Asymmetrical Flow Directing Blades for Air Fan Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air fan designs with airflow directing structures only on the bottom surface of blades result in uneven airflow forces, leading to reduced cooling efficiency and increased operational noise due to turbulence and friction.
Innovation Solution
The air fan module features a flow directing blade assembly with asymmetrical first and second flow directing portions on both the intake and exit surfaces of the blades, allowing air to be channeled smoothly between neighboring blades, reducing noise and enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If airflow directing structure is only formed on the bottom surface of blades, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but airflow directing effect deteriorates and operational noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the airflow directing structure from a single surface (bottom surface only) to multiple surfaces (both top and bottom surfaces) of the blade. This spatial expansion allows the blade to direct airflow effectively from both the intake side and exit side, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and noise reduction by adding a vertical dimension to the flow directing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the airflow directing function into two separate portions: a first flow directing portion on the top surface and a second flow directing portion on the bottom surface. Each portion independently directs airflow in its respective region, allowing for more comprehensive flow control without requiring a completely new blade design, thus balancing manufacturing ease with improved airflow management and noise reduction.
2Ease of manufacture
If airflow directing structure is only formed on the bottom surface of blades, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By expanding the airflow directing structure to include both top and bottom surfaces of the blade, the patent creates a three-dimensional flow directing system. This dimensional expansion ensures that airflow is properly directed throughout the entire blade span, improving cooling efficiency across the whole heat dissipation surface rather than only in the region covered by the bottom surface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation of flow directing portions into top and bottom surfaces allows each portion to optimize airflow in its specific region. The first portion on the top surface directs incoming airflow, while the second portion on the bottom surface directs outgoing airflow, creating a coordinated system that enhances overall cooling efficiency without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
3Productivity
If air fan rotation speed is increased to enhance intake airflow amount, then cooling efficiency is improved, but operational noise increases due to greater impact and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating flow directing portions on both surfaces of the blade that prepare and guide airflow before it reaches critical regions. The first flow directing portion on the top surface pre-directs incoming airflow, and the second portion on the bottom surface pre-directs outgoing airflow, reducing sudden impacts and friction that cause noise. This preliminary flow conditioning allows the fan to operate at higher speeds with reduced noise generation.
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 design improves airflow steadiness and reduces operational noise while increasing cooling efficiency by directing airflow effectively between blades, outperforming conventional techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second flow directing portions are spaced from each other in an asymmetrical manner. Hence air between two neighboring blades is channeled from the first flow directing portions of one blade to the second flow directing portions of another blade to form steady airflow
Data Source
AI summary
An air fan module and a flow directing blade assembly thereof aim to reduce noises generated during operation of the air fan caused by friction between blades and air and improve cooling efficiency. The air fan module includes a fan frame which has an air inlet, an air outlet and a housing space formed between them to hold a flow directing blade assembly. The flow directing blade assembly has an axis and a plurality of blades mounted onto the axis. Each blade has a first end surface and a second end surface. The first and second end surfaces have respectively a plurality of first flow directing portions and second flow directing portions that are respectively spaced from each other and formed in an asymmetrical manner. Air can form steady airflow by channeling of the first flow directing portions and the second flow directing portions of two neighboring blades.