Fan Blade Wingtip Channels for Vortex Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional axial-flow fans experience unstable flow fields and performance deterioration due to wingtip vortices, which are exacerbated by modifications intended to mitigate these issues, such as increased weight and vibration from added structures.

Innovation Solution

The fan blade unit features a main body with a root section connected to a hub and an end section extending radially, with multiple protrusion bodies forming channels that create a high-pressure area when rotated, thereby restraining wingtip vortex generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If small wings are added to the wingtip to prevent fluid turnover, then wingtip vortex strength is weakened, but the geometrical configuration of the wingtip is changed and fluid flow path is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewingtip vortex strengthVSAvoidfluid flow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wingtip is segmented into multiple protrusion bodies that define channels between them. This segmentation allows the fluid to flow through the channels rather than being blocked by solid structures, maintaining flow efficiency while still preventing turnover at the wingtip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion bodies are specifically positioned at the wingtip region where the pressure differential causes turnover. By modifying only this local area with channels that allow controlled flow, the invention addresses the turnover problem without disrupting the overall wing geometry or flow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a loop structure is added to the wingtip to extend toward the wing root, then wingtip vortex strength is weakened, but the weight load of the wingtip increases and structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewingtip vortex strengthVSAvoidwingtip weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a loop structure that extends toward the wing root, the invention extracts the essential function of preventing turnover by creating channels within the wingtip itself. This removes the need for additional extending structures, reducing weight while maintaining the vortex-mitigating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than adding material to the wingtip to prevent turnover, the invention inverts the approach by creating voids (channels) within the wingtip structure. This inverted approach achieves the same flow-control function while reducing weight compared to solid loop structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a loop structure is added to the wingtip, then wingtip vortex strength is weakened, but vibration at the end point is enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewingtip vortex strengthVSAvoidvibration at end point

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wingtip is divided into multiple protrusion bodies with channels between them, which segments the structure into smaller, lighter components. This segmentation reduces the mass at the end point, thereby reducing vibration while still maintaining the flow-control function to weaken vortices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-generated harmful factors

If the blade area of outer edges is increased, then wingtip vortex strength is weakened, but the original geometrical configuration of the wingtip is changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewingtip vortex strengthVSAvoidwingtip geometrical configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local modifications to the wingtip geometry by adding protrusion bodies and channels only at the critical wingtip region. This preserves the overall wing configuration and aerodynamic shape while locally addressing the turnover problem through the channel structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 pressure loss, noise, and vibration, enhancing fan performance while maintaining structural stability.

Implementation Method 1

When the fan blade unit rotates, the channel creates a high-pressure area to restrain the generation of wingtip vortex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11473591B2Fan blade unit and fan impeller structure thereof

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS (CHINA) CO LTD

AI summary

A fan blade unit and a fan impeller structure thereof. The fan blade unit includes a main body having a root section and an end section. The root section is connected with a hub. The end section extends in a radial direction away from the hub. The end section defines a first direction and a second direction. Multiple protrusion bodies are disposed at the end section and at least one channel is formed between the protrusion bodies. The channel extends in the first direction. The fan blade unit is applied to the fan impeller structure. When the fan impeller rotates, a high-pressure area is created between the channel and the wall of the outer frame of the fan, whereby the airflow is restrained from turning over from the lower wing face to the upper wing face to generate wingtip vortex.