Axial Fan Centrifugal Regulator Shutter Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fan units with centrifugal regulators require significant modifications and additional components when the shutter is positioned on the inlet side, as they typically operate by a pulling action, which is complex and costly, and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The electric fan unit design integrates a rotating shaft with a through cavity, connecting the fan's hub to the centrifugal regulator's base element, allowing the regulator to operate by a pushing action without major modifications, using a rotating shaft and flanges to transmit motion across the central support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the centrifugal regulator is positioned on the outlet side and operates by pushing action, then the regulator operation is simple and efficient, but the shutter cannot be positioned on the inlet side without major modifications
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting rod is introduced as an intermediary element to transmit the pushing action from the centrifugal regulator (on the outlet side) to the shutter (on the inlet side) through the central support. This mediator allows the regulator to maintain its simple pushing operation while enabling shutter positioning on the inlet side, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and positioning flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shutter is positioned on the inlet side with the conventional direct connection, then the shutter positioning is achieved, but significant modifications and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod acts as a mediator that spans across the central support, enabling the shutter to be positioned on the inlet side without requiring modifications to the regulator structure. This intermediary element transmits force efficiently while minimizing the need for additional components and structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the centrifugal regulator on the outlet side, the connecting rod as a transmission element, and the shutter on the inlet side. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality, reducing the need for comprehensive modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible pulling element is used to connect the regulator to the shutter on the inlet side, then the shutter can be actuated, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod serves as a rigid intermediary that replaces the need for flexible pulling elements like chains. It directly transmits the pushing force from the regulator to the shutter, eliminating the requirement for additional components such as sprocket wheels and flexible elements, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining actuation capability.
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 configuration minimizes component modifications and allows efficient operation of the centrifugal regulator by a pushing action when the shutter is on the inlet side, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
each of said articulated arms including a centrifugal weight and being movable by centrifugal force in such a way as to cause the axial advance or retraction of said actuating member
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric fan unit including a casing (2) defining a passage for an air flow and comprising a central support (10); a fan (26) mounted rotatably on the central support; a shutter comprising a system of slats (12) movable between a configuration in which the passage is completely open and a configuration in which it is completely closed, and a centrifugal regulator (44) having a base element (46) connected in rotation to the fan (26); an axially movable actuating member (56) connected for operation to the system of slats in order to move them towards their maximum opening configuration when the fan is activated; at least two articulated arms connecting the actuator member (56) to the base element (46) and movable by centrifugal force in such a way as to cause the axial advance of the actuating member; and a slidable coupling (84, 86) for guiding the axial translational movement of the actuating member relative to the base element. The fan is mounted rotatably on axle (20) connected fixedly to the central support; the axle defines the axis of rotation (z) of the fan (26) and has a through cavity (91) within which a rotating shaft (93) is coaxially housed, a front end of this shaft being connected fixedly to said fan, while a rear end of the shaft is connected integrally to the base element of the centrifugal regulator. The base element is mounted rotatably on the axle (20), on the opposite side of the central support (10) from the fan.