Annular Fan Passage Layout for Quiet, Serviceable Air Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air handling systems lack flexibility for maintenance and efficient, quiet operation, as they do not easily allow for the removal or replacement of fans, leading to potential inefficiencies and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
The air handling device features a design with easily removable fans, annular fan passages, and air guide members that facilitate efficient and quiet air movement, including sliding bases and transport devices for fan installation and removal, along with optional access windows and perforated surfaces for sound attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If conventional air handling systems use fixed fan installations, then structural simplicity is maintained, but maintenance accessibility and replacement flexibility are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling system is divided into modular components, with the fan assembly being a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently removed and replaced. The housing includes an access opening that allows the fan to be segmented from the main system for easy maintenance without disrupting other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly is designed with dynamic accessibility, allowing it to be easily inserted and removed through the access opening in the housing. This dynamic design enables flexible maintenance operations while maintaining a simple fixed structure during normal operation.
2Productivity
If conventional systems lack optimized air passages, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but pressure losses and operational efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air passages are designed with curved, annular geometries that follow the natural flow paths of air around the fan assembly. The curved passage shapes reduce turbulence and pressure losses compared to sharp-cornered designs, while still being manufacturable using standard forming techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The air passages are optimized with specific dimensional parameters, including the annular cross-section geometry and passage width, to minimize pressure losses. These parameter optimizations improve operational efficiency while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional systems lack sound attenuation features, then device simplicity is maintained, but noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sound attenuation material with porous structure is incorporated into the housing to absorb acoustic energy and reduce noise from the fan operation. The porous material allows air flow while trapping sound waves, reducing noise levels without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Loss of time
If fans are not easily removable, then structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is segmented as a separate removable component from the housing, allowing quick removal and replacement without disassembling the entire air handling system. This segmentation dramatically reduces maintenance time while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is pre-designed with an access opening and mounting structure that facilitates easy fan removal. The preliminary preparation of the housing structure with appropriate openings and mounting features enables rapid fan replacement without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An air handling device includes a fan that has a fan hub and a set of fan blades that extend from the fan hub. The set of fan blades defines a fan diameter and the fan hub defines a hub diameter. The fan has an inlet side for air intake and an outlet side for air discharge. An annular fan inlet passage is arranged at the inlet side of the fan, and an annular fan outlet passage arranged at the outlet side of the fan. The fan inlet passage and the fan outlet passage each define an outer diameter that is substantially equivalent to the fan diameter and an inner diameter that is substantially equivalent to the hub diameter.