Fan Assembly with Aerodynamic Case for Heat Removal
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fans in electronic apparatus, such as computers, face challenges in efficiently removing heat due to their small size, which limits air circulation and leads to suboptimal heat removal performance.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly with a circular case featuring a laterally inclined aerodynamic section and a front cover with concentric circular ribs and arched flanges, which minimizes air resistance for entry and exit, and a labyrinth coupling to prevent head losses, enhancing air circulation while allowing free rotor rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fan size is reduced to fit small electronic apparatus, then the device can be compact, but air circulation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing specific regions of the fan case rather than uniformly designing the entire structure. The lateral bars are positioned at specific angles (30-60 degrees) relative to the radial plane, and the grating features concentric circular ribs with varying flared shapes from center to periphery. These localized geometric optimizations create favorable air flow conditions in critical regions, enabling compact fan design to maintain effective air circulation despite reduced overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved and inclined surfaces throughout the fan case structure. The lateral bars have aerodynamic sections with lateral inclination, the grating features concentric circular ribs with flared shapes, and the case includes arched flanges. These curved geometries guide air flow smoothly through the compact fan structure, reducing turbulence and maintaining circulation efficiency despite the reduced fan dimensions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fan designs are used in small spaces, then manufacturing is simple, but heat removal performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fan case is segmented into distinct functional components: the main circular body with lateral bars, the front cover with grating features, and arched flanges. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function (air entry, circulation, exit) while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction. The lateral bars are divided into multiple discrete elements positioned at specific angles, enabling systematic manufacturing approaches.
3Productivity
If air resistance is reduced for better air entry, then air circulation improves, but structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fan case utilizes curved surfaces and aerodynamic shaping throughout its structure. The lateral bars feature aerodynamic sections with lateral inclination relative to the radial plane, and the grating includes concentric circular ribs with flared shapes. These curved geometries serve dual purposes: they guide air flow smoothly to reduce resistance and improve circulation, while simultaneously distributing mechanical stresses more evenly across the structure, maintaining strength despite the optimized air flow paths.
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 achieves effective air circulation with reduced power consumption, optimizing heat removal from electronic devices by minimizing resistance and head losses, making it suitable for small form factor applications.
Implementation Method 1
longitudinal bars (6) having an aerodynamic section oriented with a lateral inclination with respect to the radial plane
Implementation Method 2
the grating defined by the front cover presents minimum resistance to the entrance of air through the absorption produced by the fan from the inside
Implementation Method 3
the cover (4) forms, in relation to the rotor of the fan, a labyrinth plug-in coupling, leaving the rotor of the fan to rotate freely, but complicating the passage of air, which also prevents head losses through said coupling
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fan case, formed by a circular-shaped body (1) having an opening (5) in the lateral contour defined between bars having an aerodynamic section oriented with a lateral inclination, there being arranged therein an air impeller (2) associated with a motor (3), whereas in the front part there is arranged a cover (4) in the form of a grating formed by concentric circular ribs (7) with a varying tapering shape, said cover (4) defining in the peripheral contour, in correspondence with the bottom of the body (1), a mouth that widens outwardly in relation to the opening (5) of the lateral contour, said mouth being a prolongation of an opening (11) of the periphery of the impeller (2) located therein.