Adjustable Blower Assembly for Multi-Speed Energy Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid moving devices, such as blowers and pumps, face inefficiencies when operating with multiple speed motors, as a single configuration of blades or impellers is not optimal for all available speeds and air or fluid flows, leading to suboptimal performance and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A configurable assembly and method that includes a moveable surface and a motion device, controlled by a controller, which adjusts the position of blades or vanes in response to changing operating conditions like air flow, temperature, and pressure to optimize energy usage and flow rates, using components like servo motors and shape memory alloy wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single configuration of blades or impellers is used in fluid moving devices, then the device is simple to manufacture and operate, but the efficiency and performance are suboptimal when operating at multiple speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the blade configuration adjustable rather than fixed. The blades can be repositioned to different angles and configurations depending on the operating speed, allowing the fluid moving device to maintain optimal efficiency across multiple speeds. This transforms a static, simple structure into a dynamic system that adapts to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the blade angle and position parameters based on the operating speed. By changing these geometric parameters, the device optimizes its performance for different flow rates and pressures, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and energy efficiency at multiple speeds.
2Device complexity
If a single configuration of blades or impellers is used in fluid moving devices, then the device structure is simple, but the performance is not optimal for all available speeds and flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the blade configuration dynamic and adjustable, allowing the blades to be repositioned for optimal performance at different flow rates. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to maintain high productivity across multiple operating conditions without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal blade configuration system that can adapt to multiple functions and operating conditions. By making the blades adjustable, a single device can serve multiple purposes and optimize performance for different flow rates, eliminating the need for multiple specialized configurations.
3Ease of operation
If blades are fixed in position on the wheel, then the device is easier to operate, but the efficiency cannot be optimized for changing operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed blade position into a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The blades can be repositioned based on operating conditions such as speed, flow rate, and pressure requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain optimal efficiency while remaining relatively simple to operate through automated or pre-determined positioning.
4Device complexity
If the confined space geometry is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different flow requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics to the confined space geometry by making certain portions of the housing adjustable or reconfigurable. This allows the internal geometry to adapt to different flow requirements while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The adjustable elements enable the device to optimize performance for various flow rates without requiring complete redesign of the housing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient operation across multiple flow rates by calculating and adjusting the optimal position and speed of blades and vanes, minimizing energy usage and enhancing performance in fluid moving devices.
Implementation Method 1
the motion device includes a shape memory alloy wire
Data Source
AI summary
A blower assembly for advancing the flow of air in an air flow device at a selected one of a plurality of air flow rates. The blower assembly includes a blower housing defining a body thereof and a wall of the blower housing moveably secured to the body, a blower wheel rotatably mounted to the blower housing and a motor for rotating the blower wheel at a selected one of a plurality of rotational speeds. The blower assembly further includes a motion device secured to the body and to the wall. The motion device moves the wall relative to the body to a selected one of a plurality of distinct wall positions. The motor rotates the blower wheel at a selected one of a plurality of rotational speeds. A controller calculates an optimum wall position and rotational speed to provide for minimal energy usage rate.