Booster Fan Segmented Coupling for Series Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural storage bins require varying air flow and pressure for tasks like drying, cooling, and pest control, but existing aeration fans are often underutilized due to high costs and difficulty in connecting multiple fans in series for increased pressure, making it inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A booster fan design that is easily attachable and detachable from existing fans, featuring a connecting mechanism with hooks and clamping devices for quick installation and removal, along with a lift lug for easy handling, and a lightweight, efficient housing structure for reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If multiple fans are connected in series to increase air pressure, then the air pressure for the storage bin is improved, but the complexity of installation and connection is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fan system is divided into a base fan unit and a detachable booster fan unit. Each unit can operate independently or be connected in series. The booster fan is designed as a separate module that can be quickly attached to or removed from the base fan, avoiding complex permanent installations while enabling pressure enhancement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between fans is made dynamic rather than static. The booster fan can be quickly connected and disconnected using simple attachment mechanisms (such as flange connections or coupling devices), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs without complex installation procedures.
2Stress or pressure
If multiple fans are connected in series to increase air pressure, then the air pressure for the storage bin is improved, but the time required for installation is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The booster fan is pre-configured with connection interfaces and mounting features that enable rapid attachment to the base fan. Standardized flange connections, alignment features, and pre-assembled components allow the booster to be installed in minutes rather than hours, reducing installation time while maintaining pressure enhancement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aeration fans are designed to provide sufficient air flow and pressure for all tasks, then the versatility is improved, but the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The base fan is designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate different booster fan models or configurations. This universal interface design allows a single base fan to serve multiple functions by pairing with different boosters, reducing the need to manufacture multiple specialized fan systems for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-capacity fan to a dynamic, configurable system. The base fan operates at its base capacity, and boosters are added only when higher pressure is needed for specific tasks. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different task requirements without permanently over-engineering the base fan, reducing manufacturing costs.
4Ease of operation
If the booster fan is designed for easy attachment and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete, standardized components (flanges, bolts, coupling devices) that provide both ease of assembly and strong mechanical connection. The segmented design allows for simple attachment procedures while each connection point contributes to overall connection strength through distributed load bearing.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan including a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. An impeller is disposed in the housing and driven by a motor connected thereto. A connecting mechanism is disposed on the housing in proximity to the outlet. The connecting mechanism is adapted for being mated with a respective connecting structure.