Axial Fan Housing Coupling for Simpler Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial fans have complex assembly processes due to increased number of steps and components in their frame coupling mechanisms, leading to a complicated mounting and assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The axial fan design includes a first and second fan unit coupled in the direction of a rotation axis, with a cylindrical shell portion between their base portions, and a coupling structure that involves a first and second coupling structure, where the first structure protrudes and fits into the second structure upon rotation, and is embedded in the outer peripheral side surface of the shell portion, simplifying the mounting and assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional coupling mechanism is used to connect fan frames, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the number of assembly steps and components increases, making the assembly process complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling protrusion and coupling recess are integrated directly into the fan frame structures, merging the coupling function with the frame itself. This eliminates separate coupling components and reduces assembly steps while maintaining structural strength, directly resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and component complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into a protrusion portion on one fan frame and a recess portion on the other, allowing simple interlocking without complex fasteners. This segmentation enables easy assembly while reducing the overall number of components needed
2Reliability
If multiple coupling components are used to ensure secure connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the mounting process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling protrusion and recess are pre-formed as integral parts of the fan frames during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and secure connection without requiring additional assembly steps or components, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fan frames perform their own coupling function through the integrated protrusion and recess structures, eliminating the need for separate coupling components. This self-service approach reduces assembly complexity and time while ensuring reliable connections
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an axial fan including a first fan unit including a first housing, and a second fan unit including a second housing. Each end portion, in a rotation axis direction, of the axial fan has a base portion. A shell portion between the base portions is formed by the first housing and the second housing. A coupling structure of the first and second fan units includes a first structure, and a second structure provided to the second housing. At least part of the first structure protrudes from the first housing in the rotation axis direction. The first structure can fit into the second structure when the first and second fan units come closer to each other to rotate about the rotation axis. At least part of the coupling structure is embedded in the shell portion.