HVAC Blower Wheel Ribbed Channel Structure for Leak and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC blower systems face challenges in efficiently drawing and discharging air while minimizing leakage and noise, which affects the overall performance and efficiency of the climate control system.
Innovation Solution
The HVAC blower assembly features a scroll housing with an annular scroll channel and a blower wheel with circumferentially spaced blades and ribs, creating a tortuous leak path that enhances sealing and reduces noise and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional blower wheel design is used, then air flow is generated, but air leakage occurs and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower wheel is segmented into multiple channels formed by radially spaced ribs that extend axially between the leading and trailing edges of the blades. This segmentation creates multiple separate air flow paths, preventing air leakage between adjacent blades and reducing turbulence-induced noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a third dimension to the traditional two-dimensional blade structure by extending ribs axially through the blower wheel. This creates a three-dimensional channel structure that confines air flow, preventing leakage in the radial direction and controlling flow paths in the axial direction, thereby reducing both leakage and noise.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple blower wheel structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but air flow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower wheel structure is segmented into blades and integrated ribs that form distinct channels. This segmentation can be achieved through modern manufacturing processes such as injection molding or additive manufacturing, allowing complex three-dimensional structures to be produced in a single operation, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving air flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs are integrated directly into the blower wheel structure, merging the channel-forming function with the blade support structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate channel components, simplifying manufacturing while creating efficient air flow paths that improve overall productivity.
3Productivity
If traditional blower design is used, then air is drawn and discharged, but leakage paths exist between blades
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces axial dimensionality to the traditional radial blade structure by extending ribs from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the blades. This creates closed channels that confine air flow, preventing leakage paths that would otherwise exist between adjacent blades in conventional two-dimensional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels are strategically positioned at specific locations between the blades where air leakage is most likely to occur. This localized approach to sealing maintains the overall simplicity of the blower design while effectively addressing leakage problems in critical areas, preserving air flow productivity while reducing energy loss.
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 configuration improves air flow efficiency, reduces noise, and minimizes leakage, resulting in a more effective and quieter HVAC blower system.
Implementation Method 1
The blower wheel has blades that draw air in axially along the blower wheel's axis of rotation, and discharge air radially outwardly
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs are within the channel... creating a tortuous leak path that enhances sealing and reduces noise and leakage
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC blower assembly includes a scroll housing, which includes an annular scroll channel provided by an outer ring wall and an inner ring wall extending from a scroll housing wall. A blower wheel is disposed within the scroll housing. The blower wheel includes an inlet end and an opposite end axially spaced from an inlet end with respect to an axis of rotation of the blower wheel. The blower wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades, and a channel at the inlet end having a radially inner annular wall and a radially outer annular wall. A plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs are within the channel. The radially outer annular wall is radially between the outer ring wall and the inner ring wall, and the inner ring wall is radially between the radially inner annular wall and the radially outer annular wall.