and apparatus utilizing lower cost materials in a permanent magnet machine that reduces or eliminates the efficiency loss caused by the lower cost material. Furthermore, the exemplary methods system and apparatus achieve increased efficiency while reducing or eliminating an increase of the length of the machine. The methods, system and apparatus described herein may be used in any suitable application. However, they are particularly suited for HVAC and pump applications.
Exemplary embodiments of the fluid flow device and system are described above in detail. The electric machine and its components are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systems may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, the components may also be used in combination with other machine systems, methods, and apparatuses, and are not limited to practice with only the systems and apparatus as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications.
Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims
1. An assembly adapted to advance the flow of fluid in a fluid now device, said assembly comprising:
- a body;
- a member moveably secured to said body; and
- a motion device secured to said body and adapted to move said member relative to said body.
2. An assembly in accordance with claim 1:
- wherein said body comprises a blower housing; and
- wherein said member comprises a wall of said blower housing.
3. An assembly in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a controller for controlling said motion device.
4. An assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein said controller is adapted to move said member relative to said body in response to changing operating conditions including at least one of air flow, temperature, pressure and turbulence.
5. An assembly in accordance with claim 1:
- wherein said body comprises a blower wheel; and
- wherein said member comprises a blade.
6. An assembly in accordance with claim 1:
- wherein said body comprises a fan body; and
- wherein said member comprises a blade.
7. An assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said motion device comprises a servo motor.
8. An assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said motion device comprises a shape memory alloy wire.
9. An assembly in accordance with claim 1:
- further comprising a second member moveably secured to said body and spaced from said first member, said first member and said member vane connected to an intermediate member.
10. An assembly in accordance with claim 1:
- wherein said body comprises a housing; and
- wherein said member comprises a dampener vane.
11. A blower having a moveable member adapted to influence the flow of air through the blower, said blower comprising:
- a body;
- a member moveably secured to said body; and
- a motion device secured to said body and adapted to move said member relative to said body.
12. A blower in accordance with claim 11:
- wherein said body comprises a blower housing; and
- wherein said member comprises a wall of said blower housing.
13. A blower in accordance with claim 12, wherein the wall is made of a flexible material.
14. A blower in accordance with claim 11:
- wherein said body comprises a blower wheel; and
- wherein said member comprises a vane.
15. A blower in accordance with claim 11, wherein said motion device comprises a servo motor.
16. A blower in accordance with claim 11, wherein said motion device comprises a shape memory alloy wire.
17. A blower in accordance with claim 11, further comprising a controller for controlling said motion device.
18. A blower in accordance with claim 17, wherein said controller is adapted to move said member relative to said body in response to changing operating conditions including at least one of air flow, temperature, pressure and turbulence.
19. A blower in accordance with claim 11:
- wherein said body comprises a blower wheel; and
- wherein said member comprises a blade; and
- further comprising a second vane moveably secured to said blower wheel and spaced from said first vane, said first vane and said second vane connected to an intermediate member, said intermediate member connected to said motion device.
20. A method for altering the flow of air in a blower, comprising
- providing a body;
- providing a member;
- moveably securing the member to the body;
- providing a motion device; and
- moving the member relative to the body with the motion device.
21. The method in accordance with claim 20, further comprising:
- providing a controller for controlling the motion device;
- measuring at least one of temperature, air flow, turbulence and pressure; and
- moving the member relative to the body with the motion device in response to changes in at least one of temperature, air flow, turbulence and pressure.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 5, 2015
Publication Date: Sep 8, 2016
Inventors: Philip Wayne Johnson (Bluffton, IN), Rachele Barbara Cocks (Columbia City, IN), Shailesh Prabhakar Waikar (Fort Wayne, IN)
Application Number: 14/639,167