AIR CIRCULATION DEVICE WITH FILTER CONTROL MECHANISM

Abstract

An air circulation device includes a housing including an exhaust, a base including a filter intake and a bypass intake, and a damper system adjustable between a filter state and a bypass state. The damper system includes a bypass damper translatable via a bypass actuator, a filter damper translatable via a filter actuator, a filter mechanism disposed between the filter damper and the filter intake, a motor coupled to the bypass actuator and the filter actuator that allows the bypass damper and the filter damper to translate between an open position and a closed position, and a control mechanism can also have a sensor. The control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state, and the sensor determines an air quality rating of the air and compares the air quality rating of the air to a predetermined air quality threshold.

Claims

1. An air circulation device comprising: a housing including an exhaust; a base; a filter intake and a bypass intake, the filter intake and bypass intake being configured to draw air into the air circulation device from an environment; a damper system coupling the exhaust of the housing to the filter intake and bypass intake, the damper system being adjustable between a filter state and a bypass state and comprising: a bypass damper movable via a bypass actuator; a filter damper movable via a filter actuator; a filter mechanism disposed in air communication with the filter damper and the filter intake; and a motor communicatively coupled to the bypass actuator and the filter actuator, such that the bypass damper and the filter damper are both movable between an open position and a closed position.

2. The air circulation device of claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism having a sensor, the control mechanism being configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state, wherein the sensor determines an air quality rating of the air and compares the air quality rating of the air to a predetermined air quality threshold.

3. The air circulation device of claim 1, wherein, when the damper system is in the filter state, the bypass damper is in a closed position and the filter damper is in an open position.

4. The air circulation device of claim 1, wherein, when the damper system is in the bypass state, the bypass damper is in an open position and the filter damper is in a closed position.

5. The air circulation device of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a plurality of inputs for manually controlling the operating state of the damper system.

6. The air circulation device of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a user interface that displays the operating status of the damper system to a user.

7. The air circulation device of claim 1, wherein the air quality rating generated by the sensor represents a volume of particulate matter present in the air.

8. The air circulation device of claim 1, wherein the control mechanism includes a communication interface for communicatively coupling the air circulation device to a network.

9. The air circulation device of claim 8, wherein the network includes at least a user device and a smart home environment communicatively coupled to the network.

10. The air circulation device of claim 9, wherein the user device is configured to provide real-time user location data to the control mechanism.

11. The air circulation device of claim 10, wherein the control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state by comparing the real-time user location data to a predetermined zone.

12. The air circulation device of claim 9, wherein the smart home environment is configured to provide real-time environmental condition data to the control mechanism.

13. The air circulation device of claim 12, wherein the control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state by comparing the real-time environmental condition data to a predetermined environmental condition threshold.

14. The air circulation device of claim 1, wherein the control mechanism includes an I/O interface for receiving manual inputs from a user to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state.

15. The air circulation device of claim 1, wherein the air circulation device is a tower fan.

16. An air circulation device comprising: a housing including an exhaust; a base including a filter intake and a bypass intake formed in the base, the filter intake and bypass intake being configured to draw air into the air circulation device from an environment; a damper system coupling the exhaust of the housing to the filter intake and bypass intake of the base, the damper system being adjustable between a filter state and a bypass state and comprising: a bypass damper movable via a bypass actuator; a filter damper movable via a filter actuator; a filter mechanism disposed in air communication with the filter damper and the filter intake; a motor communicatively coupled to the bypass actuator and the filter actuator, such that the bypass damper and the filter damper are both movable between an open position and a closed position; and a control mechanism configured to adjust the damper system among varying positions between the filter state and the bypass state; and a network communicatively coupled to the control mechanism, the network including at least a user device or a smart home environment, wherein the control mechanism utilizes real-time data received from the network to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state.

17. The air circulation device of claim 16, wherein the user device is configured to provide real-time user location data to the control mechanism.

18. The air circulation device of claim 17, wherein the control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state by comparing the real-time user location data to a predetermined zone.

19. The air circulation device of claim 16, wherein the smart home environment is configured to provide or receive real-time environmental condition data to or from the control mechanism.

20. The air circulation device of claim 19, wherein the control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state by comparing the real-time environmental condition data to a predetermined environmental condition threshold.

21. An air circulation device comprising: a housing including an exhaust; a base; one or more filter intakes and bypass intakes configured to draw air into the air circulation device from an environment; a damper system coupling the exhaust of the housing to the one or more filter intakes and bypass intakes, the damper system being adjustable to actuate one or more dampers associated with one or more filters, the damper system further comprising: at least one damper associated with at least one filter, the at least one damper actuatable via an actuator between an open position and a closed position, wherein in said open position, said damper allows air to flow through said at least one filter, and wherein in said closed position, said at least one damper prevents air to flow through said at least one filter.

22. The air circulation device of claim 21 wherein said actuator is driven by a motor.

23. The air circulation device of claim 21 wherein said actuator is a solenoid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an air circulation device, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0012] FIG. 2A depicts a schematic view of a damper system of the air circulation device of FIG. 1 in a filter state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 2B depicts a schematic view of a damper system of the air circulation device of FIG. 1 in a bypass state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 2C depicts a schematic view of a damper system of the air circulation device of FIG. 1 in a combination filter/bypass state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts an operating environment of the air circulation device of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0016] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative flow diagram of a method of selectively filtering air using the air circulation device of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0017] FIG. 5A depicts a schematic view of a damper system of the air circulation device of FIG. 1 showing air flowing through three filters, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0018] FIG. 5B depicts a schematic view of a damper system of the air circulation device of FIG. 1 showing air flowing through two filters, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0019] FIG. 5C depicts a schematic view of a damper system of the air circulation device of FIG. 1 showing air flowing through one filter, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0020] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of a damper system of the air circulation device of FIG. 1, according to one or more alternative embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to air circulation devices and methods of selectively filtering air using air circulation devices. In these embodiments, the air circulation device includes a housing including an exhaust, a filter intake and a bypass intake, and a damper system adjustable between a filter state and a bypass state. The damper system includes a bypass damper translatable via a bypass actuator, a filter damper translatable via a filter actuator, a filter mechanism disposed in air communication with the filter damper and the filter intake, a motor coupled to the bypass actuator and the filter actuator that allows the bypass damper and the filter damper to translate between an open position and a closed position, and a control mechanism having a sensor. The control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state, and the sensor, if included, determines an air quality rating of the air and compares the air quality rating of the air to a predetermined air quality threshold.

[0022] In the embodiments described herein, the control mechanism may place the damper system in the bypass state when the air quality rating meets and/or exceeds the predetermined air quality threshold, and adjust the damper system to the filter state when the air quality rating is below the predetermined air quality threshold. Accordingly, by only forcing air through the filter mechanism when the air quality threshold falls below the predetermined air quality threshold, the disclosed air circulation device may significantly decrease energy consumption and environmental impact compared to conventional air circulation devices.

[0023] As should be appreciated, traditional air circulation devices, such as fans and air purifiers, are designed to operate continuously under a single mode of operation; either constantly filtering air or not filtering air at all. Moreover, these devices lack the flexibility to adapt operation based on varying air quality conditions. As a result, traditional fans are equipped with static filters that clean the air as it passes through, regardless of the actual need for filtration. This constant operation leads to unnecessary energy consumption and accelerated wear on filters, which increases the frequency with which the filters must be replaced.

[0024] Furthermore, most existing air circulation devices are incapable of interacting with other networks or smart home devices, and lack features that leverage real-time data to optimize their function. The lack of real-time data use to dynamically adjust operation of traditional air circulation devices decreases the efficiency and adaptability of current devices.

[0025] The disclosed air circulation device aims to resolve these issues by providing a standalone (e.g., freestanding) fan, such as a tower fan, that includes a dynamic damper system configured to control airflow through a filter based on detected air quality levels, environmental conditions, and/or user location. By optimizing the times when filtration is active and reducing overall operational intensity, the disclosed air filtration device may decrease energy consumption and environmental impact compared to conventional fans and/or air purifiers.

[0026] Embodiments of air circulation devices and methods of operating air circulation devices will now be described in additional detail herein. The following will now describe these refrigeration systems, container assemblies, and methods in more detail with reference to the drawings and where like numbers refer to like structures.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an air circulation device is depicted. In these embodiments, the air circulation device is depicted as a tower fan 10, but can be any other freestanding and/or standalone air circulation device (e.g., fan, purifier, etc.) configured for residential and/or commercial use. As further depicted in FIG. 1, the air circulation device may include a housing 22 and a base 24, with the housing 22 being releasably and/or fixedly coupled to the base 24 and the base 24 being configured to support the tower fan 10 as a free standing structure when the tower fan 10 is placed on a floor or other similarly level surface. Furthermore, although not depicted, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the housing 22 may be rotatably coupled to the base 24, such that the housing 22 translates radially relative the base 24 when the tower fan 10 is activated to aid in circulating air within a room or other similar environment. In the embodiments described herein, the housing 22 and base 24 may be formed of plastics, metals, composite materials, or any other similar material, as may be determined based on the environment in which the tower fan 10 operates.

[0028] Referring still to FIG. 1, the base 24 may include a plurality of intakes 30 that may be configured to draw air from an external environment in which the tower fan 10 is positioned and into the tower fan 10. In these embodiments, the plurality of intakes 30 may include at least a filter intake 32 and a bypass intake 34, with the filter intake 32 being configured to draw in air through a filter mechanism and the bypass intake 34 being configured to draw air into the tower fan 10 while bypassing the filter mechanism. It should be understood that the plurality of intakes 30 may be situated in various locations on the tower fan 10, including on any side of the base 24 and/or on any side of the housing 22. For convenience and ease of description, the schematic embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6 simply depict the plurality of intakes 30 in a particular location, but that location is not intended to be in any way limiting. In the embodiments described herein, the tower fan 10 may be operable in a filter state or a bypass state by individually activating the filter intake 32 and/or the bypass intake 34. Operation of the plurality of intakes 30 will be described in additional detail herein with reference to the figures.

[0029] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the housing 22 may include an exhaust 40. In these embodiments, air that is drawn into the tower fan 10 (e.g., through the plurality of intakes 30) may be dispersed back into the environment via the exhaust 40 in order to regulate a temperature, humidity, air quality, or other similar parameter of the environment in which the tower fan 10 is positioned. For example, in the filter state, the filter intake 32 may be activated, such that air is drawn from the environment, through the filter intake and filter mechanism, and out of the exhaust 40. In these embodiments, the filter mechanism may act to remove particulates from the air drawn by the filter intake 32 prior to dispersing the filtered air into the environment. In contrast, in the bypass state, the bypass intake 34 may draw air into the tower fan 10 and recirculate the air (e.g., unfiltered air) into the environment without forcing the air through the filter mechanism.

[0030] Referring still to FIG. 1, the housing 22 may further include a plurality of inputs 50, such as buttons, knobs, or other similar manual control inputs, which may allow a user to manually control the operating state of the tower fan 10 (e.g., filter state vs. bypass state). For example, the plurality of inputs 50 may allow a user to manually adjust the operating state of the tower fan 10, adjust a speed of the exhaust 40 of the tower fan 10, power the tower fan 10 on and/or off, or program the tower fan 10 to operate in a particular operating state for a predetermined period of time and/or on a predetermined schedule. In these embodiments, the housing 22 may further include a user interface 60, such as a digital display or other similar electronic display, which provides a visual indication of a power status, a time, an operating state, or other similar parameter of the tower fan 10 to the user. Although the plurality of inputs 50 may be used to manually control the tower fan 10, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the tower fan 10 may also be remotely and/or electronically operated, as will be described in additional detail herein with reference to FIG. 3.

[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tower fan 10 is illustrated in the filter state and the bypass state, respectively. In these embodiments, tower fan 10 may further include a damper system 100, which may be configured to adjust the operating state of the tower fan 10 between the filter state and the bypass state, as will be described in additional detail herein.

[0032] As further depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the damper system 100 may include a plurality of dampers 120 that may be actuatable between an open position and a closed position. These figures are just schematic representations intended to show functional relationships, not necessarily specific required structures. For example, the damper system 100 may include one or more dampers, and each damper alternatively could have its own motor or drive system. In the embodiments shown, the damper system 100 may further include a plurality of actuators 130, with at least one of the plurality of actuators 130 being associated with at least one of the plurality of dampers 120 to translate, rotate, or otherwise actuate the at least one of the plurality of dampers 120 between the open position and the closed position. As mentioned, the actuators 130 could be solenoids, if desired. As further depicted in the figures, the damper system 100 may further include a drive mechanism 110, such as a motor, that may be electronically and/or mechanically coupled to each of the plurality of actuators 130 (or, as discussed, in some embodiments individually to a single actuator), such that operation of the drive mechanism 110 acts to move each of the plurality of dampers 120 between the open position and the closed position, and a plurality of positions therebetween.

[0033] Referring still to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the plurality of dampers 120 may include at least a filter damper 122 and a bypass damper 124, each of which may be translatable between an open position and a closed position. In these embodiments, the plurality of actuators 130 may include at least a filter actuator 132 and a bypass actuator 134, with the filter actuator 132 being configured to translate the filter damper 122 between the open position and the closed position and the bypass actuator 134 being configured to translate the bypass damper 124 between the open position and the closed position. As further depicted, the damper system 100 may include a filter mechanism 140, which may be associated with the filter damper 122. In these embodiments, when the filter damper 122 is opened, air may be drawn into the tower fan 10 through the filter mechanism 140, as will be described in additional detail herein.

[0034] As further depicted in the figures, the damper system 100 may include a control mechanism 200, which may be configured to electronically and/or remotely control the various components of the damper system 100. In these embodiments, a user may operate the control mechanism 200 to change the operating state of the tower fan 10 between the filter state and the bypass state, as will be described in additional detail herein with reference to FIG. 3.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the tower fan 10 is depicted in the filter state. As described hereinabove, in the filter state, the filter intake 32 may be activated, such that air is drawn into the tower fan 10 via the filter intake 32. In these embodiments, when the filter intake 32 is activated, the drive mechanism 110 of the damper system 100 may utilize the filter actuator 132 to actuate the filter damper 122 from the closed position to the open position, and activate the bypass actuator 134 to actuate the bypass damper 124 from the open position to the closed position. With the bypass damper 124 in the closed position, air from the environment in which the tower fan 10 is positioned may be unable to enter the bypass intake 34. Accordingly, the air drawn into the tower fan 10 may enter via the filter intake 32. As air is drawn through the filter intake 32, the air may pass through the filter mechanism 140 and the filter damper 122 before being recirculated into the environment via the exhaust 40.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2B, the tower fan 10 may be adjusted from the filter state to the bypass state by adjusting the various components of the damper system 100. For example, as depicted in FIG. 2B, the drive mechanism 110 may utilize the filter actuator 132 to move the filter damper 122 from the open position to the closed position, and utilize the bypass damper 132 to move the bypass damper 122 from the closed position to the open position. With the filter damper 122 in the closed position, air may be unable to enter the tower fan 10 via the filter intake 32. Accordingly, air drawn into the tower fan 10 from the environment may be drawn via the bypass intake 34. In these embodiments, air drawn into the tower fan 10 via the bypass intake 34 may pass through the bypass damper 124 and be recirculated to the environment via the exhaust 40 without passing through the filter mechanism 140.

[0037] FIG. 2C depicts an embodiment in which the tower fan 10 occupies a state in which the recirculated air flowing out of the exhaust 40 is partially filtered. In this state, some amount of air flows past the bypass damper 124 while some amount of air flows past the filter mechanism 140 and through the filter damper 122. Indeed, the bypass damper 124 and the filter damper 122 can also be coupled such that as one damper moves in a first direction, the other damper moves in a second direction. In this manner, the bypass damper 124 and the filter damper 122 each can traverse a spectrum of movements, such that each may be partially open a varying amount in relation to the other. As such, for example, as the bypass damper 124 is moved closer and closer toward the closed position, the filter damper 122 is moved closer and closer toward the open position. In this manner, an infinite combination of states of openness of the filter damper 122 and the bypass damper 124 are possible.

[0038] FIGS. 5A-5C depict an alternative embodiment in which the tower fan 10 includes multiple filter mechanisms 140. In the embodiment shown in the figures, there are three filter mechanisms 140: a first filter 141, a second filter 151, and a third filter 161. These filters can be of many varieties, and all types of filters are possible. In the figures, the three filter mechanisms 140 are depicted as a HEPA filter (first filter 141), a carbon filter (second filter 151), and a particle filter (third filter 161). In this embodiment, only the portion of the air intake 30 that flows through the filter intake 32 is depicted. The air that flows through the filter intake is drawn into the tower fan 10 via the fan and has the ability to flow past one, two, or all filters. The filter intake 32 may be singular or may be plural. In the embodiment shown, the filter intake 32 is a single air intake. The inlet air is drawn into the tower fan 10 and has the ability to flow out the exhaust 40 via several different paths, depending on the state of the damper system 100. In this embodiment, the damper system 100 can include one or more bypass dampers 124, similar to that described above. Additionally, the damper system 100 can include a first filter damper 142, a second filter damper 152, and a third filter damper 162. As depicted, the first filter damper 142 is associated with a flow path through the first filter 141; the second filter damper 152 is associated with a flow path through second filter 151; and the third filter damper 162 is associated with a flow path through third filter 161. The level and type of filtration utilized by the tower fan 10 depends on which of the dampers 142, 152, and/or 162 are opened or closed (in conjunction with any bypass dampers used). Indeed, the filter system 140 can be arranged in such a way that the damper system 100 allows only one filter to be utilized per each open damper. Or, as depicted in the figures, the filter mechanism 140 can be arranged in a stacked configuration, where each damper allows the air flow to pass through a cumulative set of dampers, in consecutive order. For example, FIG. 5C depicts a situation wherein third filter damper 162 is open, and inlet air is passed through the third filter 161 (particle). FIG. 5B depicts a situation wherein second filter damper 152 is open, and inlet air is passed through both the third filter 161 and the second filter 151 (carbon). FIG. 5A depicts a situation wherein first filter damper 142 is open, and inlet air is passed through all filters: the third filter 161, the second filter 151, and the first filter 141 (HEPA).

[0039] FIG. 6 is a two-dimensional schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the tower fan 10 in which first filter 141, second filter 151, and third filter 161 are arranged within the housing 22 in a circular orientation. In the embodiment shown, the intake 30 is located at the outer surface of the housing 22. Air flows within the tower fan 10 in a variety of flow paths, again depending on the respective statuses of the damper system 100 components associated with the various filter mechanisms 140. In similar fashion as the other embodiments shown herein, the various dampers can be driven in the same manner as described above. As shown, these flow paths represent concentric rings of possible flow paths, including entrance flow path 170, third filter flow path 175, third filter bypass flow path 180, second filter flow path 185, second filter bypass flow path 190, first filter flow path 195, first filter bypass flow path 196, and exit flow path 197. In FIG. 6, in general air is drawn into the tower fan 10 through the intakes 30 and, after flowing through the designated flow paths within the tower fan 10 (described below), exits the tower fan 10 verticallythat is, out of the page of FIG. 6 as depictedvia exhaust 40.

[0040] As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, there are multiple possible flow paths in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 as well. Each damper (that is, first filter damper 142 and/or first bypass damper 144; second filter damper 152 and/or second bypass damper 154; and third filter damper 162 and/or third bypass damper 164) can occupy a closed position, an open position, or multiple partially open positions between the open position and the closed position. As used herein, the closed position is defined as that position that prevents air from flowing through the filter associated with the particular damper. Also similarly to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, air can be made to flow through one, two, or all three filters, depending on the state of the various dampers. For example, for air to flow only through the first filter 141, the second filter damper 152 and third filter damper 162 are closed, while the second bypass damper 154 and the third bypass damper 164 are open. In this arrangement, when third filter damper 162 is closed, air comes into the tower fan 10 at entrance flow path 170 but does not flow in the third filter flow path 175 (through the third filter 161); instead, air must flow through the third bypass damper 164 and into the third filter bypass flow path 180. As air flows through the third filter bypass flow path 180, it eventually reaches the location of the second filter 151. Because the second filter damper 152 is closed, air does not flow in the second filter flow path 185 (through the second filter 151); instead, air must flow through the second bypass damper 154 and into the second filter bypass flow path 190. The air then reaches the first filter damper 142 and, because it is open (and because first bypass damper 144 is closed), air flows through the first filter 141 and into the first filter flow path 195 and eventually out of the tower fan 10 at exit 197.

[0041] Alternatively, obviously, if it is desired for air to flow through all three filters, then all three bypass dampers (first bypass damper 144, second bypass damper 154, and third damper 164) can be closed (or partially closed). In this arrangement, air is filtered in the tower fan 10 using all three filters 141, 151, and 161. And, equally obviously, if desired, air can be alternatively filtered by only one filter or by any combination of two filters, simply by closing or opening the desired filter dampers 142, 152, and 162 and/or bypass dampers 144, 154, and 164. Whenever the first bypass damper 144 is closed and the first filter damper 142 is open (or partially open), air flows through the first filter 141 into the first filter flow path 195 and eventually out of the tower fan 10 at exit 197. If the first filter 141 is not desired to be used, the first filter damper 142 can be closed and the first bypass damper 144 can be open. In this situation, air flows through the first bypass damper 144 and into the first filter bypass flow path 196 and eventually out of the tower fan 10 at exit 197. These latter two situations can be achieved whether air is made to flow through the second filter 151 or the third filter 161, or any combination, or neither, of the two.

[0042] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the third filter 161 is located at the outer surface of the housing 22. As such, it is easy to access and replace the third filter 161 when needed. The first filter 141 and the second filter 151 are located more internally to the housing 22. As such, a first filter tray 171 is used to access and replace the first filter 141. Likewise, a second filter tray 172 is used to access and replace the second filter 151.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2C; 5A-5C; and 6, although the damper system 100 may be manually controlled by the user via the plurality of inputs 50 (FIG. 1), in these embodiments, the control mechanism 200 may further include a sensor 202, such as an air quality sensor, that may be utilized to automate operation of the tower fan 10 between the filter state and the bypass state. For example, in these embodiments, the sensor 202 may be configured to collect real-time data related to an air parameter of the air drawn into the tower fan 10 and/or an environmental parameter of the environment in which the tower fan 10 is positioned and adjust the operating state of the tower fan by comparing the air parameter and/or environmental parameter to a predetermined threshold.

[0044] For example, as depicted, the sensor 202 may be an air quality sensor configured to determine an air quality rating of the air that is drawn into the tower fan 10 based on operation of the damper system 100. In these embodiments, the damper system 100 may initially be in the bypass state, such that air is drawn into the damper system 100 via the bypass intake 34. Once air from the environment is drawn into the bypass intake 34, the air may traverse the sensor 202 prior to being recirculated into the environment via the exhaust 40, such that the sensor 202 is able to generate an air quality rating of the air drawn into the tower fan 10. Although sensor 202 is depicted schematically in the embodiments in the figures in a particular location, it can be located anywhere in or on the tower fan 10, so long as it is in air communication with the environment in which the tower fan 10 is situated.

[0045] In these embodiments, when the air quality rating meets and/or exceeds a predetermined air quality threshold, the tower fan 10 may remain in the bypass state. For example, when the sensor 202 determines that the air quality rating meets and/or exceeds the predetermined air quality threshold, the air quality rating may indicate that the air circulating within the external environment includes an acceptable level of particulates (e.g., pollutants, allergens, etc.), such that the air may be circulated through the tower fan 10 without passing through the filter mechanism 140.

[0046] Conversely, in the event the air quality rating fails below the predetermined air quality threshold, the control mechanism 200 may engage the damper system 100 of the tower fan 10 to alternate the tower fan 10 to the filter state. For example, when the sensor 202 determines that the air quality rating falls below the predetermined air quality threshold, the air quality rating may indicate that an unacceptable level of particulates are present in the air drawn into the tower fan 10. Accordingly, the damper system 100 may begin to draw air into the tower fan 10 via the filter intake 32, such that air from the environment is filtered via the filter mechanism 140 as the air is circulated through the tower fan 10 prior to be dispersed via the exhaust 40. And, of course, the damper system 100 may draw air into the tower fan 10 via a combination of the filter intake 32 and the bypass intake 34, if desired, to achieve the desired level of filtration.

[0047] Referring still to the figures, in these embodiments, the tower fan 10 may remain in the filter state until the sensor 202 determines that the air quality rating of the air drawn into the tower fan 10 meets and/or exceeds the predetermined air quality threshold, at which point the control mechanism 200 may automatically adjust operation of the tower fan 10 to the bypass state.

[0048] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it should be further appreciated that the control mechanism 200 may be configured to ensure that the bypass damper 124 and the filter damper 122 operate inversely to one another during operation of the tower fan 10. For example, the bypass damper 124 and the filter damper 122 may be oppositely configured, such that, when the bypass damper 124 is in the open position (e.g., in the bypass state) the filter damper is in the closed position, and vice versa. By ensuring that bypass damper 124 and the filter damper 122 do not remain in the same position (e.g., open or closed) simultaneously during operation, the control mechanism 200 may ensure that the sensor 202 provides accurate air quality ratings during operation of the tower fan 10. In some embodiments, the bypass damper 124 and the filter damper 122 can also be coupled such that as one damper moves in a first direction, the other damper moves in a second direction. In this manner, the bypass damper 124 and the filter damper 122 each can traverse a spectrum of movement, such that each may be partially open a varying in relation to the other. As such, for example, as the bypass damper 124 is moved closer and closer toward the closed position, the filter damper 122 is moved closer and closer toward the open position. This functionality applies equally to the embodiments of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6, using the concomitant actuators 130, drive mechanisms, and damper system 100 as described.

[0049] Turning now to FIG. 3, an example control mechanism 200 for the embodiments shown is depicted in additional detail. In these embodiments, the control mechanism 200 may be further adapted to be connected to one or more networks 300, including a user device 310 and/or a smart home environment 320, to obtain additional real-time data that may be used to control the operating state of the tower fan 10, as will be described in additional detail herein.

[0050] In these embodiments, the control mechanism 200 may include one or more control servers 210, processing modules 220, communication interfaces 230, and input/output (I/O) interfaces 240. As depicted in FIG. 3, the communication interface 230 may allow the control mechanism 200 to connect to the network 300, such that the control mechanism 200 may receive real-time data from a variety of devices connected to the network 300 that may be used to control the operating state of the tower fan 10. In addition, the control mechanism 200 may also be configured to send real-time or stored data to a variety of devices connected to the network 300 if, for example, air quality data is at the tower fan 10 desired to be shared with the network 300 to assist other users or other air quality devices, or to provide an air quality score for comparative or analytical purposes. In these embodiments, the communication interface 230 may include a wireless transceiver (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.), an application programming interface (e.g., to allow for interactivity with third-party services and/or applications) and/or a network interface card (e.g., for wired connections providing a stable network when wireless connectivity is insufficient). It should be further appreciated that, in addition to receiving real-time data from devices connected to the network 300, the I/O interface 240 may be communicatively coupled to the plurality of inputs 50 (FIG. 1), such that a user may provide manual inputs to the control mechanism 200 to manually control the operating state of the tower fan 10.

[0051] As further depicted in FIG. 3, in these embodiments, inputs into the I/O interface 240 and/or data received by the communication interface 230 may be analyzed by the processing module 220, which may in turn communicate to the control mechanism 200 the appropriate operating state of the tower fan 10. For example, the processing module 220 may be configured to provide instructions to the control mechanism 200 in order to allow the control mechanism 200 to adjust the operating state of the tower fan 10 between the bypass state and the filter state, as has been described in detail herein. In these embodiments, the processing module 220 may include a microcontroller and/or microprocessor capable of processing data received by the I/O interface 240 and/or communication interface 230. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the processing module 240 may include memory configured to store operational data, user preferences, historical sensor data (e.g., air quality rating data, etc.), and/or any other software and/or firmware utilized in operating the control mechanism 200.

[0052] Referring still to FIG. 3, with the control mechanism 200 connected to the network 300 via the communication interface 230, the control mechanism 200 may be configured to send or receive additional real-time data to or from a variety of network-connected devices that may be used to determine the operating state of the tower fan 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the network 300 may be communicatively coupled to a user device 310 and/or a smart home environment 320 in order to either send or obtain real-time data regarding environmental conditions and/or user location that may be used to control the operating state of the tower fan 10, as will be described in additional detail herein.

[0053] For example, in some embodiments, the control mechanism 200 may be configured to track a user location of a user via the user device 310. In these embodiments, the user device 310 may utilize GPS, or other similar location services, to determine the user location of the user, and may relay the user location to the control mechanism 200 via the network 300 in real-time. In these embodiments, the control mechanism 200 may adjust the operating state of the tower fan based on the real-time user location of the user.

[0054] In these embodiments, the control mechanism 200 may compare the user location of the user to a predetermined zone, such as a predetermined geographic and/or geolocation zone, and adjust the operating state of the tower fan 10 based on the position of the user location relative the predetermined zone. For example, when the user location is within the geographic bounds of the predetermined zone, the control mechanism 200 may adjust the tower fan 10 to operate in the filter state, such that the tower fan 10 may help achieve desirable air quality conditions in the environment in which the tower fan 10 is positioned. In contrast, when the control mechanism 200 determines that the user has left the predetermined zone (e.g., when the user location falls outside the geographic bounds of the predetermined zone), the control mechanism 200 may adjust the tower fan 10 to operate in the bypass state, thereby conserving the filter mechanism 140 while the user is away from the tower fan 10 and purified air is not needed. In the embodiments described herein, the user device 310 may include a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a remote control, or any other similar device capable of relaying location information of the user to the control mechanism 200 via the network 300.

[0055] Referring still to FIG. 3, and as described herein, the network 300 may also be communicatively coupled to a smart home environment 320 configured to provide real-time environmental data to the control mechanism 200. For example, in these embodiments, the smart home environment 320 may include a thermostat 324, or any other similar smart device, that may be configured to provide real-time data regarding environmental conditions to the control mechanism 200.

[0056] In the embodiments described herein, environmental condition data may be further utilized by the control mechanism 200 to determine an appropriate operating state of the tower fan 10. For example, in these embodiments, the control mechanism 200 may be configured to adjust an operating state of the damper system 100 of the tower fan 10 by comparing the environmental condition data to a predetermined environmental condition threshold.

[0057] In these embodiments, the smart home environment 320 may provide real-time environmental condition data regarding external events such as weather changes, pollen counts, or the presence of environmental pollutants, such as smoke from nearby fires, to the control mechanism. By analyzing the environmental condition data, the control mechanism 200 may proactively adjust the damper system 100 between the filter state and the bypass state to ensure that the air quality within the environment in which the tower fan 10 is positioned is not impacted by external environmental conditions. For example, if a user is sensitive to pollen and the real-time environmental condition data indicates a high pollen count in the area (e.g., a pollen count in excess of a predetermined pollen count threshold), the control mechanism 200 may adjust the tower fan 10 to the filter state. It should be appreciated that utilizing the environmental condition data, as described herein, may aid in maintaining optimal air quality without unnecessary use of the filter mechanism 140, which may allow for enhanced user comfort while also conserving energy and extending the life of the filter mechanism 140.

[0058] Turning now to FIG. 4, an illustrative flow diagram of a method 400 of selectively filtering air using an air circulation device, such as a tower fan, is depicted. In these embodiments, the method 400 may initially involve determining, using a sensor (such as sensor 202) formed in a damper system (or elsewhere) of the air circulation device, an air quality rating of the air, as is illustrated at block 410.

[0059] Once the air quality rating of the air has been determined by the sensor, the method 400 may advance to block 420, which may involve comparing the air quality rating of the air to a predetermined air quality threshold. In these embodiments, the method may further involve controlling, via a control mechanism of the air circulation device, an operating state of the air circulation device based on the comparison of the air quality rating to the predetermined air quality threshold, as is illustrated at block 430.

[0060] For example, in the embodiments described herein, when the air quality rating is below the predetermined air quality threshold, the control mechanism may be configured to adjust the operating state of the air circulation device to the filter state, in which a filter intake formed in a base of the air circulation device circulates the air through a filter mechanism before recirculating the air to an environment in which the air circulation device is positioned. In contrast, when the air quality rating meets or exceeds the predetermined air quality threshold, the control mechanism may be configured to adjust the operating state of the air circulation device to the bypass state, in which a bypass intake of the air circulation device allows the air to bypass the filter mechanism before recirculating the air to the environment.

[0061] Further aspects of the embodiments described herein are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0062] Clause 1. An air circulation device comprising: a housing including an exhaust; a base including a filter intake and a bypass intake formed in the base, the filter intake and bypass intake being configured to draw air into the air circulation device from an environment; a damper system coupling the exhaust of the housing to the filter intake and bypass intake of the base, the damper system being adjustable between a filter state and a bypass state and comprising: a bypass damper translatable via a bypass actuator; a filter damper translatable via a filter actuator; a filter mechanism disposed in air communication with the filter damper and the filter intake; and a motor communicatively coupled to the bypass actuator and the filter actuator, such that the bypass damper and the filter damper are both translatable between an open position and a closed position.

[0063] Clause 2. The air circulation device of clause 1, further comprising a control mechanism having a sensor, the control mechanism being configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state, wherein the sensor determines an air quality rating of the air and compares the air quality rating of the air to a predetermined air quality threshold

[0064] Clause 3. The air circulation device of clause 1 or 2, wherein, when the damper system is in the filter state, the bypass damper is in a closed position and the filter damper is in an open position.

[0065] Clause 4. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-3, wherein, when the damper system is in the bypass state, the bypass damper is in an open position and the filter damper is in a closed position.

[0066] Clause 5. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the housing further includes a plurality of inputs for manually controlling the operating state of the damper system.

[0067] Clause 6. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the housing further includes a user interface that displays the operating status of the damper system to a user.

[0068] Clause 7. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the air quality rating generated by the sensor represents a volume of particulate matter present in the air.

[0069] Clause 8. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the control mechanism includes a communication interface for communicatively coupling the air circulation device to a network.

[0070] Clause 9. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the network includes at least a user device and a smart home environment communicatively coupled to the network.

[0071] Clause 10. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the user device is configured to provide real-time user location data to the control mechanism.

[0072] Clause 11. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state by comparing the real-time user location data to a predetermined zone.

[0073] Clause 12. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the smart home environment is configured to provide real-time environmental condition data to the control mechanism.

[0074] Clause 13. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state by comparing the real-time environmental condition data to a predetermined environmental condition threshold.

[0075] Clause 14. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-13, wherein the control mechanism includes an I/O interface for receiving manual inputs from a user to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state.

[0076] Clause 15. The air circulation device of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the air circulation device is a tower fan.

[0077] Clause 16. An air circulation device comprising: a housing including an exhaust; a base including a filter intake and a bypass intake formed in the base, the filter intake and bypass intake being configured to draw air into the air circulation device from an environment; a damper system coupling the exhaust of the housing to the filter intake and bypass intake of the base, the damper system being adjustable between a filter state and a bypass state and comprising: a bypass damper translatable via a bypass actuator; a filter damper translatable via a filter actuator; a filter mechanism disposed in air communication with the filter damper and the filter intake; a motor communicatively coupled to the bypass actuator and the filter actuator, such that the bypass damper and the filter damper are both translatable between an open position and a closed position; and a control mechanism configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state; and a network communicatively coupled to the control mechanism, the network including at least a user device or a smart home environment, wherein the control mechanism utilizes real-time data received from the network to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state.

[0078] Clause 17. The air circulation device of clause 16, wherein the user device is configured to provide real-time user location data to the control mechanism.

[0079] Clause 18. The air circulation device of clauses 16 or 17, wherein the control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state by comparing the real-time user location data to a predetermined zone.

[0080] Clause 19. The air circulation device of any of clauses 16-18, wherein the smart home environment is configured to provide or receive real-time environmental condition data to or from the control mechanism.

[0081] Clause 20. The air circulation device of any of clauses 16-19, wherein the control mechanism is configured to adjust the damper system between the filter state and the bypass state by comparing the real-time environmental condition data to a predetermined environmental condition threshold.

[0082] Clause 21. An air circulation device comprising: a housing including an exhaust; a base; one or more filter intakes and bypass intakes configured to draw air into the air circulation device from an environment; a damper system coupling the exhaust of the housing to the one or more filter intakes and bypass intakes, the damper system being adjustable to actuate one or more dampers associated with one or more filters, the damper system further comprising: at least one damper associated with at least one filter, the at least one damper actuatable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in said open position, said damper allows air to flow through said at least one filter, and wherein in said closed position, said at least one damper prevents air to flow through said at least one filter; a motor communicatively coupled to an actuator coupled to the at least one damper such that the at least one damper is movable between the open position and the closed position.

[0083] Clause 22. An air circulation device comprising: a housing including an exhaust; a base; a filter intake and a bypass intake, the filter intake and bypass intake being configured to draw air into the air circulation device from an environment; a damper system coupling the exhaust of the housing to the filter intake and bypass intake, the damper system being adjustable between a filter state and a bypass state and comprising: a bypass damper movable via a bypass actuator; a filter damper movable via a filter actuator; and a filter mechanism disposed in air communication with the filter damper and the filter intake.

[0084] Clause 23. The air circulation device of clause 22, wherein the bypass actuator and the filter actuator are manually activated.

[0085] Clause 24. The air circulation device of clauses 22 or 23, wherein the bypass actuator and the filter actuator are solenoids.

[0086] Clause 25. A method of selectively filtering air using a stand-alone air circulation device, the method comprising: determining, using a sensor in air communication with a damper system of the air circulation device, an air quality rating of the air; comparing the air quality rating of the air to a predetermined air quality threshold; and controlling, via a control mechanism of the air circulation device, an operating state of the air circulation device, wherein the control mechanism is configured to: adjust the operating state of the air circulation device to a filter state when the air quality rating is below the predetermined air quality threshold, such that a filter intake formed in the air circulation device circulates the air through a filter mechanism before recirculating the air to an environment; and adjust the operating state of the air circulation device to a bypass state when the air quality rating meets or exceeds the air quality threshold, such that a bypass intake formed in the air circulation device allows the air to bypass the filter mechanism before recirculating the air to the environment.

[0087] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms, including at least one, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Or means and/or. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, or includes and/or including when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The term or a combination thereof means a combination including at least one of the foregoing elements.

[0088] It is noted that the terms substantially and about may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0089] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.