Centrifugal Fan With Multiple Air Inlets for Pressure and Noise Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional centrifugal fans with single air inlets face challenges in balancing air pressure and noise levels, leading to increased noise when the air inlet size is smaller than the impeller, or reduced air pressure when the inlet size is similar to the impeller, which hampers effective heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The centrifugal fan design incorporates multiple secondary air inlets on both sides of the housing, with asymmetrical rib configurations and irregular shapes, allowing air intake from two opposite sides and reducing noise differences under equal air output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the air inlet size is made smaller than the impeller to increase air pressure, then wind pressure is improved, but noise increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The single air inlet is segmented into multiple air inlets (first air inlet and second air inlet), allowing air to enter from different positions. This segmentation enables the system to maintain higher air pressure while reducing noise by distributing the air intake across multiple entry points rather than forcing all air through a single restricted inlet.
2Area of moving object
If the air inlet size is increased to be similar to the impeller to increase air inlet volume, then air inlet volume is improved, but operating air pressure is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different air inlets are positioned at different locations (top side and bottom side of the housing) with different orientations. The first air inlet is configured for air intake when the fan is in a first installation state, while the second air inlet is configured for air intake when the fan is in a second installation state. This local quality differentiation allows the system to maintain high air pressure by providing optimized air intake paths for each installation configuration.
3Productivity
If the fan speed is increased to increase air output, then air output is improved, but noise increases causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension air intake system to a multi-dimensional air intake system by adding air inlets at different locations and orientations. The first air inlet extends in a first direction and the second air inlet extends in a second direction that is different from the first direction. This dimensional expansion allows the fan to achieve high air output through multiple air paths rather than relying on high-speed single-path air intake, thereby reducing noise.
4Device complexity
If a single air inlet configuration is used to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different installation states is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fan housing is designed with multiple air inlets that can accommodate different installation states. The first air inlet and second air inlet are both equipped with corresponding air outlet ports that can be selectively used based on whether the fan is installed in the first state or second state. This multi-functionality allows a single fan unit to adapt to different installation configurations without requiring separate models, thereby improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple structure.
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 design achieves a balance between air volume and noise, facilitating easier installation and improving product competitiveness by allowing air intake from either side, thus reducing noise differences and enhancing heat dissipation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the operation method of a centrifugal fan is that the air enters from the axial direction of an impeller and flows out from a lateral air outlet
Implementation Method 2
When the fan is in operation to generate wind, the heat generated by the electronic equipment can be removed through forced convection
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal fan includes a housing and an impeller. A top side of the housing has a main air inlet. A bottom side of the housing has a holder, a board, and plural supporting ribs connecting the holder and the board. The holder, the board, and the supporting ribs define a first secondary air inlet and a second secondary air inlet. In the extending direction of the central axis of the impeller, the impeller projects an upper projection to the top side, and projects a lower projection to the bottom side. The size of the upper projection is greater than the size of the main air inlet. At least one portion of the outer edge of the first secondary air inlet, the outer edge of the lower projection and the central axis are arranged in sequence.