Blower Device Air Channel Liquid Trap Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Blower devices in HVAC systems, particularly in automotive applications, face challenges in maintaining optimal operating conditions when liquid, such as water droplets, is present in the cooling airflow, as it can damage electric components.
Innovation Solution
A blower device design featuring a motor holder with an air inlet and air channel that includes a meandering path formed by deflector and liquid trap walls, which guides airflow and traps liquid, preventing it from reaching the motor and electronic circuit, ensuring effective cooling and protection from liquid ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If airflow is provided to cool the motor and electronic circuit, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but liquid ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air channel is segmented into multiple sections with deflector walls and liquid trap walls creating separate zones. The first deflector wall, first liquid trap wall, second deflector wall, and second liquid trap wall divide the airflow path into segments that progressively trap liquid while allowing cooled air to reach the motor and electronic circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
Deflector walls and liquid trap walls act as intermediary elements between the air inlet and the protected components (motor and electronic circuit). These intermediaries intercept and redirect liquid droplets while permitting the cooling airflow to pass through to the target components.
2Device complexity
If a simple air channel is used, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air channel is divided into multiple functional zones using deflector walls and liquid trap walls. This segmentation creates a progressive liquid trapping system where each wall pair forms a barrier that captures liquid droplets while maintaining airflow to cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector walls and liquid trap walls extend in opposite directions to form a meandering three-dimensional path for the airflow. This dimensional complexity within the air channel structure enables liquid separation without requiring additional external components.
3Reliability
If a meandering airflow path is created, then liquid trapping is improved, but airflow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The meandering path is achieved by extending deflector and liquid trap walls in opposite directions within the air channel, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern. This dimensional approach traps liquid effectively while maintaining reasonable airflow resistance by utilizing the existing channel volume rather than adding external trapping devices.
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 effectively prevents liquid from reaching critical components, ensuring the blower device operates properly even in the presence of liquid in the airflow, thereby maintaining optimal conditions for the motor and electronic circuit.
Implementation Method 1
the first liquid trap wall extending upwards from the bottom portion so as to form a liquid trap for liquid present in the airflow entering the air inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A blower device including: a motor holder having an opening; a motor housed within the motor holder; a blower fan coupled to the motor; an electronic circuit adapted to control the motor. The motor holder includes an air inlet and an air channel configured to supply the electronic circuit and the motor with an airflow from the air inlet. The air channel includes a first deflector wall and a first liquid trap wall arranged in series between the air inlet and the electronic circuit. The first deflector wall and the first liquid trap wall extend in opposite directions and form a meandering path for the airflow.