Bladeless Fans with a Nozzle

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/573,176 filed on Apr. 2, 2024, and entitled “Bladeless Fans with a Nozzle,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to bladeless fans with a nozzle.

Conventional fans typically have blades that rotate about a central axis in order to produce airflow. Bladeless fans also exist and typically utilize an impeller to generate higher speed airflow. The airflow produced by conventional and bladeless fans provides a cooling effect to a user. However, the intensity of the airflow produced by typical conventional and bladeless fans is usually uneven and turbulent, which can reduce the effectiveness of the intended cooling effect. Additionally, bladeless fans typically rely on a nozzle to guide the high-speed airflow, but the typical nozzle inadequately guides the high-speed airflow and thus the high-speed airflow disperses into a multi-directional airflow pattern. Accordingly, it is desirable for a bladeless fan that overcomes these deficiencies.

In general, systems, devices, and methods for bladeless fans with a nozzle are provided.

In one embodiment, a bladeless fan is provided having a base configured to be positioned on a surface. A portion of the base can be rotatable relative to the surface. The bladeless fan further includes a support rod coupled to the base and a fan arm rotatably coupled to the support rod at a connection joint. The fan arm can have first and second fan arm portions rotatably coupled to opposite sides of the connection joint. First and second airflow openings can be formed in the first and second arm portions, respectively. Rotation of an impeller within the base can generate airflow that is emitted from the fan arm.

One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the portion of the base can rotate about a first axis perpendicular to the surface. In some examples, the fan arm can rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the surface. In some examples, the first and second fan arm portions can rotate about a third axis different than the first and second axes.

In other aspects, in a first fan orientation, the fan arm can be parallel to the support rod and the third axis can be parallel to the first axis and perpendicular to the second axis. In some examples, in a second fan orientation, the fan arm can be perpendicular to the support rod and the third axis can be perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the second axis.

In other embodiments, the support rod can be coupled to the base such that the support rod rotates together with the portion of the base. In other examples, the support rod can be movably coupled to the base such that the support rod rotates independently of the portion of the base. In some examples, the support rod can be tilted such that the support rod extends outwardly from the base at an acute angle relative to a central axis of the base. In some examples, a distance between the connection joint and the base can be adjustable.

In other aspects, at least one of movement of the base, movement of the support rod, movement of the fan arm, movement of the connection joint, and movement of the first and second fan arm portions is a motorized movement. In some examples, the bladeless fan is in wireless communication with a user device. In some examples, the motorized movement is remotely controlled via the user device.

In other embodiments, the first and second airflow openings emit air in different directions from each other. In some examples, the first and second fan arm portions can be independently moveable. In some examples, the generated airflow flows from the base into an airway of the support rod, through an airway of the connection joint, through an airway of the fan arm, and through the first and second airflow openings to be emitted from a plurality of nozzles.

In another embodiment, a bladeless fan is provided having a base, a support rod extending from the base, and a fan arm movably coupled to the support rod. The base, the support rod, and the fan arm can include a first adjustment point that allows the fan arm to be positioned in a first horizontal orientation and a second vertical orientation, a second adjustment point that allows adjustment of a radial position of the fan arm around a longitudinal axis of the support rod, and at least one additional adjustment point that allows at least one of rotational adjustment of at least a portion of the fan arm about a longitudinal axis of the fan arm and adjustment of a distance between the base and the fan arm.

In one embodiment, the at least one additional adjustment point can include a third adjustment point that allows rotational adjustment of at least a portion of the fan arm about a longitudinal axis of the fan arm. In some examples, the at least one additional adjustment point includes a fourth adjustment point configured to allow adjustment of a distance between the base and the fan arm. In some examples, the first adjustment point includes a pivot joint formed between the fan arm and the support rod. In some examples, the second adjustment point includes a rotational joint formed on at least one of the base and the support rod. In some examples, the third adjustment point includes at least one rotational joint formed on the fan arm. In some examples, the fourth adjustment point includes a sliding joint formed between the fan arm and the support rod.

In another embodiment, a bladeless fan is provided having a base with an interior having an impeller disposed therein. A support rod can extend from the base and can have an inner lumen in fluid communication with the interior of the base. A fan arm can be rotatably coupled to the support rod, and it can have first and second rotatable fan arm portions positioned on opposite ends of the fan arm. First and second nozzles can be positioned on the first and second rotatable fan arm portions, respectively. The first and second nozzles can have first and second fan lumens, respectively, in fluid communication with the inner lumen. Rotation of the impeller can be configured to generate airflow that flows into the interior of the base, through the inner lumen of the support rod, and through the first and second fan lumens to be emitted from the first and second nozzles.

One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the bladeless fan can include a fluid separator coupled to the fan arm that separates the airflow generated by the rotation of the impeller into first and second airflow portions. In some examples, the first airflow portion is directed toward the first nozzle and the second airflow portion is directed toward the second nozzle. In some examples, the first and second airflow portions are independently adjustable such that an amount of airflow emitted from each of the first and second nozzles is independently adjustable. In some examples, the fluid separator deflects airflow by approximately 90 degrees as it exits the inner lumen of the support rod.

In other aspects, the first and second nozzles can be disposed within the first and second fan arm portions, respectively. In some examples, the first and second nozzles taper toward first and second nozzle openings, respectively. In some examples, the first and second nozzle openings are shaped to produce a laminar airflow. In some examples, the first and second nozzle openings include slots extending along a longitudinal axis of the fan arm. In some examples, the first and second nozzles have a teardrop-shaped cross-section, and the first and second nozzle openings are positioned along the narrowest point of the cross-section. In some examples, a direction of airflow exiting the first and second nozzle openings is normal to a surface of the fan arm housing surrounding the first and second nozzle openings.

In other embodiments, the base can include a plurality of air inlets configured to intake air into the interior of the base. In some examples, the plurality of air inlets are positioned on a removable perforated panel. In some examples, the bladeless fan includes a diffuser disposed within the interior of the base that evenly distributes air across the inner lumen of the support rod. In some examples, the diffuser is positioned downstream of the impeller and upstream of the support rod.

In yet another embodiment, a bladeless fan is provided having a base, a support arm extending from the base, and a fan arm movably coupled to the support arm and having first and second nozzles on opposed sides thereto. The first and second nozzles can be configured to emit airflow along a plane. The base, support arm, and fan arm can allow independent adjustment of an amount of airflow from each of the first and second nozzles, independent adjustment of a direction of airflow from each of the first and second nozzles, and adjustment of a position of the plane.

One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the base can include an impeller that generates airflow which flows up through an inner lumen in the support arm and into first and second fan lumens in the fan arm to be emitted from the first and second nozzles. In some examples, the base includes a diffuser that evenly distributes airflow across an inner lumen of the support arm. In some examples, the bladeless fan includes a fluid separator coupled to the fan arm that directs airflow into the first and second nozzles. In some examples, the fluid separator allows independent adjustment of an amount of airflow reaching each of the first and second nozzles. In some examples, the first and second nozzles emit airflow along a first plane and a second plane, respectively, and the first plane is different from the second plane. In some examples, adjustment of a position of the plane includes a rotation of at least a portion of the fan arm relative to a longitudinal axis of the fan arm.

In another embodiment, a bladeless fan is provided having a base with an impeller disposed therein, and a support rod extending from the base. The impeller and the support rod can be axially aligned along a central axis of the base. A fan arm can be movably coupled to the support rod at a connection joint. The fan arm can have first and second fan arm portions in which first and second nozzles are disposed, respectively. The first and second nozzles can be horizontally offset from the central axis of the base. At least a portion of the connection joint can be horizontally aligned with the central axis of the base.

One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, a motor that rotates the impeller can be disposed within the base. The motor can be axially aligned with the impeller along the central axis of the base. In some examples, a diffuser that evenly distributes airflow is disposed within the base, the diffuser being axially aligned with the impeller along the central axis of the base.

In some embodiments, the support rod can be connected to the base at a first end and can extend outwardly therefrom along the central axis of the base, terminating at a second end opposite of the first end. In some examples, a distance between the first and second ends of the support rod is longer than a distance between the connection joint and an end of the fan arm. In some examples, a distance between the first and second ends of the support rod is longer than a maximum length of the first fan arm portion or the second fan arm portion. In some examples, a distance between the first and second ends of the support rod is longer than half of a total length of the fan arm. In some examples, a distance between the first and second ends of the support rod is longer than a distance between a surface on which the base is positioned and the first end of the support rod. In some examples, the connection joint is movable between the first and second ends of the support rod.

In other aspects, the support rod can include an inner lumen. In some examples, first and second fan lumens in fluid communication are formed in the first and second nozzles, respectively. In some examples, a maximum circumference of the inner lumen is greater than a maximum circumference of the first and second fan lumens. In some examples, the connection joint includes a branched airway in fluid communication with the inner lumen and the first and second fan lumens. In some examples, a maximum circumference of the branched airway is equal to a maximum circumference of the inner lumen. In some examples, a minimum circumference of the branched airway is equal to a maximum circumference of the first and second fan lumens.

In another embodiment, a bladeless fan is provided having a base with an impeller therein. An elongate support can extend from the base and can have an inner lumen that receives airflow from the impeller. A fan arm can be movably coupled to the base and can have first and second fan arm portions positioned on opposite sides thereof that receive airflow flowing through the inner lumen in the elongate support. The fan arm can extend along a longitudinal axis that is offset from a longitudinal axis of the elongate support and a longitudinal axis of the base.

One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the fan arm can have a length that is about two times greater than a length of the elongate support. In some examples, the fan arm has a length that is about three times greater than a length of the base. In some examples, the elongate support is adjustable in length such that a length of the elongate support is between about 50 percent and about 100 percent of a length of the fan arm. In some examples, the first and second fan arm portions each include a nozzle opening, each nozzle opening having a length that is about 90 percent of a length of the respective fan arm portion. In some examples, a maximum diameter of the inner lumen is approximately two times greater than a maximum diameter of first or second fan lumens formed within the first or second fan arm portions, respectively. In some examples, a length of the elongate support is about five times greater than a maximum diameter of the inner lumen of the elongate support.

Certain embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices, systems, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape.

As discussed previously, flow produced by typical conventional and bladeless fans is usually uneven and turbulent, which can reduce the effectiveness of the intended cooling effect. Additionally, bladeless fans typically rely on a nozzle to guide the high-speed airflow, but the typical nozzle inadequately guides the high-speed airflow and thus the high-speed airflow disperses into a multi-directional airflow pattern. To address these limitations, provided herein are various systems, devices, and methods for bladeless fans are provided herein with improved layouts and nozzle designs. The bladeless fans provided herein contain a nozzle that produces smooth, high-speed airflow in a single-directional flow pattern. Further, the bladeless fans described herein are highly adjustable, allowing for users to adjust airflow from each nozzle in any direction of the user's choosing, thereby providing targeted airflow to the precise areas that require cooling.

In general, a bladeless fan can include a fan arm with a fan arm housing. One or more fan arm portions can be coupled to the fan arm housing, each fan arm portion having at least one nozzle that can emit high speed airflow and thus provide a cooling effect to a user. The nozzle can emit the airflow in a single direction. The airflow may be generated by an impeller of the bladeless fan, with the impeller being powered by a motor. The impeller can be in fluid communication with a diffuser, such that the airflow generated by the impeller can flow through a fluid flow path defined by the diffuser. The diffuser can be fluidically connected to a fluid conduit (e.g., lumen) of a support rod. The diffuser can evenly distribute air across the fluid conduit of the support rod. The air can flow through the fluid conduit of the support rod and through the fan arm. The fan arm, which can be hollow, can further define one or more fluid flow paths, such that the airflow can be evenly distributed throughout the fan arm housing and nozzle(s). Each nozzle can define a fluid outlet that emits the airflow. The nozzle can be shaped such that the emitted airflow can be focused on a single direction. Additionally, the fan arm can be shaped such that the airflow can be uniformly distributed along a length of the nozzle, such that the volume and/or velocity of the emitted air therefrom is substantially uniform. The fan arms and nozzles described herein can be configured to adjust the direction of the airflow. For example, the fan arm can be movably coupled to the support rod, such that the fan arm can be positioned in multiple locations and/or orientations relative to the support rod. In any of the locations and/or orientations described herein, the air emitted by the nozzles can be substantially uniform and focused in a single direction.

The bladeless fans described herein are adjustable at multiple points so as to allow airflow from each nozzle to be emitted in any direction of the user's choosing, thereby providing targeted airflow to the precise areas that require cooling. In general, a bladeless fan can include a base which contains the impeller, diffuser, and motor described above. The base can be placed on a surface and rotate about a first axis perpendicular to the surface. The support rod described above can be connected to the base and extend outwardly therefrom. The fan arm described above can be movably coupled to the support rod and rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The one or more fan arm portions described above can rotate about a third axis different from the first and second axes. Further, each fan arm portion can be independently adjusted from one another so that each nozzle points in a desired direction of the user's choosing.

illustrate one embodiment of a bladeless fanthat includes a baseand a fan armhaving a fan arm housing. The basecan be positioned on a surface and can rotate about a first axis X perpendicular to the surface. The first axis X can be a central axis of the basethat is approximately in the middle of the base. In some embodiments, a bottom portion of the basethat makes contact with the surface does not rotate relative to the surface. Instead, a top portion of the basemay be rotatably connected to the bottom portion of the basesuch that the top portion of the baserotates about the first axis X relative to both the surface and the bottom portion of the base. The baseincludes a plurality of fluid inletsthat receive air from an external environment. Positioned within an interior of the baseis an impeller and a motor (obscured in the figures). The impeller rotates in order to generate high-speed airflow. The impeller is in fluid communication with a diffuser (obscured in the figures) and an inner lumen (e.g., a fluid conduit) of a support rodcoupled to the base. As will be described herein, rotation of the impeller within the basecan generate airflow that flows from the inletsof the baseinto the support rod, through the fan arm, and out of the nozzle openings,on the fan arm housing.

In some embodiments, the support rodcan be coupled to the baseat a first end and extend outwardly therefrom. A second end of the support rodcan be located opposite of the first end (e.g., extending vertically from the first end such that the support rodis approximately vertical relative to the surface on which the baseis positioned). The fan arm housingis movably connected to a connection joint along the length of the support rod. The support rodcan be long enough to allow the fan armto be coupled at a sufficient distance above the surface so as to rotate freely without hitting the surface. In some embodiments, a distance between the first and second ends of the support rodcan be longer than a distance between the connection joint and one end of the fan arm housing. In some embodiments, the distance between the first and second ends of the support rodcan be longer than half the length of the overall fan arm housing.

The support rodcan rotate along the same axis, the first axis X, as the base. In some embodiments, the support rodcan be axially aligned with the motor of the basealong a central axis of the base(e.g., the first axis X). However, the support rodneed not be axially aligned with either the motor or the central axis of the base (as shown in, which depict a support rodoffset from the central axis of the base). In some embodiments, the support rodcan be movably coupled to the basesuch that the support rodcan rotate independently of the base, e.g., about a parallel axis to the first axis X. Air that enters the bladeless fanvia the fluid inletscan pass through the impeller and diffuser of the baseand into the inner lumen of the support rod, which is in fluid communication with the interior of the base. Further, the inner lumen of the support rodis in fluid communication with one or more fluid flow paths (obscured in the figures) positioned in the fan arm housingof the fan arm. For example, the inner lumen of the support rodcan connect to one or more airflow openings (obscured in the figures) inside of the fan arm housingthat direct airflow out toward one or more nozzle openings,on the fan arm housing.

In some embodiments, the fan armis connected to the support rodat a connection joint (e.g., connection joint, which will be discussed further below with respect to). The one or more airflow openings can be located on opposite sides of the connection joint. The connection joint can enable rotation, translation, and/or tilting of the fan armrelative to the support rod.

In some embodiments, the fan armcan be rotated around a second axis Y. The second axis Y can be perpendicular to the first axis X. For example, as shown in, the fan armcan be movably coupled to the support rodsuch that it can have one or more configurations. As shown in, the fan armhas a first configuration such that a dominant dimension (e.g., length) of the fan arm housingis parallel with the support rod. In the first configuration, a first end of the fan arm housingis positioned adjacent the baseand a second end of the fan arm housingis positioned adjacent a second of the support rod. As shown in, the fan armhas a second configuration such that the dominant dimension of the fan arm housingis perpendicular to the support rod. A user can easily rotate the fan arm housingbetween the first and second configurations. In particular, the fan arm housingis coupled to the support rodby a connection joint comprising an axle (obscured in the figures) that defines the second axis Y of rotation, with the axle being positioned at a midpoint along the dominant dimension of the fan arm housing. In alternative embodiments, the axle can be positioned at any point along the dominant dimension of the fan arm housing. In some embodiments, the fan arm housingcan rotate between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees about the second axis Y defined by the axle. In some embodiments, the fan arm housingcan freely rotate clockwise and/or counterclockwise around the connection joint by 360+ degrees in each direction.

Additionally, the fan arm housingcan be moved translationally along a dominant dimension of the support rod. For example, as shown in, the fan arm housingcan be positioned in a first positionor a second position. The first positioncorresponds to a first distance relative to the baseand the second positioncorresponds to a second distance relative to the base, with the second distance being greater than the first distance. A distance, DI, between the first and second positions,can be equal to or less than the dominant dimension of the support rod. For example, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the first and second positions,to be at any point along the support rod. In some embodiments, the fan arm housingcan translate along the dominant direction of the support rodsuch that the fan arm housingis moved closer to and/or further from the base. For example, the distance between the connection joint and the basecan change when the fan arm housingis translated along the support rod. In some embodiments, the support rodcan telescope toward and/or away from the basesuch that the fan arm housingis moved closer to and/or further from the base. For example, the distance between the connection joint and the basecan change when the support rodis telescoped relative to the base.

Furthermore, the fan arm housingcan be tilted relative to the support rod. For example, as shown in, the fan arm housingcan be tilted by an angle Aalong a third axis Z different from the first axis X and/or the second axis Y. The angle Acan be between about 0 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to the dominant dimension of the support rod. For example, with the fan arm housingpositioned at about 0 degrees, the nozzle openings,can be directed towards the base, whereas with the fan arm housingpositioned at about 180 degrees, the nozzle openings,can be directed away from base. The magnitude of the angle Acan be easily adjusted by the user, which advantageously allows the fan arm housingto emit airflow in a desired direction. At any angle of A, the nozzle openings,can be oriented relative to the fan arm housingsuch that airflow exiting the nozzle openings,is normal to the surface of the fan arm housingsurrounding the nozzle openings,

In some embodiments, such as shown in, the fan arm housingincludes a first fan arm portion with a first nozzle that defines a first nozzle openingand a second fan arm portion with a second nozzle that defines a second opening. The first and second fan arm portions may be movably coupled to the fan arm housingsuch that they can rotate relative to the support rod, e.g., about the third axis Z. Each arm portion can include an airflow opening that receives airflow from the inner lumen of the support rodvia the connection joint, an internal fluid flow path that carries airflow within the respective arm portion, and a nozzle opening (e.g.,,) that expels airflow from the arm portion. In some embodiments, the fan arm housingcan include first and second airflow openings each configured to intake air for their respective arm portion. The first and second airflow openings can expel air in different directions from each other (e.g., the first airflow opening expels air in a first direction to reach the first nozzle opening, and the second airflow opening expels in a second direction to reach the second nozzle opening). Further, the first and second fan arm portions may be independently actuable such that the angle of rotation of the first fan arm portion about the third axis Z is not the same as the angle of rotation of the second fan arm portion about the third axis Z. The independent actuation of the first an second fan arm portions means that the first and second nozzle openings can expel air in different directions from each other (e.g., the first nozzle opening expels air in a first direction, and the second nozzle opening expels in a second direction).

Each of the first and second nozzle openings,can emit the airflow supplied by the impeller. The first and second nozzle openings,are formed as slots that extend along a dominant dimension of the respective fan arm portion. For example, the first and second nozzle openings,each have a length and a width, with the length being greater than the width. The width of each of the first and second nozzle openings,is minimized to help facilitate unidirectional, high-speed airflow therefrom. Additionally, the length and width of the first and second nozzle openings,further facilitate fully developed airflow with minimal turbulence in the airflow prior to exiting the first and second nozzle openings,. For example, the airflow emitted via the first and second nozzle openings,has relatively lower fluctuations in the flow than comparable openings that have a shorter length and/or greater width.

In some embodiments, the first and second nozzle openings,may be horizontally offset from the central axis of the base(e.g., the first axis X). For example, as shown in, the nozzle openings,are horizontally offset in the direction of the second axis Y such that there is a horizontal distance between the center of the baseand the nozzle openings,. Thus, in some embodiments, there is a horizontal distance between the air intake (e.g., the inletsof the base) and the air outlets (e.g., the nozzle openings,) of the bladeless fan. Further, in some embodiments, the connection joint (e.g., connection jointof) may be horizontally offset from one or both the nozzle openings,and the central axis of the base. In other embodiments, the connection joint may be horizontally aligned with the central axis of the base.

While the embodiment shown has two openings, it is within the scope of the disclosure herein for a bladeless fanto have one opening or more than two openings (e.g., three, four, five, or more). Additionally or alternatively, the bladeless fansdescribed herein can include multiples of various components, such as multiple fan arm housings, multiple fan armswith multiple fan arm portions, multiple support rods, multiple bases, or any combination thereof.

The bladeless fancan include one or more electronic components that improve the accessibility of the bladeless fan. As shown in, the bladeless fanincludes status indicators,and a user interface. For example, the fan arm housingincludes a first status indicatorand a second status indicator. The first and second status indicators,can indicate a status of the corresponding fan arm. For example, each of the first and second status indicators,are a plurality of lights that can emit light in accordance with a magnitude (e.g., velocity, volume) of the airflow being emitted through an opening of the respective fan arm. In an embodiment, a greater magnitude of airflow through the first nozzle openingcorresponds to the first status indicatoremitting brighter light and/or more lights thereof being activated. The second status indicatoroperates in a similar manner. Additionally, the basefurther includes a user interface. The user interfacecan receive an input from a user in order to control the operation of the bladeless fan. For example, the user interfacecan allow the user to control one or more of a power status, an air temperature, a configuration selection, a fan arm housing position, an operation mode, a timing function, an airflow velocity, and an airflow magnitude. The user interfaceand/or status indicators,can be combined with any of the embodiments of the bladeless fans described herein.

In some embodiments, adjustments to the components of the bladeless fancan be motorized and/or automated. For example, adjustment of the basevia rotation of the base about the first axis X and adjustment of the fan armvia rotation of the fan armabout the second axis Y, translation of the connection joint along the support rod, and/or rotation of the fan arm portions about the third axis Z can be performed using a motor and/or actuator. This motorized movement may be performed automatically based upon a predetermined fan setting and/or in response to a user's command. In some embodiments, the user's command may be manually inputted by the user (e.g., via the user interface) and/or issued remotely, such as via a remote user device that is in wireless communication with the bladeless fan. The adjustments to the components of the bladeless fanare labeled in. Movement Mis the rotation of the fan armabout the second axis Y. Movement Mis the rotation of the base about the first axis X. Movement Mis the rotation of the fan arm portions about the third axis Z. Movement Mis the translation of the fan armalong the longitudinal axis of the support rod. The various joints and adjustment points (e.g., points P-Pof) that enable the movements M-Mare described in greater detail in the later figures.

illustrate another embodiment of a bladeless fanthat includes a connection joint, a first fan arm portion, and a second fan arm portion. While the embodiment shown inhas two fan arm portions,, it is within the scope of the disclosure herein for a bladeless fan to have one fan arm portion or more than two fan arm portions (e.g., three, four, five, or more).

The bladeless fanin this illustrated embodiment is generally configured and used similar to the bladeless fanof.illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bladeless fanthat shows the internal airways of the bladeless fan. As shown, the bladeless fanincludes a fan armhaving a fan arm housingthat houses the fan arm portions,, a support rod, a connection jointthat connects the fan armto one end of the support rod, and a baseconnected to the other end of the support rod, the interior of the basecontaining an impellerand a diffuserto generate airflow within the bladeless fan. In an example, the fan armcan be positioned at a lower end of the support rod, such that the fan armis positioned at a first distance from the base. As another example, the fan armcan be positioned at an upper end of the support rod, such that the fan armis positioned at a second distance from the base. The fan armcan also be positioned at any position between the upper and lower ends of the support rod.show the fan armin a first configuration, similar to the first configuration described with reference to. In the first configuration, the fan armis parallel to the support rod.shows the fan armin a second configuration, similar to the second configuration described with reference to. In the second configuration, the fan armis perpendicular to the support rod.

As shown in, one or more nozzles are disposed within the fan arm housingsuch that at least a first nozzle is disposed inside the first fan arm portionand at least a second nozzle is disposed inside the second fan arm portion. The nozzles can include airflow openings,that can couple to the connection jointand nozzle openings,that can emit airflow. For each fan arm portion,, the airflow openings,can be in fluid communication with the respective nozzle openings,via hollow fan lumens forming one or more fluid flow paths between the airflow openings,and the nozzle openings,. The fan lumens can be in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the support rod via the airflow openings,and the connection joint. For example, airflow generated by the rotation of the impellercan flow through the inner lumen of the support rod, the first and second airflow openings,, and the first and second fan lumens of the first and second fan nozzles to be emitted from the first and second nozzle openings,

As described previously, the fan arm portions,each include a nozzle opening. As shown, the first fan arm portionincludes a first nozzle openingand the second fan arm portionincludes a second nozzle opening. The first and second nozzle openings,have generally similar structure as the nozzle openings,described with reference to, such that the direction of airflow exiting the nozzle openings,is approximately normal to the surface of the fan arm housingsurrounding the nozzle openings,. The fan arm portions,can receive fluid (e.g., air) via a connection joint coupled to an internal lumen that is positioned within the support rod. In some embodiments, the fan arm portions,are positioned at opposite ends of the fan armand/or coupled to opposite sides of the connection point.

The connection jointserves to both physically and fluidly connect the fan armto the support rod. As described previously, the connection jointallows for movable connections between the fan armand the support rod. In some embodiments, the connection jointmay include a fluid separator. In some embodiments, the fluid separator includes two conduits that can separate the airflow generated by the rotation of the impeller into two airflow portions. A first conduit of the fluid separator directs a first airflow portion toward the nozzle of the first fan arm portion. A second conduit of the fluid separator directs a second airflow portion toward the nozzle of the second fan arm portion. In some embodiments, the fluid separator includes a branched airway that branches into the first conduit and the second conduit. The branched airway is in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the support rodand fan lumens of the fan arm portions,. In some embodiments, a maximum circumference of the branched airway is equal to a maximum circumference of the inner lumen. In some embodiments, a minimum circumference of the branched airway is equal to a maximum circumference of the first and second fan lumens. One or more apertures, valves, or other flow limiters may be installed within each conduit and/or the branched airway of the fluid separator to control the amount of airflow into each of the fan arm portions,. By adjusting the flow limiters independently, the amount of air in the first airflow portion and the amount of air in the second airflow portion can be independently adjusted. Thus, the amount of air exiting each nozzle is likewise independently adjustable.

The connection jointis one of many adjustment points that enable various adjustments of the bladeless fan. For example, movements M-M, as described with respect to, can be performed at the adjustment points. As shown in, the bladeless fanhas at least four adjustment points P, P, P, and P. Adjustment point Pcorresponds to the connection pointand is located between the fan armand the support rod. Point Pallows the fan armto be positioned in a vertical orientation (e.g., the orientation shown in), a horizontal orientation (e.g., the orientation shown in), and any orientation in-between. In some embodiments, Pincludes a rotatable joint and/or a pivot joint formed between the fan armand the support rod. Point Pis located between the support rodand the base. Point Pallows the radial position of the fan armto be adjusted relative to an axis, such as the longitudinal axis of the support rod. For example, the rotation of the baseand/or the support rodat point Pallows the fan armto rotate relative to the central axis of the baseand/or the support rod. In some embodiments, point Pis a rotational joint formed on at least one of the baseand/or the support rod. Points Pare located between the fan arm portions,and the fan arm housing. Each point Pallows the rotational adjustment of the respective fan arm portion,relative to an axis, such as the longitudinal axis of the fan armand/or the fan arm housing. For example, the rotation of the fan arm portionat a point Pallows the fan arm portionto rotate relative to the central axis of the fan arm housing. In some embodiments, points Pincludes at least one rotational joint formed on the fan arm. Point Pis located within the fan armand/or the support rod. Point Pallows for a distance between the baseand the fan armto be adjusted. For example, the fan armcan be connected to the support rodat a point Psuch that the fan armcan move up and down along the longitudinal axis of the support rod. In some embodiments, point Pincludes a sliding joint formed between the fan armand the support rod. In some embodiments, point Pand point Pare combined. For example, the connection jointbetween the fan armand the support rodcan form both point Pand P, such that connection jointallows for both rotational movement (of the fan armrelative to the central axis of the support rod) and translation movement (of the fan armalong the central axis of the support rod). In some embodiments, the distance between the connection jointand the baseis adjustable.

illustrates the rotation of the fan arm portions,at the points Pin greater detail. The points Pare located at the airflow openings,. As shown in, the fan arm portions,are independently moveable. Moving the fan arm portions,relative to the longitudinal axis of the fan armcan allow the fan arm portions,to emit airflow in different directions. For example, the fan arm portions,can be rotated relative to the support arm such that the nozzle openings,emit airflow from different planes. The first nozzle openingcan emit airflow along a different plane than the second nozzle opening

illustrate embodiments of the bladeless fanin which the support rodis vertical or tilted.is a schematic diagram of the bladeless fanin a vertical configuration in which the support rodis oriented vertically, such that the support rodis parallel to and axially aligned with a central axis Xrunning through the base. In some embodiments, the central axis Xis substantially orthogonal to the surface on which the fan armis placed. As shown in, the nozzle openingsand, which are aligned along an axis X, are horizontally offset from the central axis Xof the base. The connection joint, or at least a portion thereof, is horizontally aligned with the central axis X. Although not pictured in, in some embodiments, the motor, diffuser, and/or the impeller are also axially aligned with the central axis Xof the base.