Axial Fan Hinged Support Element for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan designs require complete removal from the installation wall for maintenance, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, as they need to be detached from their support elements for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
Innovation Solution
A support element with a hinge mechanism is integrated into the fan's wall ring, allowing the fan to pivot away from the wall like a hinged lid or door, while remaining connected, eliminating the need for complete removal and facilitating easy maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fan is completely removed from the installation wall for maintenance, then the heat exchanger becomes accessible for cleaning, but the time and labor expenditure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into a fixed first support part attached to the wall and a movable second support part holding the fan. This segmentation allows the fan to pivot independently without removing the entire support structure, enabling maintenance access while reducing removal time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element incorporates a hinge mechanism that transforms the static, fixed support into a dynamic, movable structure. The hinge allows the second support part to pivot between an operating position (flush with wall) and a maintenance position (rotated outward), providing easy access to the heat exchanger without complete removal.
2Ease of operation
If the fan is completely removed from the installation wall, then maintenance access is achieved, but the connection to the installation wall is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is segmented into a fixed first support part that remains attached to the wall and a movable second support part that holds the fan. This allows the fan to be accessed for maintenance while the first support part maintains the structural connection to the installation wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed first support part and the movable second support part. It maintains the connection to the wall while enabling the fan to pivot into the maintenance position, thus preserving structural integrity during maintenance operations.
3Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism is added to the support element, then maintenance becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into two main parts (fixed first support part and movable second support part) connected by a hinge. This segmentation provides the necessary movement for maintenance while keeping each individual part relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows the fan to pivot into the maintenance position, provides a connection point between the two support parts, and enables easy return to the operating position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
4Ease of operation
If the entire wall ring is removed for maintenance, then the heat exchanger is accessible, but the expenditure of time and labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is segmented so that only the second support part (holding the fan) needs to be moved for maintenance, while the first support part (attached to the wall) remains in place. This reduces the scope of work required compared to removing the entire wall ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism enables dynamic movement of the second support part, allowing quick pivoting into and out of the maintenance position. This dynamic capability significantly improves maintenance efficiency compared to complete removal and reinstallation of the entire wall ring.
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 simplifies maintenance by allowing the fan to be easily pivoted away from the wall opening, reducing the time and labor required for cleaning and maintenance tasks without compromising the fan's connection to the installation wall.
Implementation Method 1
the wall ring has a hinge on its outside circumference, which hinge consists of a first hinge part firmly connected with the wall ring and a second hinge part that can pivot relative to the first hinge part, about a hinge axis
Data Source
AI summary
A fan, in particular an axial fan, comprising a support element with a wall ring and an electric fan motor which is mounted in the wall ring and comprises a fan rotor. The wall ring has on its outer periphery a hinge consisting of a first hinge part that is connected to the wall ring and a second hinge part that can be pivoted about a hinge axis relative to the first hinge part, wherein the second hinge part is designed as a terminal box for receiving electrical connectors. The invention further relates to a support element for such a fan.