Centrifugal Fan Seal Combining Vibration Isolation and Shaft Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radial fan designs require increased space and a high number of components due to the need for separate elastic elements for shaft sealing and vibration decoupling, as well as complex installation methods for the motor mount.

Innovation Solution

A radial fan design that combines shaft sealing and vibration decoupling using a seal that rests between the motor mount and the fan housing, eliminating the need for additional elastic elements and simplifying the installation process by using a seal with a cylindrical, polygonal, or elliptical section that engages with the motor mount and fan housing edges, providing both sealing and vibration isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate elastic elements are used for shaft sealing and vibration decoupling, then sealing and vibration isolation functions are achieved, but the number of components increases and axial space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing and vibration isolation functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shaft sealing function and vibration decoupling function into a single seal element. The seal has a first sealing surface that contacts the motor mount and a second sealing surface that contacts the fan housing, while simultaneously providing vibration decoupling through its elastic material body. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and elastic vibration-damping elements, reducing component count while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is designed as a multi-functional component that performs three tasks simultaneously: sealing the passage opening between the motor mount and fan housing, providing vibration decoupling through its elastic properties, and serving as a mounting surface for the motor mount. This universal design allows one component to replace multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate elastic elements are used for shaft sealing and vibration decoupling, then sealing and vibration isolation functions are achieved, but axial space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing and vibration isolation functionVSAvoidaxial space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If screws are used to fasten the motor mount to the fan housing wall, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, bolts, or clips) with a seal-based fastening mechanism. The motor mount is fastened to the fan housing by means of the seal, which provides both sealing and fastening functions. This substitution eliminates the need for additional fastening components and simplifies the installation process while maintaining secure mechanical attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces the axial space requirement and number of components, simplifies the installation process, and stabilizes the motor mount while ensuring effective sealing and vibration decoupling.

Implementation Method 1

the seal itself is provided as a vibration-decoupling element between the motor mount and the fan housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration decoupling: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a seal being provided which rests against the motor mount and the fan housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3027910B1Centrifugal fan having combined sealing and vibration isolation

Publication Date: 2019.11.13 EBM PAPST LANDSHUT GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a centrifugal fan having a fan housing with an electric motor which is provided outside on the fan housing and is supported by a motor mounting, said motor mounting being sealed relative to the fan housing by means of a seal which is at the same time the vibration-isolating element between the electric motor and the fan wheel provided in the fan housing.