Centrifugal blower assembly and method for assembling the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal blowers with fixed discharge outlets occupy too much volume and cannot be compacted or adjusted to fit in tight spaces, and they lack the ability to change the trajectory of air outlet flow, which is a limitation in applications like HVAC where space is constrained.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal blower assembly with an adjustable outlet plate that can pivot between two positions, allowing the blower outlet area to change from a compact configuration to an open configuration, enabling the blower to fit in tighter spaces and adjust the air flow direction and velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed discharge outlet is used in a centrifugal blower, then the structural simplicity and manufacturing ease are improved, but the volume occupied increases and the adaptability to different spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge outlet is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one through the outlet plate that can pivot between different positions. This dynamic configuration allows the blower to adjust its discharge area and fit into different spatial constraints while maintaining structural integrity through the pivot coupling mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a fixed discharge outlet is used in a centrifugal blower, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to change air flow trajectory deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet plate is designed to pivot about a pivot axis, enabling dynamic adjustment of the discharge trajectory. This simple rotational movement allows the system to adapt to different air flow direction requirements without complex mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable outlet plate serves multiple functions: it controls the discharge area size, adjusts the air flow trajectory, and enables the blower to adapt to different installation spaces. This single component performs what would traditionally require multiple separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable outlet plate is added to a centrifugal blower, then the adaptability to fit tight spaces and adjust air flow is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet plate is coupled to the sidewalls through a pivot mechanism that allows simple rotational movement. This dynamic joint enables the discharge outlet to be positioned at different angles and configurations, allowing the blower to fit into tight spaces and adjust air flow trajectories without requiring complex actuation systems.
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 adjustable outlet plate allows the centrifugal blower to occupy less volume in compact configurations, fit into tight spaces, and adjust air flow direction and velocity, enhancing efficiency and performance in HVAC applications by tuning heat transfer and pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable outlet plate is pivotably coupled to the pair of opposing sidewalls such that the adjustable outlet plate is moveable between a first position to define a first blower outlet area and a second position to define a second blower outlet area
Implementation Method 2
air is drawn into a housing through one or more inlet openings by a rotating wheel. This air is then forced around the housing and out an outlet end
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal blower assembly comprises a scroll wall and a pair of opposing sidewalls. The scroll wall is positioned between the pair of opposing sidewalls such that the scroll wall and opposing sidewalls together define a blower chamber and a blower outlet. The blower outlet defines a blower outlet area. An adjustable outlet plate is pivotably coupled to the pair of opposing sidewalls such that the adjustable outlet plate is moveable between a first position to define a first blower outlet area and a second position to define a second blower outlet area.