Axial Fan Motor Mounting Vane Angle Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axial fan designs face limitations in maximizing aerodynamic performance and minimizing noise due to constraints on the distance between the rotating impeller and the bracket arrangement, which affects airflow efficiency and turbulence.

Innovation Solution

An improved mounting arrangement using a support arm with an elongate vane that extends between the motor and the casing, featuring a connecting portion with an arcuate slot allowing for adjustable angular orientation to match the airflow direction, optimizing the angle between 65° and 60° to enhance aerodynamic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pressed or fabricated steel brackets are used to connect and hold the motor within the case, then the motor is securely mounted, but turbulence and airflow losses occur along the bracket arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor mounting stabilityVSAvoidairflow loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm's angle relative to the airflow direction is optimized at approximately 45 degrees, changing the geometric parameter to minimize turbulence while maintaining structural support function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm features an airfoil-shaped vane with a specific cross-sectional profile designed to reduce drag and turbulence in the local airflow path, while the connecting portion provides secure mechanical attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the distance between the rotating impeller and the bracket arrangement is maximized, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the overall fan size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidfan size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm angle is optimized at approximately 45 degrees to maximize the distance between impeller and mounting structure while maintaining compact fan dimensions, improving aerodynamic performance without excessive size increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the support arm angle is varied to match airflow direction, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but the mounting complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidmounting arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm is pre-configured with an airfoil-shaped vane and optimized angle (approximately 45 degrees) during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while achieving aerodynamic optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2592281B1An Axial Fan
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 NUAIRE
  • EP2592281B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2592281B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2592281B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6c

AI summary

An axial fan has a motor and an impeller housed within an outer casing, the fan further comprising a mounting assembly for mounting said motor within said casing. At least one elongate vane extends between the inner wall of the casing and the motor and is connected to the motor by means of a connector assembly comprising means for connecting said vane to said motor at a selected one of a plurality of distances from said impeller. In one embodiment, this can be achieved by means of a plurality of discrete mounting holes defining the respective distances.