Air Blower Assembly Integrated Sealing Gasket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air blower designs for applications like whirlpool baths and spas often require complex assembly processes and multiple components, which can lead to increased part counts and reduced sealing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The air blower assembly features a simplified assembly method using interlocking housing structures and a flexible sealing gasket with a tubular portion and slots, eliminating the need for separate clamps or fasteners, and incorporating foam members for sound insulation and dirt filtration, while maintaining a sealed arrangement through threaded fasteners and ribbed surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional air blower designs are used with separate clamps or fasteners, then the sealing may be more robust, but the assembly complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket is integrated directly with the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate clamps or fasteners. The gasket forms a continuous sealing surface between housing components, reducing part count while maintaining sealing integrity through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates the air flow path, and incorporates the sealing gasket as an integral component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are used in air blower assembly, then the sealing may be more reliable, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket is merged with the housing structure to form a single integrated component. This reduces the number of assembly steps and parts to be manufactured separately, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining sealing reliability through the continuous gasket design.
3Device complexity
If a simplified assembly method is used with integrated gasket, then the part count is reduced, but the sealing integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket is designed as an integral part of the housing structure, forming a continuous sealing surface that maintains integrity without requiring additional fasteners or clamps. The unified design ensures proper sealing while reducing the total number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing gasket is made from flexible material that can conform to the housing surfaces, ensuring reliable sealing through its ability to adapt to surface variations while maintaining a continuous seal without rigid fasteners.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If foam members are added for sound insulation and filtration, then the acoustic and filtration performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foam members serve multiple functions: they provide sound insulation, filter dirt particles, and can be integrated into the housing structure or air flow path. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component by addressing multiple performance requirements simultaneously.
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
This design enhances assembly efficiency, reduces part count, and ensures a secure, sealed air flow path with improved sound insulation and dirt filtration, while maintaining the integrity of the air blower's operation.
Implementation Method 1
foam members for sound insulation
Implementation Method 2
foam members for sound insulation and dirt filtration
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of an air blower includes an electrically powered motor including a motor housing. A blower housing has first and second housing structures, each having inwardly facing, spaced ribs, and configured to surround the motor assembly in an assembled configuration. The ribs on the first and second housing structures register the radial and axial position of the motor housing inside the housing.