Motor Vehicle Fan Axial Size Reduction via Base Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle fans with combustion engines have a large axial size due to the configuration of their bases, which poses a challenge in optimizing size without degrading aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
The fan design incorporates a protrusion on the front wall of the base that extends axially upstream, allowing the outer wall to be set back downstream, reducing the fan's axial size while minimizing aerodynamic losses through the use of a lip or rib that directs air flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the impeller is positioned flush with or inserted axially into the base, then the aerodynamic performance is improved with favorable mixing, but the axial size of the fan becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the impeller downstream relative to the front wall, changing its axial position to reduce the fan's overall axial size. This dimensional repositioning allows the outer wall to be set back while maintaining aerodynamic performance through the compensating protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion is introduced at a specific local position on the front wall (axially upstream) to compensate for the downstream movement of the impeller. This localized structural modification directs air flow appropriately without requiring the entire front wall to extend axially upstream, thus reducing overall axial size while maintaining aerodynamic performance.
2Ease of operation
If the outer wall of the base is extended axially upstream to support the impeller, then the impeller can be properly positioned, but the overall axial size of the fan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is segmented into two functional parts: a protrusion extending axially upstream to guide air flow, and the main body of the front wall positioned downstream. This segmentation allows the impeller to be positioned downstream (reducing axial size) while still providing upstream air flow guidance through the separate protrusion element.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion acts as an intermediary structure between the downstream-positioned impeller and the incoming air flow. It mediates the air flow direction from the upstream region toward the impeller without requiring the impeller itself or the main front wall to extend axially upstream, thus reducing axial size while maintaining proper impeller positioning and air flow guidance.
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 reduces the axial size of the fan while maintaining aerodynamic performance by optimizing the air flow and reducing recirculation, thus addressing the constraint of severe size limitations in motor vehicle front end equipment.
Implementation Method 1
said front wall has a protrusion bordering the impeller, said protrusion extending axially upstream with respect to the plane of said front wall, and the upstream end of which is situated further upstream than the upstream end of the blades of said impeller
Data Source
AI summary
A fan for a motor vehicle includes an impeller formed by multiple blades (3) extending radially from a hub (4), and a base supporting the impeller. The impeller is rotated about an axis of rotation by an actuator means and is positioned inside a hollow cylindrical cavity having the same axis and formed by an axial wall (25) attached to the base. The base includes an upstream front wall (22) extending externally in a radial plane with reference to the axis, and an outer wall (23) extending axially from the front wall (22). The front wall (22) has a protrusion (24) bordering the impeller, with the protrusion extending axially upstream with respect to the plane of the front wall (22). The upstream end of the protrusion is situated further upstream than the upstream end of the blades (3) of the impeller.