Fan Shroud Baffle Segmentation for Noise and Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan shroud assemblies suffer from noise issues due to blade pass frequency (BPF) noise, and attempts to reduce this noise often compromise the rigidity and durability of the fan shroud.

Innovation Solution

A fan shroud assembly is designed with a baffle selectively provided in some sections between the fixing members in the ventilation port, which controls airflow and reduces BPF noise without degrading the structural rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If holes are formed in the fan shroud to control airflow and reduce BPF noise, then noise is reduced, but the rigidity and durability of the fan shroud are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBPF noiseVSAvoidrigidity and durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation port is divided into multiple unit ventilation spaces by fixing members, and baffles are selectively provided in some of these spaces. This segmentation allows airflow control in specific regions without compromising the overall structural integrity of the fan shroud.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Baffles are selectively provided in only some of the unit ventilation spaces rather than all spaces. This local application of airflow control elements reduces BPF noise in critical areas while maintaining rigidity in other areas where baffles are not installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the peripheral part thickness is increased to improve rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fan shroud is divided into a peripheral part and a planar part with distinct functions. The peripheral part provides structural support and houses the ventilation port, while the planar part provides the cooling surface. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral part and planar part are integrated into a single fan shroud structure that is coupled to the heat exchanger as one assembly. This merging simplifies installation and manufacturing while maintaining the functional benefits of segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively reduces BPF noise while maintaining the rigidity and durability of the fan shroud, avoiding the interference issues associated with protruding airflow spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a fan shroud is coupled to a front surface of the air-cooled heat exchanger to forcibly blow air toward the core of the heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a noise reduction means is provided in at least one selected from the plurality of unit ventilation spaces to control a part of the airflow passing through the ventilation port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow control:

Data Source

PatentUS12221979B2Fan shroud assembly
Publication Date: 2025.02.11 HANON SYST CO LTD
  • US12221979B2 patent drawing
  • US12221979B2 patent drawing
  • US12221979B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fan shroud provided in a cooling module, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fan shroud assembly in which a baffle is selectively provided in some sections between a plurality of fixing members provided in a ventilation port of a fan shroud, thereby reducing deterioration in rigidity and durability of the fan shroud and effectively reducing BPF noise.