TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure, in general, relates to purifying air. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a support bracket for coupling at least one filter element to at least one blade of a fan to disinfect and clean air.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

With the development of industries, decreasing green cover, increase in automobiles and the like, have resulted in a large quantity of polluted air. Such polluted air upon inhalation becomes a root of endangering human health. Further, pollutants in the air consists of suspended particulate matter (PM), biological allergens, harmful gasses and volatile organic compounds (VOC). The PM size varies from sub-micron scale particles to up to 200pm in size. Furthermore, the pollutants if inhaled penetrate the lung membranes and enter the bloodstream and thereby causing various diseases like lung cancer to cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the PM particles of the pollutant may be made of unburned fuels, industrial exhaust and dust which has been made airborne which are harmful for human health.

Typically, to capture the PM, allergens and pathogens, there are different kinds of air purifiers and air cleaners which collect the PM and filter the air. The air cleaners use filter media or use electrostatic charges along with the filter media that attract the particles thereby cleaning the air. However, the air cleaners are costly and are complex with large number of components. The complexity of the air cleaners increases the cost of maintenance and requires skilled labor to carry out the maintenance operations. Additionally, the air cleaners require electricity to work and require a dedicated plug in location which restricts the surroundings that the air cleaner is capable of cleaning the air. Further, the air cleaner capable of cleaning the air only in the surroundings which is proximal to the air cleaner and does not clean the air in places having large dimensions, thereby requiring multiple air cleaners which is undesired.

Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a support bracket as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the support bracket as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a support bracket for coupling at least one filter element to at least one blade of a fan is disclosed. The support bracket includes a base which is connectable to a portion of the at least one blade. Further, the support bracket includes a plurality of projections that are extending from the base and adapted to secure the at least one filter element. Each of the plurality of projections includes a first set of projections which are extending from one side of the base to accommodate the at least one filter element in a first position. Furthermore, the plurality of projections includes a second set of projections that extend opposite to the one side of the base to accommodate the at least one filter element in a second position. The configuration of the support bracket aids in connecting the at least one air filter to the at least one blade of the fan, aids in effective filtering of the air during rotation of the at least one blade, as the filter continuously comes in contact with the air. Further, positioning the air filter in the first position and the second position aids effective filtering without hampering the performance of the at least one blade.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of projections includes a coupling member for supporting the at least one filter element. The coupling member aids in locking the at least one filter element in the support bracket for filtering the air.

In an embodiment, the at least one filter element in the first position is coupled to the plurality of projections at a first angle relative to central axis A- A of the base. The first angle of the at least one filter element in the first position ranges between 20 degrees to 60 degrees. The first set of projections of the plurality of projections enables placement and alignment of the at least one filter element such that the air is filtered when the fan is operating at low speeds.

In an embodiment, the at least one filter element in the second position is coupled to the plurality of projections at a second angle relative to central axis A-A of the base. The second angle of the at least one filter element in the second position ranges between 10 degrees to 30 degrees. The second set of projections of the plurality of projections enables placement and alignment of the at least one filter element such that the air is filtered when the fan is operating at high speeds and also without hampering performance of the at least one blade.

In an embodiment, support bracket includes a light source fixed to the base and adapted to emit predetermined wavelength of a light beam onto the at least one filter element, wherein the light beam is a ultra violet (UV) light and the predetermined wavelength of the light beam emitted by the light source is in a range of 220nm-290nm. The light source enables is adapted to eliminate any microorganisms and other living and non-living particles collected on the at least one filter element.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a fan is disclosed. The fan includes a rotor and at least one blade connectable to the rotor. The at least one blade includes a body defined with, a leading edge on one side and a trailing edge on other side opposite to the one side. Further, the at least one blade includes a first surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and a second surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, on an opposite side of the at least one blade body relative to the first surface. Additionally, the fan includes a support bracket for connectable to at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the at least one blade for coupling at least one filter element to the at least one blade. The support bracket includes a base which is connectable to a portion of the at least one blade. Further, the support bracket includes a plurality of projections that are extending from the base and adapted to secure the at least one filter element. Each of the plurality of projections includes a first set of projections which are extending from one side of the base to accommodate the at least one filter element in a first position. Furthermore, the plurality of projections includes a second set of projections that extend opposite to the one side of the base to accommodate the at least one filter element in a second position. The configuration of the fan enables filtering of air in the surroundings.

In an embodiment, the fan includes a switch connected between the light source and a power source to selectively operate the light source corresponding to rotation of the fan.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fan having a filter element coupled to at least one blade through a support bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the support bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3a illustrates a front view of the fan with the filter element coupled to the at least one blade through the support bracket in a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3b illustrates a perspective view of the fan with the filter element coupled to the at least one blade through the support bracket in the first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4a illustrates a front view of the fan with the filter element coupled to the at least one blade through the support bracket in a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4b illustrates a perspective view of the fan with the filter element coupled to the at least one blade through the support bracket in the second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the support bracket illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other brackets, mechanisms, devices, systems, assemblies and methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusions, such that a bracket or a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a bracket or device or system proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1- Fig. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a fan (200). In an embodiment, the fan (200) may be but not limited to a ceiling fan, a table fan, an exhaust fan, , and any other type of component having blades to guide air such as turbine. The fan (200) may broadly include a rotor (1) and at least one blade (2), which may be connectable to the rotor (1). In an embodiment, the rotor may be configured to rotate, thereby rotating the at least one blade along with rotation of the rotor.

As apparent from Fig. 1, the at least one blade (2) may include a body defined with a leading edge on one side and a trailing edge on other side opposite to the one side. Further, the body of the at least one blade (2) may include a first surface (FS) extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge and a second surface [not shown in Figs] extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, opposite to the first surface (FS). Referring now to Fig. 2, the fan (200) may include a support bracket (100), which may be connectable to the at least one blade (2). In an embodiment, the support bracket (100) may be connectable to one of the first surface (FS) and the second surface of the at least one blade. The support bracket (100) may be configured to support the at least one filter element (7) such that, the at least one filter element (7) is coupled to the at least one blade (2). In an illustrative embodiment, as seen in Figs. 3a-4b the support bracket (100) is coupled on to the first surface of the at least one blade (2) and the same cannot be construed as a limitation since, the support bracket (100) may be coupled to the second surface. In an embodiment, the support bracket (100) may be an integral part of the at least one blade (2) or may be adapted to be removably or permanently fixed to the at least one blade (2).

Further, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the support bracket (100) may include a base (3) which may be connectable to a portion of the at least one blade (2). In an embodiment, the base (3) may be a plate like structure which may be removably coupled to the at least one blade (2). As an example, the base (3) may be connected to the at least one blade (2) by means of but not limiting to adhesive bonding, welding, brazing, fastening, velcro or loop lock, and the like. Further, as apparent from Fig. 2, the support bracket (100) may include a plurality of projections (4, 5). The plurality of projections (4, 5) may extend from the base (3) and may be adapted to secure the at least one filter element (7). The at least one filter element (7) accommodated by the support bracket (100) on the at least one blade (2) may be configured to filter the air to remove harmful particulate matter in the air. In an embodiment, the at least one filter element (7) may a washable or replaceable filter, which may be including but not limited to an electrostatically charged media, a fine mesh, fiber filter, adhesive strips and any other special filters which may contain coatings or treatments to provide filtering properties as well as properties such as killing pathogens like virus or bacteria, capturing VOCs and odor. In an embodiment, the at least one filter element (7) may include two or more types of filter layers that may be stacked for filtering in two or more steps. For example, the at least one filter element (7) may be configured to capture 100 micron size particles by washable mesh and finer particles with pm 2.5 micron by a replaceable mesh. Further, in another example, activated carbon coated filters may be employed to absorb gases and odors. In an embodiment, the at least one filter element (7) may be also configured to filter pollutants such as but not limiting to allergens, pollens, fungi, moulds and the like which are present in the surrounding air. Additionally, the at least one filter element (7) may be capable of being washed or may be directly replaced upon clogging of the at least one filter element (7) due to trapped particulate matters collected from the air.

Referring further to Figs. 1 and 2, each of the plurality of projections (4, 5) may include a coupling member (6) for accommodating and locking the at least one filter element (7) with in the support bracket (100). The plurality of projections (4, 5) are configured to accommodate the at least one filter element (7) at different orientations for effectively filtering the air and without hampering performance of the at least one blade (2) of the fan (200). In an embodiment, the coupling member (6) may be including but not limited to a snap fitting coupler, a provision for a fastener, clips, resilient coupling and the like.

Referring now to Figs. 3a and 3b, the plurality of projections (4, 5) may include a first set of projections (4) which may extend from one side of the base (3) to orient the at least one filter element (7) in a first position (FP). In an embodiment, the first set of projections (4) of the plurality of projections (4, 5) may be structured to position the at least one filter element (7) in the first position (FP) at a first angle relative to a central axis A-A [as seen in Fig. 2] of the base (3) In an embodiment, the first angle of the at least one filter element (7) in the first position (FP) may range between 20 degrees to 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the at least one filter element (7) in the first set of projections (4) at the first position (FP) aids in filtering the air even when the fan (200) is operating at lower speeds as the first angle aids in enabling high air flow over the at least one filter element (7). The at least one filter element (7) positioned in the first position (FP) may aid in filtering the air in winter conditions as the filtration takes place even under low fan speed. Further, as seen in Figs. 4a and 4b the plurality of projections (4, 5) may include a second set of projections (5) which extends opposite to the one side of the base (3) to orient the at least one filter element (7) in a second position (SP). The second set of projections (5) of the plurality of projections (4, 5) are structured to position the at least one filter element (7) in the second position (SP) at a second angle relative to the central axis A-A of the base (3). In an embodiment, the second angle of the at least one filter element (7) in the second position (SP) may range between 10 degrees to 30 degrees. The at least one filter element (7) in the second position (SP) may aid in filtering the air when the fan (200) is operating at higher speeds as the second angle aids in enabling high air flow over the at least one filter element (7) with low amount of drag and obstructions from the at least one filter element (7). The at least one filter element (7) positioned in the second position (FP) may aid in filtering the air in winter conditions as the filtration takes place under high fan speed.

In an embodiment, the at least one filter element (7) in each of the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) allows for different aerodynamic properties, which facilitates use of the fan (200) in cooler temperatures where one does not need the fan (200) to rotate and also cause less drag, less vibrations and low noise when the speed of the fan (200) is high, respectively. Furthermore, the at least one filter element (7) in the winter mode restricts wind flow, thereby slowing down rotation and also causing less air circulation due to the shape of the at least one blade (2) and allows filtering of particulate matter in the air.

In an embodiment, the base (3) of the support bracket (100) may also include a mesh or any type of filtering portion which maybe adapted to filter air by trapping the particulate matter. Further, in another embodiment, the base (3) may be defined with a porous profile which may aid in trapping the particular matter in the air.

Inn an embodiment, the support bracket (100) may be made of single material or may be made of multiple materials. As an example, the base (3) may be made of sheet metals, FRPs, polymers, cardboard or paper mulch, and the like including biodegradable plastics or biomaterials.

In an embodiment, the plurality of projections (4, 5) along with receiving and the securing the at least one filter element (7) and also capable of sliding between the first position (FP) and the second based on requirement. In another embodiment, the base (3) of the support bracket (100) may be include a slider (not shown in Figs) onto which the plurality of projections (4, 5) may be fixed. The slider may be capable of changing the angle of the at least one filter element (7) accommodated as per requirement.

In an embodiment, the support bracket (100) may include a light source which may be fixed to the base (3) and may be adapted to emit predetermined wavelength of a light beam onto the at least one filter element (7). In an embodiment, the light source is adapted to eliminate any microorganisms and other living and non-living particles collected on the at least one filter element (7), such that allergens, pollens, fungi, moulds and the like which are present in the surrounding air may be eliminated. The light source may be a ultra violet (UV) or Far-UVC light source which may emit light in the range of 220nm-290nm. In an embodiment, the light source may be powered directly by the power source which may power the fan (200) or may have a portable power source such as a battery disposed on or proximal to the support bracket (100). In an embodiment, a switch may be disposed in the support bracket (100) or in the fan (200) and may be connected between the power source and the light source and may be configured to selectively operate the light source corresponding to rotation of the fan (200). In an embodiment, the switch may be in the form of a cantilever which may be adapted to displace between a closed condition and an open condition based on rotation of the fan (200). For example, the cantilever may be selected based on displacement of the cantilever relative to a centrifugal force which may be exerted by the rotation of the fan (200). The rotation of the fan (200) may exert the centrifugal force on the switch, thereby actuating the switch from the open condition to the closed condition to operate the light source. Additionally, the switch may be adapted to displace from the closed condition to the open condition corresponding to non-rotation of the fan (200).

Further, in an embodiment, the support bracket (100) may be coupled to a compliant mechanism which may be employed to power electronics using flexure by rotational forces. For example, miniature horizontal fans may be employed which may act as dynamo to generate power to intermittently charge capacitors to provide power to circuit elements and in-turn power the light source. In an embodiment, aroma infused slow release sheet may also be attached or coated to the at least one filter element (7) to generate pleasant odour during operation.

It should be noted that in an illustrated embodiment, the at least one blade (2) of the fan (200) includes one support bracket (100). However, this should not be construed as a limitation as the at least one blade (2) of the fan (200) may include more than one support bracket (100) as per requirement.

In an embodiment, the support bracket (100) enables employment of replacement of filters which leads to reduced cost. Further, the support bracket (100) enables use of the at least one filter element (7) in the winter mode and the summer mode resulting in filtering of the air in both winter and summer without affecting the wind flow operation i.e., without hampering the operation of the at least one blade (2) of the fan (200).

In an embodiment, the support bracket (100) may be retrofitted to any blade of the rotating device like table fan, ceiling fan, windmill, vertical axis wind turbines, compressors, air conditioner fan, table fan and other types of rotating devices like machine gears or wheels. The support bracket (100) enables the fan (200) to act as an air purifier.

It should be noted that in an exemplary embodiment, as seen in the Figs. l-4b the construction, profile, arrangement, layout, connections and method should not be construed as a limitation as the support bracket (100) may include any other type of construction, profile, arrangement, layout, connection and may work with other method or any other combinations for filtering air.

In an embodiment, the support bracket (100) is simple in construction which results in low-cost manufacturing and easy maintenance.

In an embodiment, the support bracket (100) facilitates a simple and a convenient approach to filter air without of the need of external sources for pushing the air into the filter.

It should be imperative that the construction and configuration of the support bracket (100) and any other elements or components described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such structural configuration of the elements or components should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

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