Fan optimizing acoustic characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient noise in enclosed spaces, such as restaurants, often reaches unacceptably high levels, disrupting conversations and ruining the dining experience, highlighting a need for effective noise pollution control.
Innovation Solution
A fan design that optimizes acoustic characteristics by incorporating a yoke, a central support structure, and multiple sound-absorbing elements, including a semi-spherical ceiling cover and parabolic sound-absorbing assemblies, with fan blades coated in sound-absorbing materials to capture and minimize ambient noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fans are used in enclosed spaces, then air circulation is provided, but ambient noise reaches unacceptably high levels disrupting conversations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous sound-absorbing materials to the fan blades and housing surfaces. These materials allow air to pass through while absorbing sound waves, reducing ambient noise by converting acoustic energy into thermal energy through friction within the porous structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining air circulation and reducing noise pollution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials combining different acoustic properties on various fan surfaces. Sound-absorbing materials are applied to specific surfaces that capture noise, while other surfaces maintain aerodynamic efficiency for air circulation. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of air movement and noise reduction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sound absorbing materials are added to the fan, then acoustic characteristics are optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sound-absorbing function with the existing fan structure by applying acoustic materials directly to the blades and housing surfaces rather than adding separate noise-control components. This integration approach optimizes acoustic characteristics while minimizing increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fan blades are designed to serve multiple functions: aerodynamic air circulation and sound absorption. By coating the blades with sound-absorbing materials, the same structural elements perform both air movement and noise reduction, avoiding additional components and maintaining structural simplicity
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 fan effectively reduces ambient noise pollution by trapping and absorbing sound waves, enhancing the acoustic environment and improving communication in noisy spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The fan also includes a plurality of sound absorbing elements
Data Source
AI summary
A fan optimizing acoustic characteristics includes a yoke adapted to secure the fan to a building member and a central support structure extending from the yoke. The central support structure is an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the first end being selectively secured to the yoke and the second end extending downwardly therefrom. A fan assembly is secured to the second end of the central support structure. The fan also includes a plurality of sound absorbing elements.