Patent Publication Number: US-2010111698-A1

Title: Fan with locking ring

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of airflow devices and more specifically, to fans for moving air through a controlled space. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of fans to move air is well known. For example, fans are used to move air through heat exchangers in the field of air conditioning, the field of aircraft cooling and the field of motor vehicle cooling. A fan for such an application may consist of a hub member and a plurality of blade members, each blade member having a root portion and a tip portion. The root portions of each blade are secured to the hub portion such that the blades extend substantially radially from the hub portion. Additionally, a blade tip support ring placed near to, or more usually, at their tip portions may link the blades. 
     Such fans are often driven by an electric motor or via a transmission from an associated engine. The fans are usually disposed so that the fan&#39;s radial plane extends parallel to a face portion of the associated heat exchanger. 
     Furthermore, a typical goal in the manufacture of fans is a motor and fan assembly that is simple to manufacture and consequently has a low manufacturing cost. In AC motors for fans, the side armature AC motor comes closest to achieving these goals. However, DC motors for fans are being used more, particularly for fans used to cool electronics where DC power is available. 
     Many fans are complex in both their structure and their commutation circuitry. Where simple, low cost, and reliable fans with a rapid assembly process have been needed, these complex fans, which might more appropriately have been used, for example, in aircraft and shipboard applications, have been too expensive for the simple purpose of fan rotation. 
     Additionally, many methods have been used to attach and retain fans to equipment. These methods involve, to some degree, many pieces of loose hardware, which must be assembled and aligned in order to accept and hold the fan. In most cases, in order to maintain, repair, and/or replace the fan, the pieces of loose hardware must be removed. Thus, the probability of losing parts or reassembling parts incorrectly becomes dramatically increased. Furthermore, most cooling fans in aerospace applications are mounted via either “servo rings” or mounting “ears.” However, both methods require a vast quantity of loose hardware such as screws, nuts, washers, cams, etc. These mounting methods necessitate cumbersome, time-consuming, and mechanically involved assembly steps fraught with process uncertainty and unexpected variability. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a fan that is of simple construction, and provides a simplified yet extremely rapid, consistent, and efficient assembly process for securing the fan to parent equipment. Additionally, a need exists for an efficient and reliable apparatus and method for securely attaching a fan to various types of parent equipment. 
     These and other desirable characteristics of the present invention will become apparent in light of the specification, drawings and claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the various deficiencies associated with the prior art by creating a novel method and apparatus that is of unique construction and uses a unique mounting process, so that a user may mount a fan to a parent apparatus in a simple, efficient and reliable method. 
     In one object of the present invention, an airflow apparatus is provided to cool various types of user equipment. 
     In another object of the present invention, an airflow apparatus is provided that is of unique construction. 
     In yet another object of the present invention, an airflow apparatus is provided with a minimum number of parts necessary for coupling the airflow apparatus to a parent assembly. 
     Further, in another object of the present invention, an airflow apparatus and a locking apparatus are provided that simplifies the mounting process of the airflow apparatus to a parent assembly. 
     In yet another object of the present invention, an airflow apparatus and a locking apparatus are provided that allows a user to efficiently and reliably mount the airflow apparatus to a parent assembly. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, an airflow apparatus is provided comprising a stator section and at least one stator blade. 
     In another aspect of the present invention a plurality of mounting flanges disposed on the stator section are provided. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, at least one slot disposed between the plurality of mounting flanges is provided. 
     Further, in another aspect of the present invention, a rotor assembly is coupled to at least one stator blade, whereby the rotor assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, the airflow apparatus comprises at least one fan blade coupled to the rotor assembly. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the airflow apparatus comprises a locking apparatus. The locking apparatus further includes at least one mounting member and at least one coupling member, wherein the at least one slot is coupled to the at least one coupling member. 
     Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the detailed description below, all of which form a part of this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to preferred embodiments and corresponding alternate embodiments as set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an airflow apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates top view of an airflow apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of a locking apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a detailed top view of coupling member as shown in item  330  of  FIG. 3  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the locking apparatus along line A-A of  FIG. 3  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the airflow apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  in proper alignment with the locking apparatus shown in  FIG. 3  and a parent apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the airflow apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  in engagement with the locking apparatus shown in  FIG. 3  and a parent apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a bottom view of the airflow apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  in engagement with the locking apparatus shown in  FIG. 3  and a parent apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of the airflow apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  selectively coupled to a parent apparatus by means of the locking apparatus shown in  FIG. 3  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating a method of coupling the airflow apparatus of the present invention to a parent apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Detailed illustrative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiments. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiments for the purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. The following presents a detailed description of preferred embodiments (as well as some alternative embodiments) of the present invention. 
     A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the following description. The description is not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
     Moreover, well known methods, procedures, and substances for both carrying out the objectives of the present invention and illustrating the preferred embodiment are incorporated herein but have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure novel aspects of the present invention. 
     Additionally, the use of the terms “parent equipment,” “using equipment,” “parent apparatus,” “parent assembly,” and the like are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. Rather, the terms are used interchangeably and are meant to be merely illustrative in nature of certain aspects of the present invention. Additionally, the terms used herein, including “user”, “individual”, and “person” are not meant to limit the scope of the invention to one type of entity, as any entity or individual can also utilize the present invention. 
     Preferably, the airflow apparatus or fan of the present invention is designed for cooling electronics within, although not exclusively, the following types of parent equipment: aircrafts, ground-based and shipboard applications, and the like. Additionally, such electronics that may be cooled by the fan of the present invention include but are not limited to communications equipment, power supplies, avionics, radar, etc. 
     Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an airflow apparatus or fan assembly  100 , preferably constructed of rigid material selected from the group of: steel, aluminum, titanium, and the like. 
     Generally, fan assembly  100  of  FIG. 1  is collectively comprised of the following components: a stator section  102 , a plurality of substantially similar stator blades  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 , a rotor assembly  142 , a bottom hub  144 , a top hub (not shown) and a plurality of fan blades (not shown). 
     Fan assembly  100  includes a stator section  102 , which preferably serves as the fan housing or frame of fan assembly  100 . Stator section  102  is generally cylindrical in shape and is preferably constructed of the same or similar material as fan assembly  100 , such as steel, aluminum, titanium, and the like. However, any type of appropriate material may be used to construct stator section  102  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, fan assembly  100  is comprised of a plurality of substantially similar stator blades  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 , whereby each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  is preferably constructed of the same or similar material as stator section  102 . More specifically, each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  is substantially similar and may be used interchangeably when describing the configuration and functionality thereof. 
     Importantly, a first end of each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  is preferably fixably coupled to stator section  102 , while a second opposing end of each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  is fixably coupled to bottom hub  144 , which forms the bottom portion of rotor assembly  142 . Collectively, each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  is fixably coupled to bottom hub  144  in order to support bottom hub  144  and thus support rotor assembly  142 . Bottom hub  144  is cup shaped and includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced grooves  154 ,  156 ,  158 ,  160  and  162  provided to receive opposing second end of each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 . It should be appreciated that grooves  154 ,  156 ,  158 ,  160  and  162  may be spaced any distant apart from each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Preferably, bottom hub  144  is coupled to rotor assembly  142  via a traditional screw  164  as commonly known in the art. It should be appreciated that bottom hub  144  may be coupled to rotor assembly via screws, nuts, bolts, welded connection, press fit, snap fit or any other type of connection strategy or technique without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     Furthermore, rotor assembly  142  houses a motor (not shown) and a bearing tower (not shown), whereby the bearing tower houses a set of bearings (not shown) and a shaft (not shown), each component is commonly known in the art. In operation, the motor is supplied with electric current via electrical coils, which excites rotor assembly  142  and causes rotor assembly  142  to rotate. This process may be performed in a variety of methods or techniques commonly known in the art without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     Moreover, stator section  102  provides support to each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 . Furthermore and as previously stated, fan assembly  100  may comprise at least one stator blade  104 , however any amount of stator blades may be implemented in the design of fan assembly  100  without limiting the scope of the present invention. Preferably and as illustrated by  FIG. 1 , fan assembly  100  comprises five stator blades  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 . Each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  is arranged on a radial axis from bottom hub  144  and may be equidistantly spaced apart, thereby forming an airflow gap or aperture  116  between each stator blade  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 . It should be appreciated that stator blades  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 , and  112  may be spaced any distant apart from each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Aperture  116  preferably directs the flow of air through fan assembly  100  in order to discharge heat from parent apparatus (not shown). 
     Additionally, stator section  102  includes a plurality of extended flanges  166  and  168  located on exterior surface  140  of stator section  102 . Preferably, extended flanges  166  and  168  serve to provide a slot  170 , which is used to receive an attachment for holding electrical coils (not shown). Flanges  166  and  168  may also allow for traditional mounting methods to be used when required in a retrofit application. 
     Stator section  102  includes at least one mounting flange  118  fixably coupled to bottom edge  148  of stator section  102 . Preferably, mounting flange  118  is generally a continuous ridge or protrusion that protrudes outwardly along the circumference of stator section  102  in a perpendicular direction from exterior surface  140 . 
     Furthermore, stator section  102  preferably contains a plurality of substantially similar mounting flanges  118 ,  120  and  122 , collectively referred to as the first set of mounting flanges, which is located along the bottom edge  148  of stator section  102 . Each mounting flange  118 ,  120  and  122  is substantially similar and may be used interchangeably when describing the configuration and functionality thereof. 
     Stator section  102  contains a plurality of slots  130 ,  132  and  134  between mounting flange  118 ,  120  and  122  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, as illustrated by  FIG. 1 , stator section  102  preferably contains three slots  130 ,  132  and  134 , which may be equidistantly spaced between mounting flanges  118 ,  120  and  122  (i.e. slot  130  is located between mounting flange  118  and  120 , slot  132  is located between mounting flange  120  and  122  and slot  134  is located between mounting flange  118  and  122 ). It should be appreciated that slots  130 ,  132  and  134  may be spaced any distant apart from each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it is contemplated that any appropriate amount of slots may be implemented without limiting the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the slots of the present invention may be asymmetrically spaced so as to form a keying structure, wherein only the proper fan-type may be mounted to the parent assembly. 
     Importantly, each slot  130 ,  132  and  134  is substantially similar and may be used interchangeably when describing the configuration and functionality thereof. Each slot  130 ,  132  and  134  preferably exists on the bottom edge  148  of stator section  102  and is approximately the same width. Furthermore, each slot  130 ,  132 ,  134  of stator section  102  may slidingly engage coupling member or locking ring member of locking ring, which will be shown and described in  FIG. 3 , in order to selectively couple fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus (not shown). Additionally, the functionality of slots  130 ,  132 ,  134  will be thoroughly and extensively discussed below. 
     Moreover, fan assembly  100  preferably includes two sets of mounting flanges. However, it is contemplated that any appropriate amount of sets of mounting flanges may be implemented without limiting the scope of the present invention. The second set of mounting flanges preferably comprises a plurality of substantially similar mounting flanges  124 ,  126  and  128 . Furthermore, each mounting flange  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  and  128  is substantially similar and may be used interchangeably when describing the configuration and functionality thereof. However, each mounting flange  124 ,  126  and  128  is fixably coupled along the top edge  150  of the perimeter of stator section  102  or along the opposite edge of stator section  102  as mounting flange  118 ,  120  and  122 . Additionally, each mounting flange  124 ,  126  and  128  is constructed from the same or similar material and functions in the same or similar manner as mounting flange  118 ,  120  and  122 . Furthermore, each mounting flange  124 ,  126  and  128  is preferably provided to add additional support to ensure fan assembly  100  is securely coupled to locking apparatus or locking ring, which will be shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     It should be appreciated that any amount of mounting flanges may be utilized without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     Additionally, as illustrated by  FIG. 1 , stator section  102  preferably comprises an additional set of slots, which includes slots  136 ,  138  and  212  as shown in  FIG. 2 , which may be equidistantly spaced between mounting flanges  124 ,  126  and  128  (i.e. slot  136  is located between mounting flange  124  and  126 , slot  138  is located between mounting flange  126  and  128  and slot  212  of  FIG. 2  is located between mounting flange  124  and  128 ). It should be appreciated that slots  136 ,  138  and  212  as shown in  FIG. 2  may be spaced any distant apart from each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it is contemplated that any appropriate amount of slots  136 ,  138  and  212  as shown in  FIG. 2  may be implemented without limiting the scope of the present invention. Importantly, each slot  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138  and  212  as shown in  FIG. 2  is substantially similar and may be used interchangeably when describing the configuration and functionality thereof. However, each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  as shown in  FIG. 2  exists along the top edge  150  of the perimeter of stator section  102 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 1 , slot  130  is aligned along vertical axis  101  with substantially similar slot  136 , whereby slot  130  and slot  136  are substantially the same width and are spaced apart by approximately depth  123  of stator section  102 . Additionally, slot  132  is aligned along vertical axis  103  with substantially similar slot  138 , whereby slot  132  and slot  138  are substantially the same width and are spaced apart by approximately depth  123  of stator section  102 . Moreover, slot  134  is aligned along vertical axis  105  with substantially similar slot  212 , which is shown in  FIG. 2 , whereby slot  134  and slot  212  are substantially the same width and are spaced apart by approximately depth  123  of stator section  102 . 
     Furthermore, each slot  136 ,  138 , and  212  as shown in  FIG. 2  of stator section  102  may slidingly engage coupling member or locking ring member of locking ring, which will be shown and described in  FIG. 3 , in order to selectively couple fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus (not shown), which will be shown and described in  FIGS. 6A-6C  and  7 . Additionally, the functionality of slots  136 ,  138 ,  212  as shown in  FIG. 2  will be thoroughly and extensively discussed below. 
     It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics. 
     Each mounting flange  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  and  128  of fan assembly  100  provides a convenient, rapid, and efficient method to securely couple fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus (not shown). Additionally, fan assembly  100  of the present invention can preferably reduce and/or eliminate several loose hardware components as well as cumbersome, time-consuming and mechanically involved assembly steps, which are fraught with process uncertainty and unexpected variability. Thus, the present invention preferably serves to increase efficiency and reliability with regards to a user selectively coupling fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus (not shown). 
     Additionally, each mounting flange  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  and  128  of the present invention cooperates with a plurality of slots  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138  and  212  as shown  FIG. 2  allowing users to selectively couple fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus (not shown). This enables the user to efficiently couple fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus (not shown) in a rapid and simple manner. This is especially useful when a plurality of fan assemblies  100  are to be coupled to a plurality of separate sections of parent equipment and/or different parent equipment such as in an assembly line whereby thousands of parent apparatuses are manufactured. 
     Thus, each mounting flange  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  and  128  of the present invention provides users with an advantage, namely enabling users to efficiently and securely couple fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus (not shown), as will be described below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is a top view of airflow apparatus  100  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Located at the opposing end of rotor assembly  142  as shown in  FIG. 1  is top hub  208 , which may be selectively coupled to rotor assembly  142  as shown in  FIG. 1  via screws, nuts, bolts, fasteners, welded connection, press fit, snap fit or any other type of connection strategy or technique, as commonly known in the art. However, any method of coupling a hub to a bearing tower may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore and as previously mentioned, fan assembly  100  includes a plurality of substantially similar fan blades  202  and  203 , although in other non-limiting embodiments, any number of fan blades may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each fan blade  202  and  203  is substantially similar and may be used interchangeably when describing configuration and functionality thereof. Preferably, root regions  204  and  205  of each fan blade  202  and  203  is fixably coupled to top hub  208  of fan assembly  100  so that each fan blade  202  and  203  extends substantially radially of the rotational axis of rotor assembly  142 , whereby distal ends  206  and  207  of each fan blade  202  and  203  are in close proximity to interior surface  214  of stator section  102 . 
     Furthermore, fan assembly  100  as well as each component, particularly although hot exclusively stator section  102 , stator blades  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 , top hub  208 , fan blades  202  and  203 , mounting flanges  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  and  128 , rotor assembly  142 , and bottom hub  144  is preferably constructed from and consist of the same rigid material. Preferably, the rigid material may be steel, aluminum, titanium, and the like. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a top view of a locking apparatus or locking ring  300  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention along with its pertinent components. Particularly, although not exclusively, locking ring  300  comprises of a generally cylindrical locking ring assembly  302 , at least one mounting member  304 , at least one coupling member or locking ring member  316  and an opening  326 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, locking ring  300  as well as each component, particularly although not exclusively, locking ring assembly  302 , mounting member  304 , and locking ring member  316  is preferably constructed from and consist of the same rigid material. Preferably, the rigid material may be steel, aluminum, titanium, and the like. 
     Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, mounting member  304  is fixably coupled to locking ring assembly  302 , whereby mounting member  304  protrudes outwardly from external perimeter  328  of locking ring assembly  302 . Additionally, locking ring assembly preferably comprises a plurality of mounting members  304 ,  306 ,  308 , whereby each mounting member  304 ,  306  and  308  is substantially similar and may be used interchangeably when describing the configuration and functionality thereof. Preferably, each mounting member  304 ,  306  and  308  contains a respective aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  for securing locking ring  300  to parent apparatus (not shown). 
     Preferably, each mounting member  304 ,  306  and  308  is fixably coupled and equally spaced apart along external perimeter  328  of locking ring assembly  302  so as to allow a user to securely and selectively couple locking ring  300  to parent apparatus (not shown). As illustrated by  FIG. 3 , the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes three mounting members  304 ,  306  and  308 . Therefore, each mounting member  304 ,  306  and  308  is inherently spaced apart by an angle alpha (α)  322 , which is approximately 120 degrees. However, it is contemplated that any amount of mounting members may be implemented in the design of locking ring  300  without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, locking ring  300  includes at least one coupling member or locking ring member  316 , which is fixably coupled to internal perimeter  324  of locking ring assembly  302 . Additionally, locking ring member  316  protrudes inwardly from internal perimeter  324  of locking ring assembly  302 . Preferably, a plurality of locking ring members  316 ,  318  and  320  are fixably coupled and equally spaced apart along internal perimeter  324  of locking ring assembly  302  so as to allow a user to securely and selectively couple fan assembly  100  to locking ring  300 , which in turn allows the user to couple fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus (not shown). 
     As previously mentioned, locking ring  300  includes three locking ring members  316 ,  318  and  320 , whereby each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  may be located in close proximity to each respective mounting member  304 ,  306  and  308 . Therefore, locking ring members  316 ,  318  and  320  are inherently spaced apart by an angle alpha (α)  322 , which is approximately 120 degrees. Conversely, it is contemplated that any amount of locking ring members  316 ,  318  and  320  may be implemented in the design of locking ring  300  without limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in order to selectively couple fan assembly  100  to locking ring  300 , which will be extensively and thoroughly described below with regards to  FIGS. 6A-6C  and  7 , each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  selectively and slidably engages with each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212  located between each respective mounting flange  124 ,  126  and  128 , whereby each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  continues past each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212  along depth  123  of stator section  102  until each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  rests just above each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, locking ring assembly  302  encloses an opening  326  (i.e. an aperture, which provides a space for selectively accepting fan assembly  100 ). Preferably, a user may selectively engage and place fan assembly  100  within opening  326  so that fan assembly  100  may be coupled to locking ring  300 . 
     In operation, each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  provides an efficient and secure method for selectively coupling fan assembly  100  to locking ring  300  and in turn to parent apparatus (not shown), which will be shown and described in  FIGS. 6A-6C  and  7 . 
     Additionally, the device of the present invention could include a fourth locking ring member on locking ring  300  and a corresponding fourth slot on fan assembly  100  so as to form a key, which allows only the proper fan to be assembled to the parent apparatus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a top view of locking ring member  316  as shown in item  330  of  FIG. 3 . More importantly, locking ring member  316  preferably extends outwardly from internal perimeter  324  of locking ring assembly  302  so as to be able to selectively and slidably engage with slot  136  and rest just above slot  136  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, from  FIG. 4  it can be seen that locking ring member  316  is in close proximity to mounting member  304  and aperture  310 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of locking apparatus  300  along line A-A of  FIG. 3 . Specifically,  FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of locking ring  300  along line A-A, whereby locking ring member  316  is shown to be slightly elevated from locking ring assembly  302 . Additionally, locking ring member  316  is shown to be extending out from internal perimeter  324  and into opening  326 . As illustrated by  FIG. 5 , locking ring member  316  includes underside surface  502 . Underside surface  502  of locking ring member  316  preferably serves to engage with underside surface  146  of mounting flanges  124 ,  126  and  128  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Although only the underside of one locking ring member has been explicitly shown in detail, it should be understood that each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  includes an underside surface, whereby each underside surface serves to engage each underside surface  146  of each respective mounting flange  124 ,  126  and  128  as shown in  FIG. 1  in order to selectively couple fan assembly  100  of  FIG. 1  to locking ring  300  of  FIG. 2 . 
     It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics. 
     In operation, and as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C  locking ring members  316 ,  318  and  320  are coupled to stator section  102  in order to couple airflow apparatus  100  to parent apparatus  600 . Specifically and as shown in  FIG. 6A , locking ring  300  is aligned with parent apparatus  600 , whereby each aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  of locking ring  300  is aligned to each corresponding mating element or aperture (not shown) of parent apparatus  600 . Once each aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  has been properly aligned with parent apparatus  600 , locking ring  300  follows the arrows of engagement path  610  and is placed on the surface of parent apparatus  600 . Once locking ring  300  is engaged with parent apparatus  600 , a user may secure fasteners (not shown) through apertures  308 ,  310  and  312  onto parent apparatus  600 . Additionally,  FIG. 6A  illustrates cavity  601  of parent apparatus  600 , whereupon fan assembly  100  resides after coupling fan assembly  100  with parent apparatus  600 . 
     Once locking ring  300  is securely coupled to parent apparatus  600 , fan assembly  100  may now engage locking ring  300 . Thus, fan assembly  100  is aligned so that each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  is aligned with each respective slot  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138  and  212  as was shown in  FIG. 2  of fan assembly  100 , whereby locking ring member  316  is aligned with slots  130  and  136 , locking ring member  318  is aligned with slots  132  and  138 , and locking ring member  320  is aligned with slots  134  and  212 . Furthermore, engagement paths  602 ,  604  and  606  illustrate the path each slot  136 ,  212  and  138  will travel as each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  slidably engages each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212  of fan assembly  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , locking ring  300  is coupled to parent apparatus  600  and fan assembly  100  is coupled to locking ring  300 . Preferably, top planar surface of fan assembly  100  is placed in alignment with locking ring  300 , whereby each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  is aligned with each corresponding locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320 . Once each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  is aligned with each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320 , fan assembly  100  slidably engages locking ring  300 , whereby fan  100  enters opening  326  as was shown in  FIG. 3 . As fan assembly  100  proceeds into opening  326  as was shown in  FIG. 3  of locking ring  300 , each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  slidably engages each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212 . Fan assembly  100  continues down through opening  326  and into cavity  601 , whereby each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  slides along the depth  123  of fan assembly  100  and proceeds to rest just above each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212  as was shown in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, fan assembly  100  continues to slide through opening  326  and into cavity  601  until each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  rests just above each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  as was shown in  FIG. 2 . Furthermore, although the process of selectively coupling fan assembly  100  to locking ring  300  was described with the inclusion of more than one arrangement of locking ring members  316 ,  318  and  320  and slots  136 ,  138  and  212  as was shown in  FIG. 2 , one arrangement or a plurality of arrangements may be implemented in the design without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     Preferably, fan assembly  100  couples to locking, ring  300  so that the direction of airflow  608  flows from the bottom of fan assembly  100  and out through the top of fan assembly  100  [Is this accurate?]. 
       FIG. 6C  is simply an alternate view of  FIG. 6B . As described above with regards to  FIG. 3 , locking ring  300  preferably consists of locking ring assembly  302 , which contains a plurality of mounting members  304 ,  306  and  308  with respective apertures  310 ,  312  and  314  and a plurality of locking ring members  316 ,  318  and  320 . 
     Preferably and as described above, top planar surface of fan assembly  100  is placed in alignment with locking ring  300 , whereby each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  is aligned with each corresponding locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320 . Once each slot  130 ,  132  and  134  is aligned with each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320 , fan assembly  100  slidably engages locking ring  300 , whereby fan assembly  100  enters opening  326  as was shown in  FIG. 3 . As fan assembly  100  proceeds into opening  326  as shown in  FIG. 3  of locking ring  300 , each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  slidably engages each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212 . Fan assembly  100  continues down through opening  326  and into cavity  601  of parent apparatus  600 , whereby each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  slides along the depth  123  of fan assembly  100  and proceeds to rest just above each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212  as was shown in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, fan assembly  100  continues to slide through opening  326  and into cavity  601  until each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  rests just above each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  as was shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated is a top view of airflow apparatus  100  selectively coupled to the locking apparatus  300 , whereby locking ring  300  is engaged with and coupled to parent apparatus  600 . As discussed above, in order to securely couple locking ring  300  to parent apparatus  600 , each aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  as was shown in  FIG. 3  of locking ring  300  should be aligned to each corresponding mating element or aperture (not shown) of parent apparatus  600 . Generally, any type of mating element or aperture commonly known in the art may be implemented without limiting the scope of the invention. Once aligned the user engages each respective aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  with any appropriate type of the fastening member  704 ,  706  and  708  commonly known in the art, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Such fastening members  704 ,  706  and  708  may include screws, nuts, bolts, fasteners, welded connection, or any other type of connection strategy or technique. Once a user aligns each aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  with each aperture or mating element (not shown) of parent apparatus  600  and engages each aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  with each respective fastening member  704 ,  706  and  708 , the user may proceed to tighten fastening members  704 ,  706  and  708  aperture tightens each fastening member  704 ,  706  and  708  so that each fastening member  704 ,  706  and  708  continues through each corresponding aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  as to securely couple locking ring  300  to parent apparatus  600 . Once locking ring  300  is securely coupled to parent apparatus  600  via fastening members  704 ,  706  and  708 , locking ring  300  preferably does not have to be removed from parent apparatus  600 , even for fan repairs or for a complete fan replacement. 
     Furthermore,  FIG. 7  illustrates how fan assembly  100  is selectively coupled to locking ring  300 , which in turn selectively couples fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus  600 . Once fan assembly  100  is properly positioned within parent apparatus  600 , whereby each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  has completely slid above each respective slot  136 ,  138  and  212  as described above, fan assembly  100  is prepared to be securely coupled to locking ring  300 . Preferably, once fan assembly  100  is properly positioned within parent apparatus  600 , fan assembly  100  is rotated in either direction  702  by an angle beta (β)  710 . Additionally, fan  100  may be rotated any appropriate angle in order to securely couple airflow apparatus  100  to parent apparatus  600 , without limiting the scope of the present invention. As previously stated, fan assembly  100  may be rotated in either direction  702  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     As fan assembly  100  is rotated, each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  slides below each respective mounting flange  124 ,  128  and  126 , whereby underside surface  146  as was shown in  FIG. 1  of each mounting flange  124 ,  128 , and  126  securely engages underside surface  502  as was shown in  FIG. 5  of each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320 . Thus, each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  assists in securely retaining fan assembly  100  in place so that fan assembly  100  may be selectively and securely coupled to parent apparatus  600 . Once fan assembly  100  is rotated, each fastening member  704 ,  706  and  708  is once again tightened to ensure that fan assembly  100  is securely coupled to parent apparatus  600 . Importantly, locking ring  300  is designed and dimensioned such that force is applied to each mounting flange  124 ,  128  and  126  by each corresponding mounting member  304 ,  306  and  308  of locking ring  300  by tightening fastening members  704 ,  706  and  708 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart depicting a method of coupling fan assembly  100  of the present invention to any one of a wide array of parent apparatuses in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The method starts in step  800  and proceeds to step  802 , whereby a user securely couples locking ring  300  to parent apparatus  600  by first aligning each aperture  310 ,  312  and  314  corresponding with each mounting member  304 ,  306  and  308  with each mating member or aperture (not shown) of parent apparatus  600 . Once aligned, the user then tightens each respective fastening member  704 ,  706 , and  708  so as to securely couple locking ring  300  to parent apparatus  600 . In step  804 , the user aligns each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  of top edge  150  of stator section  102 , with each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  of locking ring  300 . 
     Upon aligning each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  with each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  of locking ring  300 , the user may then engage each slot  136 ,  138  and  212  with each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  by sliding fan assembly  100  into opening  326  in step  806 . Preferably, the user continues to slide fan assembly  100  so that fan assembly  100  becomes properly positioned within cavity  601  of parent apparatus  600 . While the user is sliding fan assembly  100  into parent apparatus  600 , each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  continues to slide along the depth  123  of fan assembly  100  until each locking ring member  316 ,  318  and  320  rests just above slots  136 ,  138  and  212 , thereby properly positioning fan assembly  100  within cavity  601  of parent apparatus  600 . 
     Once fan assembly  100  is properly positioned within parent apparatus  600 , the user then rotates fan assembly  100  in either direction  702  in order to securely couple fan assembly  100  to parent apparatus  600  in step  808 . In step  810 , the user tightens each fastening member  704 ,  706  and  708  thereby applying a force to each corresponding mounting flange  124 ,  128  and  126  by mounting members  304 ,  306  and  308  of locking ring  300 , which ensures that fan assembly  100  is securely coupled to parent apparatus  600 . The process ends in step  812 , whereby fan assembly  100  is securely coupled to parent apparatus  600  in an extremely rapid, efficient, and consistent assembly process. Conversely, a user may choose to utilize a variety of different methods with a similar device. Thus, the above method serves only to illustrate an exemplary method and should not limit the scope of the invention, as the scope of the invention is limited solely by the claims. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an apparatus for selectively and securely coupling to the parent equipment. Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention further comprises a plurality of mounting members for selectively and securely coupling the apparatus to the parent equipment. The apparatus is further capable of engaging with a mounting flange fixably coupled to a stator section of a fan assembly of the present invention for rapid, efficient, and secure coupling of the fan to the parent equipment. 
     It is contemplated that the system of the present invention may be modified and embodied in several different fashions in adhering to the needs of a given user without departing from the spirit thereof. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics. 
     Importantly, the present invention contains a locking ring, a plurality of slots and a plurality of mounting flanges to enable the airflow apparatus of the present invention to be securely coupled to various types of parent equipment. 
     In one embodiment, the system of the present invention is preferably comprised of a fan assembly, which comprises a stator section (i.e. the fan housing), a bearing tower, whereby the bearing tower is preferably composed of a single piece into which the bearings and the preloaded spring are assembled, a plurality of fan blades for releasing or discharging heat from the parent apparatus, which are collectively coupled to a hub that is attached to one end of the bearing tower, a plurality of stator blades for directing the flow of air, which are collectively coupled to a hub that is attached to the opposing end of the bearing tower, and a plurality of mounting flanges. Additionally, the system of the present invention comprises a locking ring, whereby the mounting flange of the fan assembly interconnects with and couples to the locking ring for coupling the fan to a specific parent apparatus. Each component forms an integral part of the airflow apparatus so as to achieve higher aerodynamic performance and efficiency while minimizing acoustic noise. Preferably, the housing of the fan, the fan blades, the stator blades, and the bearing tower are constructed from rigid material that is meant to resist bending and/or breaking. 
     Each stator blade extends from the hub and connects to the housing of the fan. Additionally, each stator blade is generally straight, thus each stator blade preferably remains the same length from the hub to the stator section or fan housing. Additionally, the stator blades of the present invention serve not only to direct the flow of air through the fan assembly, but also to support the bearing tower upon which the fan blades are attached. 
     The locking ring, also referred to as a mounting ring of the present invention, preferably features three mounting members that protrude outwardly from the locking ring. Each mounting member accepts a fastening member for securing the locking ring to the parent or user equipment. Additionally, the stator section comprises at least one mounting flange, which is generally a continuous ridge or protrusion along the circumference of the stator section (i.e. fan housing). Preferably, stator section includes at least one slot or opening spaced throughout the external surface of the stator section. 
     The locking ring is initially secured to the parent assembly by selectively coupling each mounting member to the parent assembly via the use of fastening members. Opposite each mounting member is a locking ring member. The locking ring members engage the mounting flange of the fan through the slots formed in the stator section. Preferably, the fan is then rotated so that each locking ring member is engaged to each respective mounting flange, whereupon the fastening members securing the locking ring to the parent assembly are tightened in order to securely mount the fan to the parent assembly. This mounting method minimizes the number of loose hardware pieces as well as simplifies the mounting process. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a fan assembly, which includes at least one mounting flange and a locking ring and is able to conveniently and securely couple to parent equipment all while successfully improving the efficiency and the reliability of the assembly process. 
     Furthermore, the fan of the present invention may be easily detachable from the parent equipment, thus allowing an individual to efficiently remove a broken fan for repairs without having to disassemble the entire fan assembly. The present invention is also useful for completely replacing worn out and/or broken fans in an efficient and reliable assembly process. 
     In yet another embodiment, the present invention may be comprised of an apparatus, which can be fastened to the parent equipment in order to allow for reliable and efficient coupling of the fan of the present invention to the parent assembly. 
     Importantly, while the present invention has been discussed herein with respect to various embodiments several notable features of the present invention are shown in the preferred illustrative embodiment. The present invention is used for enabling an individual to selectively couple a fan to various types of parent equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a fan, whereby the fan includes a stator assembly, at least one mounting flange, wherein the mounting flange comprises at least one slot; and a locking ring, the locking ring includes at least one mounting member, and at least one locking ring member. The locking ring is selectively coupled to a parent apparatus by applying and tightening at least one fastening member to the at least one mounting member, thereby selectively coupling the locking ring to the parent apparatus. Additionally, the fan is selectively coupled to the parent assembly by aligning and engaging the at least one slot with the at least one locking ring member, sliding the fan into parent apparatus, and subsequently rotating the fan, whereby the at least one locking ring member securely engages the mounting flange, and whereupon the at least one fastening member is once again tightened to the parent assembly. Furthermore, the present invention is configured to couple a fan to a variety of parent apparatuses in an effort to successfully increase the efficiency and reliability of the assembly process. 
     Moreover, the fan of the present invention is designed for cooling electronics in aircrafts and ground-based and shipboard applications. Such electronics that may be cooled by the fan of the present invention, particularly although not exclusively, include communications equipment, power supplies, avionics and radar. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to the key features, preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention shall be defined solely by the following claims. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.