Ceiling Fan Suspension and Blade Design for Low Vibration Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling fans face challenges in efficiently managing airflow and temperature regulation, particularly in industrial and commercial environments, with issues related to vibration, gyroscopic movement, and the need for redundant suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
The ceiling fan design incorporates a downrod assembly with a non-rotating motor shaft, a redundant suspension system using guy wires, and optimized blade geometry with a push-lock assembly to maximize airflow efficiency and reduce vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a ceiling fan uses a traditional rotating motor shaft design, then the motor assembly must rotate with the blades, but this causes increased vibration and gyroscopic movement
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is separated from the rotating blade assembly through a non-rotating shaft design. The motor housing and motor shaft remain stationary while only the blades rotate, dividing the system into rotating and non-rotating components to eliminate gyroscopic effects and reduce vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
A redundant suspension system using guy wires is pre-installed to compensate for potential instability or failure. The guy wires provide additional support and damping before vibration or failure occurs, ensuring stable operation throughout the fan's service life.
2Temperature
If ceiling fans use high volume, low speed operation for cooling, then temperature regulation is improved, but airflow efficiency and energy consumption are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blade pitch angle is made adjustable through the push-lock assembly, allowing dynamic optimization of airflow characteristics. The blades can be positioned at different angles to maximize airflow efficiency at various speeds, enabling effective cooling at lower energy consumption by optimizing the relationship between blade pitch, rotational speed, and airflow volume.
3Reliability
If ceiling fans are designed with simple suspension systems, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and stability during operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A redundant suspension system using guy wires is pre-installed to compensate for potential instability or failure. The guy wires provide additional support and damping before vibration or failure occurs, ensuring stable operation throughout the fan's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system parameters are optimized by introducing adjustable guy wire tension and positioning. This allows the suspension characteristics to be tuned for maximum stability and reliability, transforming a simple fixed suspension into an adjustable, optimized system that provides enhanced reliability without excessive complexity.
4Productivity
If blade geometry is optimized for maximum airflow, then temperature regulation improves, but vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade pitch angle is made adjustable through the push-lock assembly, allowing dynamic optimization of airflow characteristics. The blades can be positioned at different angles to maximize airflow efficiency at various speeds, enabling effective cooling at lower energy consumption by optimizing the relationship between blade pitch, rotational speed, and airflow volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade operating parameters including pitch angle and rotational speed are optimized to achieve the best balance between airflow generation and vibration control. By adjusting these parameters, the fan can operate at conditions that maximize cooling efficiency while minimizing vibrational effects.
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 design enhances airflow efficiency, minimizes vibration, and provides a reliable suspension system, improving temperature management while reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member can be disposed between the lower bearings and the lower motor housing portion permitting rotation of the spring member with the rotation of the lower motor housing portion. The spring member provides a downward force upon the lower motor housing portion that is transferred to the upper motor housing portion, providing a downward force upon the upper bearings.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An ceiling fan (10) comprising a motor system (16). The motor system (16) is mounted around a motor shaft (90). The motor shaft (90) couples to a downrod (14) for suspending the ceiling fan (10) from a structure. The motor shaft (90) and motor (16) are encased by a motor housing (198). The motor housing (198) comprises hub arms (202) for mounting a plurality of blade holders (18). The blade holders (18) coupled to a plurality of blades (20) rotatable about the motor (16) during operation. The downrod (14) comprises a wire disk (58) mounting guy wiring (22) to the downrod (14). A retention rod (304) is utilized internal of the motor (16) and downrod (14) as a secondary retention method. An electrical connector (568) is internal of the motor shaft (90) and electrically couples to the stator to power the motor (16).