Fan Start-Up Control Using Variable Drive Signal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fan start-up mechanisms produce noticeable noise due to the use of constant high-energy driving signals in open loop control stages without feedback adjustment, leading to excessive rotational speed overshoot and inefficient energy use.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for fan start-up that involve a two-stage driving signal approach, where the signal value of the first driving signal gradually decreases to match the second driving signal, and a feedback-controlled third signal is applied after start-up, reducing noise and energy consumption by minimizing rotational speed overshoot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a constant high-energy driving signal is provided in the open loop control stage to obligately start the fan, then the fan can be reliably started, but the rotational speed overshoot occurs and start-up noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan start-up reliabilityVSAvoidstart-up noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by changing the driving signal from constant to variable. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the driving signal value based on the elapsed time during the open loop control stage, decreasing it from a first value to a second value. This dynamic adjustment allows the fan to start reliably with higher initial signal while reducing noise during the acceleration phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of driving signal value over time. Instead of using a constant high-energy signal, the system varies the signal parameter (driving signal value) during the open loop control stage. The signal starts at a higher value for reliable startup and decreases to a lower value to minimize rotational speed overshoot and noise, while still ensuring the fan reaches the target rotational speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a constant high-energy driving signal is provided in the open loop control stage, then the fan can overcome static friction and start reliably, but excessive energy is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan start-up capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by dividing the open loop control stage into two time periods with different driving signal values. During the first time period, a first driving signal value is used to overcome static friction. During the second time period, a lower second driving signal value is used to complete the acceleration. This periodic variation of signal values reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable startup capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy parameter of the driving signal over time. The system uses higher energy initially to ensure reliable startup, then reduces energy consumption during the acceleration phase. This parameter change allows the fan to overcome static friction with minimal energy while avoiding excessive energy consumption during the acceleration phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the driving signal value is decreased during the open loop control stage, then energy consumption is reduced, but the fan may fail to reach the target rotational speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidrotational speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using a time-based dynamic driving signal adjustment. The control circuit determines the elapsed time during the open loop control stage and adjusts the driving signal value accordingly. This dynamic approach ensures the fan reaches the target rotational speed by providing higher signal values when needed and reducing them when the fan is accelerating, optimizing both speed and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11933309B2Method of starting a fan using an open loop starting stage with a decreasing drive signal value
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • US11933309B2 patent drawing
  • US11933309B2 patent drawing
  • US11933309B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a fan in a fan start-up stage including a first time period and a second time period comprises the following steps of: during the first time period, continuously providing a first driving signal to drive the fan; and during the second time period, continuously providing a second driving signal to drive the fan; wherein, the signal value of the first driving signal gradually decreases until being equal to the signal value of the second driving signal. Wherein the signal value of the first driving signal non-linearly decreases, the signal value of the second driving signal is an unchanged value. Wherein, the first time period and the second time period are adjusted for a different fan but the sum of the first time period and the second time period is always the same. A fan is also disclosed.