Segmented Fan Assembly with Passive Rotor for Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fans require longer blades to increase airflow volume, leading to increased weight, torsion, and power consumption, which results in reduced efficiency and larger size, necessitating higher power motors and increased space occupation.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly comprising an active fan and a passive element, where the passive element is driven by airflow from the active fan, allowing for lower power and smaller motor usage, reducing overall volume and power consumption while maintaining airflow volume and torsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the blade length is increased to increase airflow volume, then the airflow volume is improved, but the weight and torsion of the rotor are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system is segmented into an active rotor with shorter blades and a passive rotor with longer blades. The active rotor is driven by the motor to generate airflow, while the passive rotor is driven by the airflow from the active rotor. This segmentation allows the motor to drive only the active rotor with shorter blades, reducing rotor weight and torsion, while the passive rotor extends the airflow volume without requiring additional motor power.
2Quantity of substance
If the blade length is increased to increase airflow volume, then the airflow volume is improved, but the power consumption is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The passive rotor is designed to be self-driven by the airflow generated from the active rotor. The kinetic energy of the airflow from the active rotor is converted to rotational kinetic energy of the passive rotor, which then generates additional airflow. This self-service mechanism extends the airflow volume without requiring additional motor power, thereby reducing power consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If a motor with higher power and larger size is used to handle longer blades, then the airflow volume is improved, but the efficiency is lowered and the overall size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system is segmented into active and passive components. The motor only needs to drive the active rotor with shorter blades, which reduces the torque and power requirements compared to driving a single large rotor with long blades. This segmentation improves motor efficiency by operating within optimal parameters while still achieving the desired airflow volume through the passive rotor's contribution.
4Quantity of substance
If the overall size of the fan is increased to maintain airflow volume, then the airflow volume is maintained, but the dead space increases and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The passive rotor is positioned within the airflow path of the active rotor, with the passive rotor blades extending beyond the active rotor blades. This nested arrangement allows the passive rotor to be driven by the airflow from the active rotor while occupying minimal additional space. The compact design reduces dead space compared to a conventional single large rotor design that would require the same airflow volume.
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 fan assembly achieves enhanced efficiency and reduced power consumption by utilizing a lower power motor, minimizing dead space, and maintaining airflow volume without increasing motor size or power, thus enhancing competitiveness and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The passive element is driven to rotate by an airflow from the active fan. The passive element includes a second impeller and at least one first load connected to the second impeller.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly includes an active fan, a supporting base and a passive element. The active fan includes a first impeller and a motor. The passive element is driven to rotate by an airflow from the active fan. The passive element includes a impeller and at least one load. The load is connected to the impeller.