A fixture for supporting fan blades

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a fixture (1000) for supporting fan blades (70), the fixture (1000) comprising four sheet metal sections (101, 102, 103, 104), being identical to each other. Each of the sheet metal sections define a flat zone (32, 34, 36, 38), an arcuate sector zone (22, 24, 26, 28) and a flange zone (12, 14, 16, 18) being integral. The arcuate sector zones are configured to form a circular opening (109) in an operative connected configuration, and the flange zones form a square configuration for mounting the fixture (1000) in a wall opening. Aperture flanges 110 are provided on the edges of each section. Four arms (42, 44, 46, 48) are configured to be co-bolted between the sheet metal sections. Each of the free end of the arms is configured to be mounted on a hub (30) defining a central axis (60).

Description

[0001] A FIXTURE FOR SUPPORTING FAN BUADES

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fixture for supporting fan blades.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0006] Handling of large volumes of air is highly desirable in climate-controlled environments such as poultry, piggery and green houses that carry out rearing, breeding, growing and fertigation activities. Handling of large volumes of air becomes even more critical during hot periods. These Facilities such as poultry farms, piggeries and greenhouses need large sized fans to ensure enough ventilation. Handling of large volumes of air becomes even more critical during hot periods. To achieve higher power to output ratio, the fan diameter has to be increased. However, there is limitation in manufacturing an economical fan with the present method of construction. Light Gauge Steel is predominantly used for manufacturing these large-size exhaust fans. At present 51” (1295 mm) diameter orifice fans are commonly used. These fans are popular because of their capital cost-benefit feature. These fans can be manufactured easily by using LG Steel due to its size factor. LGS sheet with the required width to produce a single-piece orifice of this diameter is commonly available. Even the machines and tools to produce this size of orifice are economically viable. However, fans having diameter sizes larger than 51” are not available due to the non-availability of wider LG sheets and the need for specialised machines to do so. To overcome this, manufacturers have started manufacturing large diameter fans made of industrial plastics or fibreglass. Moreover, manufacturing these fans out of plastic is too expensive and capital-intensive.

[0007] It is therefore, felt a need for, a fixture for supporting fan blades that alleviates the aforementioned drawback.

[0008] OBJECTS

[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that can accommodate fan sizes having large diameters.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that is made of commonly available sheet metal material.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that offers significant reduction in the number and size of components to make a fan.

[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that is manufactured using a less number of tools.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that optimises the raw material usage.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that requires less amount of fasteners.

[0015] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that eliminates the complexity and time required for installation.

[0016] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that offers ease of manufacturability.

[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for supporting fan blades that is efficient in supplying a desired amount of ventilation air therethrough.

[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] SUMMARY

[0020] The present disclosure discloses a fixture for supporting fan blades. The fixture comprises four sheet metal sections each of the sheet metal sections, being identical to the other three sheet metal sections. Each of the sheet metal sections, define a flat zone, an arcuate sector zone, and a flange zone. The arcuate sector zone forms the desired orifice for enhanced throughput. The flat zone, the arcuate sector zone, and the flange zone are integral to each other. The arcuate sector zones, are configured in an operative connected configuration of the fixture to form a circular opening with desired shape. The circular opening forms an orifice for the fan blades required to enhance the fan throughput. The flange zones, in joint connected configuration form a square configuration for mounting the fixture in a wall opening. The edges of each section, are provided with aperture flanges for bolting one section to another to form the fixture in their connected configuration. Four arms, are configured to be mounted between the sheet metal sections. The four arms are co-bolted between the sheet metal sections, as the four arms are fitted to each of the sheet metal sections. Each of the free ends of the arms, is configured to be mounted on a hub defining a central axis. The fixture in its operative fixed configuration is configured to support fan blades mounted on the hub.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the flange zone, and the arcuate sector zone, are oriented opposite with respect to the flat zone.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, each of the flat zones, is configured with reinforcement cavities.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, each of the sections, made of a light gauge sheet metal having predetermined dimensions.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the flange zone, has a profile in the form of a strip having straight edges.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the sections, are fixedly attached to each other.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of arms, has a flat solid steel construction.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, including a conically shaped cover extending in the direction of the central axis, and configured to be attached to the arcuate sector zones, of the sections.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, a diverter configured to be displaceably attached inside the conically shaped cover to control the amount and direction of flow of ventilation air through the conically shaped cover.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a driving means configured to be mounted on the arms, and further configured to rotatably drive the fan blades mounted on the hub.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING A fixture for supporting fan blades, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the fixture for supporting fan blades, in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art;

[0032] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the figure 1;

[0033] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the fixture for supporting fan blades, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a section of the Figure 3;

[0035] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the sections of the Figure 3 before assembly;

[0036] Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the sections of the Figure 3 in an assembled state;

[0037] Figure 7 shows a front view of the arms of Figure 3;

[0038] Figure 8 shows a side view of the fixture attached with a conically shaped cover;

[0039] Figure 9 shows a front view of Figure 8;

[0040] Figure 10 shows a detail of Figure 6;

[0041] Figure 11 shows another detail of Figure 6;

[0042] Figure 12 shows yet another detail of Figure 6; and

[0043] Figure 13 shows a front view of the fixture in an assembled state.

[0044] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0045] 12, 14, 16, 18 flange zone

[0046] 22, 24, 26, 28 arcuate sector zone

[0047] 30 hub

[0048] 32, 34, 36, 38 flat zone

[0049] 42, 44, 46, 48 arms 50 driving means

[0050] 60 central axis

[0051] 70 fan blades

[0052] 80 conically shaped cover

[0053] 90 diverter

[0054] 101, 102, 103, 104 sheet metal sections

[0055] 105 nut

[0056] 106 bolt

[0057] 107 washer

[0058] 108 joining plate

[0059] 109 circular opening

[0060] 110 aperture flanges

[0061] 120 reinforcement cavities

[0062] 130 fixing locations

[0063] 1000 fixture

[0064] 10’ first section of the prior art

[0065] 20’ second section of the prior art

[0066] 1000’ fixture of the prior art

[0067] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing. Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0069] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, modules, units and / or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0070] When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0071] Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

[0072] Handling of large volumes of air is highly desirable in climate-controlled environments such as poultry, piggery and green houses that carry out rearing, breeding, growing and fertigation. Handling of large volumes of air becomes even more critical during hot periods.

[0073] Referring to figure 1 and 2, a conventional fixture 1000’ for supporting a ventilation means of a facility will now be described. The fixture 1000’ comprises a first section 10’ and a second section 20’. The second section 20’ is configured to be attached to the first section 10’. A ventilation means such as a propeller is fitted into the second section 20’ and the ventilation means is driven by a driving means such as an electric motor to provide ventilation. Currently, the first section 10’ and the second section 20’ are available in standard sizes in the market. However, this becomes a problem when a bigger size of the fixture 1000’ is needed. More specifically, when larger volume of air is required to be handled, the size of the first section 10’ and the second section 20’ has to be increased. However, this is not possible due to non-availability of non-standard sizes of the conventional fixture 1000’. Additionally, it can be observed that there is a need to use increased number of fasteners for connecting the first section 10’ and the second section 20’. This further increases amount of time required for installation thereof. Moreover, weight of the ventilation means increases with increasing size thereof, which further increases its costs. Further, manufacturers have started using plastics and fibre glass for making the ventilations means which have a light weight construction. However, the tooling required to manufacture these ventilation means made of plastics and fibre glass such as moulds, is expensive. The present disclosure aims to solve the above problems.

[0074] Referring to figures 3-13, a fixture 1000 for supporting fan blades 70 is shown. The fixture 1000 comprises four sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104 and four arms 42, 44, 46, 48.

[0075] Each of the four sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104 are identical to the other three metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104. Each of the sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104 are defined by a flat zone 32, 34, 36, 38, an arcuate sector zone 22, 24, 26, 28 and a flange zone 12, 14, 16, 18. The flat zone 32, 34, 36, 38, the arcuate sector zone 22, 24, 26, 28 and the flange zone 12, 14, 16, 18 are integral to each other, the flange zone 12, 14, 16, 18 and the arcuate sector zone 22, 24, 26, 28 are oriented opposite with respect to the flat zone 32, 34, 36, 38, as shown in figure 4. The arcuate sector zones 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured in an operative connected configuration of the fixture 1000 to form a circular opening 109, as shown in figure 6. The flange zones 12, 14, 16, 18 in a joint connected configuration form a square configuration for mounting the fixture 1000 in a wall opening, as shown in figure 6. The edges of each section 101, 102, 103, 104 are provided with aperture flanges 110 for bolting one section to another to form the fixture 1000 in their connected configuration, as shown in figure 12. Each of the flange zones 12, 14, 16, 18 is configured with fixing locations 130, as shown in figure 6. The fixing locations 130 facilitate attachment of the fixture 1000 to the wall opening. In a preferred embodiment, the wall opening is located in a facility.

[0076] The four arms 42, 44, 46, 48 are configured to be mounted between the sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104 and co-bolted between the sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104 when the arms 42, 44, 46, 48 are fitted to each of the sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104. Each of the free ends of the arms 42, 44, 46, 48 is configured to be mounted on a hub 30 defining a central axis 60, as shown in figure 6. A plurality of aperture flanges 110 are provided on the edges of each of the sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104 to facilitate co-bolting between the sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104. The fixture 1000 in its operative fixed configuration is configured to support the fan blades 70 mounted on the hub 30.

[0077] The fixture 1000 further includes reinforcement cavities 120 configured on each of the flat zones 32, 34, 36, 38 to facilitate increased resistance to deformation of the fixture 1000. Thus strength of the fixture 1000 is increased.

[0078] The fixture 1000 further includes a conically shaped cover 80 extending in the direction of the central axis 60, and configured to be attached to the arcuate sector zones 22, 24, 26, 28 of the sections 101, 102, 103, 104. The conically shaped cover 80 facilitates increasing the velocity of the ventilation air passed therethrough.

[0079] The fixture 1000 further includes a diverter 90 configured to be displaceably attached inside the conically shaped cover 80 to control the amount and direction of flow of ventilation air through the conically shaped cover 80.

[0080] The fixture 1000 further includes a driving means 50 configured to be mounted on either of the arms 42, 44, 46, 48, and further configured to rotatably drive the fan blades 70 mounted on the hub. In the embodiment shown in the figure 3, a power transmission element such as a belt drive or a pulley drive has been shown. In another embodiment, the driving means 50 is directly mounted on the hub 30 in a coaxial manner (not shown in figures) so as to eliminate the requirement of the power transmission element. Thus, the fan blades 70 are referred as direct-driven or self-driven.

[0081] Figures 10-13 shows the assembly steps of the fixture 1000. Figure 10 shows a detail A of the figure 6 the interconnection of the sections 103 and 104 with the help of the arm 46, in a first step of the assembly. A plurality of nuts 105, a plurality of bolts 106 and a plurality of washers 107 are used to fasten the arm 46 to each of the sections 103, 104. In a second step of the assembly, the sections 101 and 102 are interconnected with the help of the arm 44. A joining plate 108 is used over here to facilitate the interconnection. The joining plate 108 aids in increased accuracy in aligning the sections 101, 102. In a third step of the assembly, the sections 101, 104 are interconnected together with the help of the arm 42. In a preferred embodiment, each of the sections 101, 102, 103, 104 is made of a light gauge sheet metal having predetermined dimensions. This facilitates customizing the size of the fan blades 70 as desired to provide sufficient ventilation to the facility.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the flange zone 12, 14, 16, 18 10 has a profile in the form of a strip having straight edges.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the sections 101, 102, 103, 104 are fixedly attached to each other by a process such as bolting, TOX type clinching, spot welding, seam welding, tungsten inert gas arc welding, metal inert gas welding.

[0084] In another embodiment, the sections 101, 102, 103, 104 are fused / glued to each other.

[0085] In another embodiment, the sections 101, 102, 103, 104 are riveted to each other.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of arms 42, 44, 46, 48 has a flat solid steel construction in the form of a bar.

[0087] In an embodiment, the thickness of each of the sheet metal sections 101, 102, 103, 104 is between the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0088] In another embodiment the diameter of the arcuate sector zone is greater than 60 inches.

[0089] The fixture 1000 of the present disclosure eliminates deep drawing process in the manufacturing of the flange zone and arcuate sector zone. The deep drawing process has a limitation to achieve required radius around the opening 109. The fixture 1000 of the present disclosure is manufactured by bending an edge of the sheet metal to form the flat zone 32, 34, 36, 38 in a first step, followed by bending the opposite edge of the sheet metal to form the arcuate sector zone 22, 24, 26, 28. This facilitates ease of manufacturability. Moreover, it can be observed that only a single kind of sheet metal section 101 is required to be manufactured. The rest of the sections 102, 103, 104 are identical to each other so as to form a pattern as shown in the figures 3-13. This reduces usage of separate tooling arrangement for manufacturing the fixture 1000. Additionally, smaller width of the light gauge sheet is sufficient to manufacture the fixture 1000 as well as the fan blades. Commonly available material can be used to manufacture the fan blades as well as the fixture 1000, which eliminates necessity of special materials that cost more. In the prior art, as shown the first section 10’ and the second section 20 is fastened together, which increases the number of fasteners and the assembly time. The fixture of the present disclosure overcomes this drawback by integration of the flat zone 32, 34, 36, 38, the arcuate sector zone 22, 24, 26, 28 and the flange zone 12, 14, 16, 18 in one part, without requiring fasteners to interconnect the three zones together. This reduces total number of fasteners by 30 percent. Assembly time is reduced significantly. Moreover, Since, the flat zone 32, 34, 36, 38, the arcuate sector zone 22, 24, 26, 28 and the flange zone 12, 14, 16, 18 are customized to a desired fan size, restriction on usage of standard fan blade sizes is eliminated. Bigger size fan blades can be used as desired and higher volumes of air can be handled.

[0090] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0091] TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT

[0092] The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a fixture for supporting fan blades, that:

[0093] • permits supporting fan blades having size larger than standard available sizes in the market;

[0094] • is made of commonly available sheet metal material;

[0095] • simplifies assembly with reduced number and size of components joined together;

[0096] • requires less number of tools for making the fixture;

[0097] • requires less amount of raw material usage;

[0098] • eliminates large number of fasteners required for making the fixture;

[0099] • needs less installation time for the assembly of large sized fans in the fixture;

[0100] • eliminates requirement of a large quantity of special tooling; and enables increased amount of ventilation air circulated as desired for a particular facility.

[0101] The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

[0102] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0103] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0104] Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0105] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fixture (1000) for supporting fan blades (70), said fixture (1000) comprising:• four sheet metal sections (101, 102, 103, 104), each of said sheet metal sections (101, 102, 103, 104) being identical to the other three sheet metal sections (101, 102, 103, 104), each of said sheet metal sections (101, 102, 103, 104) defining a flat zone (32, 34, 36, 38), an arcuate sector zone (22, 24, 26, 28) and a flange zone (12, 14, 16, 18), said flat zone (32, 34, 36, 38), said arcuate sector zone (22, 24, 26, 28) and said flange zone (12, 14, 16, 18) being integral to each other, wherein, said arcuate sector zones (22, 24, 26, 28) are configured in an operative connected configuration of said fixture (1000) to form a circular opening (109), wherein, said flange zones (12, 14, 16, 18) in joint connected configuration form a square configuration for mounting said fixture (1000) in a wall opening, the edges of each section (101, 102, 103, 104) are provided with aperture flanges (110) for bolting one section to another to form said fixture (1000) in their connected configuration; and• four arms (42, 44, 46, 48) configured to be mounted between said sheet metal sections (101, 102, 103, 104), and co-bolted between said sheet metal sections (101, 102, 103, 104) when said four arms (42, 44, 46, 48) are fitted to each of said sheet metal sections (101, 102, 103, 104), each of the free ends of said arms (42, 44, 46, 48) is configured to be mounted on a hub (30) defining a central axis (60), said fixture in its operative fixed configuration configured to support fan blades (70) mounted on the hub.

2. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flange zone (12, 14, 16, 18) and said arcuate sector zone (22, 24, 26, 28) are oriented opposite with respect to said flat zone (32, 34, 36, 38).

3. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said flat zones (32, 34, 36, 38) is configured with reinforcement cavities (120).

4. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said sections (101, 102, 103, 104) made of a light gauge sheet metal having predetermined dimensions.

5. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flange zone (12, 14, 16, 18) (10) has a profile in the form of a strip having straight edges.

6. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sections (101, 102, 103, 104) are fixedly attached to each other.

7. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of arms (42, 44, 46, 48) has a flat solid steel construction.

8. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1 including a conically shaped cover (80) extending in the direction of said central axis (60), and configured to be attached to said arcuate sector zones (22, 24, 26, 28) of said sections (101, 102, 103, 104).

9. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1 including a diverter (90) configured to be displaceably attached inside said conically shaped cover (80) to control the amount and direction of flow of ventilation air through said conically shaped cover (80).

10. The fixture (1000) as claimed in claim 1 including a driving means (50) configured to be mounted on said arms, and further configured to rotatably drive the fan blades (70) mounted on the hub.

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