Centrifugal Blower Flange Rib Slit for Water Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal blowers in vehicle air conditioners face insufficient water dischargeability, leading to water accumulation when the vehicle becomes inclined, as existing solutions do not effectively manage water penetration and discharge.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal blower design featuring a ring-shaped rib portion with a slit on the flange portion that is inclined in the circumferential direction, allowing water to be easily guided to the slit and discharged, while preventing water retention and penetration into the electric motor, and ensuring the rib does not interfere with the centrifugal fan during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring-shaped protrusion with a discharging groove is provided on the flange portion, then water dischargeability is improved, but water accumulation occurs when the vehicle becomes inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped rib portion is segmented with a slit that divides it into two sections, creating multiple discharge paths for water. This segmentation allows water to be discharged through different routes depending on the inclination direction, preventing water accumulation effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange portion is designed with an inclined surface that directs water toward the slit in the ring-shaped rib portion. This inclination creates a directional flow path that utilizes gravity to guide water away from the motor housing, adding a dimensional aspect to water discharge that works effectively under various vehicle inclination conditions.
2Reliability
If the flange portion is designed with an inclined surface toward the slit, then water dischargeability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface is integrated directly into the flange portion structure, merging the water guiding function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate water guide channels or additional parts, achieving water discharge functionality while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange portion serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the motor housing, creates the inclined surface for water guidance, and forms the ring-shaped rib portion with the slit for water discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the ring-shaped rib portion extends close to the centrifugal fan, then space utilization is improved, but interference with fan operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The extension end portion of the ring-shaped rib is designed with a specific downward inclination only at the terminal section, while the main body of the rib maintains its structural position. This localized modification allows the rib to extend closer to the fan for space utilization while the inclined terminal prevents water retention and fan interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of preventing the rib from extending toward the fan, the design allows the extension but inverts the problem by creating a downward inclination at the terminal that actively directs water away from the fan area, transforming a potential interference issue into an effective water discharge feature.
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 water dischargeability and prevents water penetration into the electric motor, ensuring reliable operation even when the vehicle is inclined, by effectively guiding water away from the motor and preventing interference with the centrifugal fan.
Implementation Method 1
the flange portion between the ring-shaped rib portion and the cylinder is inclined in a circumferential direction toward the slit. By doing so, water guided to the flange portion between the ring-shaped rib portion and the cylinder can be easily guided to the slit along the inclined flange portion
Implementation Method 2
an extension end portion of the ring-shaped rib portion is inclined downward from an outer circumference of the extension end portion toward an inner circumference thereof. By doing so, when water enters the inner circumferential side of the ring-shaped rib portion from the outer circumference of the ring-shaped rib portion, the outer circumference of the extension end portion of the ring-shaped rib portion inhibits retention of water at the extension end portion
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal blower includes a centrifugal fan; an electric motor that rotationally drives the centrifugal fan; a fan case that has an air inlet and an air outlet and that internally accommodates the centrifugal fan; and an electric motor case (8) that has a cylinder (6) accommodating the electric motor and a flange portion (7) extending radially outward from the cylinder (6) and that is fitted to the fan case. The flange portion (7) is provided with a ring-shaped rib portion (20) that protrudes from the flange portion (7); the ring-shaped rib portion (20) is provided with a plurality of slits (22a and 22b) that extend from the flange portion (7) in the axial direction of the cylinder (6); and the flange portion (7) between the ring-shaped rib portion (20) and the cylinder (6) is inclined in a circumferential direction toward the slits (22a and 22b).