Patent ID: 9366266
Filing Date: 2016-06-14
CPC Classification: F01D,F04D

Claim Text:
1. A reconfigurable grille for use in association with an axial fan, comprising: a central hub; an outer rim; and a plurality of vanes each extending from the central hub to the outer rim, the plurality of vanes configured to bend or deform so as to switch between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in one of the first configuration and the second configuration, each of the plurality of vanes curves in one of a generally clockwise or counterclockwise direction from the central hub to the outer rim, and in the other of the first configuration and second configuration, each of the plurality of vanes curves in the other of the a-generally clockwise or counterclockwise direction from the central hub to the outer rim; and a control element configured to selectively control switching between at least the first configuration and the second configuration and to maintain the vanes in a selected one of at least the first configuration and the second configuration; wherein the central hub comprises the control element, upon which when a predetermined action is performed, the plurality of vanes are switched from the first configuration to the second configuration.