Elastomeric Fan Mounting for Appliance Vibration Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances experience undesirable noise due to vibrations generated by fans, which are transmitted through direct connections to the appliance frame and air ducts, leading to cumulative noise complaints from consumers.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly that utilizes an elastomeric band to connect the fan to a mount, eliminating direct contact with the appliance and providing a vibration-isolating buffer, allowing the elastomeric band to absorb vibration energy while maintaining air flow communication between the fan and air distribution channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the fan is directly mounted to the appliance frame and air duct, then the structural support and stability are improved, but the vibration and noise transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric band is introduced as an intermediary component between the fan and the appliance frame/air duct. This elastomeric band serves as a vibration-isolating buffer that absorbs vibration energy while maintaining the necessary structural support and air flow communication, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and vibration transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from rigid direct contact to flexible elastomeric connection. By changing the physical parameter of the mounting material from rigid to elastomeric, the system maintains structural stability while introducing vibration-dampening properties that reduce noise transmission
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the fan is decoupled from the appliance frame using vibration isolation, then the noise transmission is reduced, but the structural support and air flow communication may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric band acts as a flexible connection element that provides both mechanical support and air flow pathways. Its flexible nature allows vibration isolation while maintaining structural integrity and enabling air to pass through from the fan to the air distribution channel
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric band performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the fan, isolates vibrations, and maintains air flow communication. This multi-functionality ensures that noise reduction does not compromise structural reliability or air distribution
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
Significantly reduces noise and vibration transmission to the appliance, improving user experience by decoupling the fan from the appliance frame and air ducts, thus minimizing noise complaints.
Implementation Method 1
an assembly to mount the fan within the appliance which absorbs the vibration of the fan
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric band to connect the fan to a mount, eliminating direct contact with the appliance and providing a vibration-isolating buffer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fan assembly for isolating vibration of a fan in an electric appliance, and a refrigeration electric appliance. A fan assembly (130) comprises an elastomeric band (146) located between a fan (131) and a mount (140) for an air distributing channel; the elastomeric band (146) may comprise first slots (156) and second slots (158); and the first slots (156) and the second slots (158) respectively accommodate the fan (131), a fan retaining members (138) of the mount (140), or other elements. The elastic band of the fan is used for preventing contact among components and direct vibration transmission accompanying the vibration of the fan.