Blower Motor Support Shape for Lower Airflow Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing outdoor units of air conditioners face increased flow resistance and noise due to the shape of the motor support member, which is disposed on the airflow path, affecting the efficiency and noise levels as airflow rates are increased.
Innovation Solution
The motor support member is designed with a cross-sectional shape that includes a maximum width portion, an upstream portion with a width increased from the upstream to the downstream side, and a downstream portion with a width reduced from the upstream to the downstream side, along with a downstream end width that is perpendicular to the airflow direction, optimized to reduce flow resistance and noise by improving the airflow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the motor support member is disposed on the airflow path to support the motor, then the motor can be stably supported, but the flow resistance and noise are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The motor support member employs a streamlined cross-sectional shape with curved surfaces instead of sharp edges, featuring an upstream portion with gradually increasing width and a downstream portion with gradually decreasing width. This curvature design allows air to flow smoothly around the member, reducing turbulence, flow resistance, and noise while maintaining structural integrity for motor support.
2Volume of moving object
If the motor support member has a compact shape to reduce space occupation, then the device size is reduced, but the flow resistance increases due to improper airflow guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The streamlined cross-sectional shape with curved upstream and downstream portions enables the motor support member to maintain a compact volume while guiding airflow smoothly. The gradual width transitions prevent sudden disruptions to air flow, reducing turbulence and flow resistance despite the limited space occupied by the member.
3Ease of manufacture
If the motor support member has a simple shape for easy manufacture, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the noise generation increases due to poor airflow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The streamlined cross-sectional shape with curved surfaces can be manufactured using standard molding or machining processes. The upstream portion with gradually increasing width and downstream portion with gradually decreasing width create smooth airflow paths that minimize turbulence and noise generation, while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing methods.
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 reduces noise levels by approximately 3.0 dB and minimizes the width of the vortex, thereby decreasing flow resistance and noise generated by the motor support member, enhancing the efficiency and performance of the air conditioner.
Implementation Method 1
an upstream portion having a width curvedly increased, the downstream portion having a cross-sectional shape having a width curvedly reduced
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a blower blowing air and an outdoor unit of air conditioner having the same. The blower includes a fan, a motor driving the fan, and a motor support member disposed on a flow path, through which air generated by a rotation of the fan flows, to support the motor. The motor support member includes a cross-sectional shape including a maximum width portion having a maximum width in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction, an upstream portion having a width being increased from the upstream side to the downstream side, and a downstream portion having a width being reduced from the upstream side to the downstream side. A downstream end located downstream of the downstream portion has a width in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction.