Counter-rotating axial flow fan with shared axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional counter-rotating axial flow fans used in large electronic devices, such as servers, require a larger air volume but struggle to achieve this effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design includes two axial flow fans with impellers rotating in opposite directions, where the first fan is positioned on the intake side and the second fan on the exhaust side, with support ribs connecting the motor units to extend the axial length of the first fan's case, allowing for increased air volume and static pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two axial flow fans are connected in series with impellers rotating in mutually opposite directions, then the air volume and static pressure can be increased, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two axial flow fans into a single integrated unit where the first and second fans share a common central axis. The impellers are positioned adjacent to each other with their rotation directions mutually opposite, creating a compact serial configuration that increases air volume and static pressure while maintaining structural unity through shared housing and alignment features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric blade designs where the first impeller has blades configured for rotation in one direction while the second impeller has blades optimized for rotation in the opposite direction. This asymmetric configuration allows each impeller to be specifically tailored for its rotation direction, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and performance in the serial arrangement
2Productivity
If two axial flow fans are connected in series with impellers rotating in mutually opposite directions, then the air volume and static pressure can be increased, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the first and second fans with standardized components including motors, housings, and mounting features that can be manufactured using the same processes. The symmetric arrangement allows for universal manufacturing techniques to be applied to both fan units, reducing tooling costs and enabling economies of scale in production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the dual-fan system into modular first and second fan units that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of manufacturing processes for each module while maintaining overall system performance, and facilitates quality control and assembly automation
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 configuration enhances air volume and static pressure compared to serial type axial flow fans, enabling more efficient cooling in large electronic devices while allowing for commonization of motor components and cost reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a first impeller (10) having a plurality of first blades (10a) radially arranged around a predetermined central axis (J), a first motor unit (11) rotating the first impeller (10) around the central axis (J)
Implementation Method 2
a second impeller (20) having a plurality of second blades (20a) radially arranged around the central axis (J), a second motor unit (21) rotating the second impeller (20) around the central axis (J)
Implementation Method 3
configured by arranging two impellers rotating in mutually opposite directions in a central axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A counter-rotating axial flow fan includes a first fan including a first impeller including first blades radially arranged around a predetermined central axis, a first motor rotating the first impeller around the central axis, and a first case surrounding an outer periphery of the first impeller, and a second fan including a second impeller including second blades radially arranged around the central axis, a second motor rotating the second impeller around the central axis, and a second case surrounding an outer periphery of the second impeller. End surfaces of the first and second cases contact each other at a first position in an axial direction, the first and second motors face in opposite directions from each other in the axial direction, and end surfaces of the first and second motors are opposite to each other at a second position that differs from the first position.