Axial Fan Impeller Hub Structure to Cut Mass and Air Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axial fan wheels for motor vehicle radiators face inefficiencies due to increased power consumption and fuel usage caused by rotating mass and contamination issues with mechanisms integrated into the fan hub, which also obstruct airflow and reduce negative pressure.
Innovation Solution
An axial fan wheel design featuring a hub with through recesses and a non-rotatable element to maintain pressure difference, reducing rotating mass and preventing air recirculation, while allowing for efficient torque transmission and maintaining pressure without contributing to the hub's moment of inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanism with moving parts is integrated into the rotating fan hub to control airflow, then airflow control is improved, but the rotating mass increases leading to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the airflow control function from the rotating fan hub and relocates it to a stationary screen arrangement. The screen is positioned in the airflow path between the impeller blades and the hub, separating the rotation function (performed by the hub and blades) from the airflow control function (performed by the stationary screen). This eliminates the need for moving parts in the hub while maintaining effective airflow management.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanism with moving parts is integrated into the fan hub, then airflow control is improved, but the mechanism becomes blocked by contamination in the airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the airflow control mechanism from the rotating hub assembly and places it in a stationary position within the airflow path. This stationary screen arrangement has no moving parts that can wear or become blocked, significantly improving reliability and resistance to contamination while maintaining airflow control functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the hub is made open to reduce rotating mass, then power consumption decreases, but the negative pressure built up on the radiator side is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by implementing a screen arrangement with specific aperture patterns in critical areas where airflow control is needed, while allowing other areas of the hub to remain open for weight reduction. The screen is positioned strategically in the airflow path to maintain negative pressure without requiring the entire hub to be solid, thus balancing weight reduction with pressure maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary screen arrangement acts as an intermediary element between the impeller blades and the hub opening. It mediates the airflow, directing it appropriately while allowing the hub to remain open for weight reduction. The screen maintains the necessary negative pressure by controlling airflow paths without requiring a solid hub structure.
4Ease of operation
If a mechanism is integrated into the fan hub, then airflow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the airflow control function from the complex rotating hub mechanism and replaces it with a simple stationary screen arrangement. This screen can be a single component with aperture patterns, eliminating the need for moving parts, actuators, and control mechanisms, thus significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining airflow control.
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
The design enhances energy efficiency by reducing power consumption and fuel usage while maintaining pressure difference and preventing air recirculation, ensuring effective airflow without increasing the hub's moment of inertia.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating mass of the hub can be reduced due to the through-holes, thus decreasing the required drive power, especially at varying speeds.
Implementation Method 2
at least one element arranged within the rim ring and fixed to the axial fan wheel is designed to maintain a pressure differential in the axial direction when the axial fan wheel is rotating
Implementation Method 3
The at least one element can prevent pressure equalization or pressure attenuation of the air via the passage openings. This at least one element can be designed without or without a significant contribution to the rotating mass of the hub
Implementation Method 4
connecting surfaces along an outer circumference of the hub for torque transmission to the inner ring and the rim ring
Implementation Method 5
connecting surfaces along an outer circumference of the hub for torque transmission to the inner ring and the rim ring
Implementation Method 6
an axial fan wheel is, for example, arranged behind the radiator in the direction of airflow to create a negative pressure
Implementation Method 7
The impeller blades can extend radially from the ring outside of it. The impeller blades can drive an airflow.
Data Source
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AI summary
An axial fan wheel (102), particularly for the radiator of a motor vehicle engine, is described. The axial fan wheel (102) comprises a rim ring (108) with a plurality of impeller blades (104); and a hub (112) with an inner ring (114) connected or connectable to a drive shaft and connecting surfaces along an outer circumference (118) of the hub (112) for torque transmission to the inner ring (114) and the rim ring (108). The hub (112) has through-holes (120) between the inner ring (114) and the outer circumference (118), the inner ring (114) being arranged outside a plane of rotation defined by the connecting surfaces.At least one element (117; 126) arranged within the ring of the axial fan wheel (108) in a rotationally fixed manner is designed to maintain a pressure difference in the axial direction when the axial fan wheel (102) is rotating, wherein the at least one element (126) closes the passage recesses (120) between the inner ring (114) and the outer circumference (118) and/or the interior of the ring of the axial fan wheel (108).