Radiator Fan Strut Curvature for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiator fan modules in motor vehicles face challenges in noise development due to the aerodynamic interactions between struts and the high-speed air flow generated by the fan wheel, leading to undesirable noise emissions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates struts with a geometry that follows the geometry of the wing elements, with a specific skeletal line relationship to minimize interference with the air flow, and includes reinforcement for increased rigidity and dimensional stability, optimizing the strut and wing element coordination to reduce noise emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If struts are arranged on the downstream side of the fan shroud, then the motor mount is securely supported, but noise emissions increase due to interference with high-speed turbulent air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The struts are designed with a curved skeleton line that follows the geometry of the wing elements, transitioning from straight to curved form. This curvature allows the struts to blend into the air flow rather than interrupting it, reducing turbulence and noise while maintaining structural support function
Solution Approach 2:
The strut geometry parameters are optimized to match the wing element characteristics. The skeleton line of the strut is designed to follow the same curvature pattern as the wing elements, changing the physical parameters of the strut from simple straight supports to aerodynamically shaped structures that reduce noise
2Object-generated harmful factors
If struts are made with aerodynamic geometry to reduce noise, then noise emissions decrease, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The curved skeleton line of the struts provides aerodynamic benefits while the curvature itself can contribute to structural strength through distributed stress paths, preventing the need for straight rigid structures that would create noise
Solution Approach 2:
The struts are designed as composite structures combining aerodynamic shaping with reinforcement elements. The composite design allows the outer aerodynamic shell to reduce noise while internal reinforcement maintains the required structural rigidity and dimensional stability
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 design significantly reduces noise emissions by ensuring that the struts do not disrupt the air flow excessively, resulting in a more homogeneous noise profile and improved acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
the aerodynamic interactions between struts and the high-speed air flow generated by the fan wheel
Implementation Method 2
it is faster, denser and more turbulent on the downstream side (pressure side) of the fan shroud
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a radiator fan module 1, comprising: a fan frame 2, a fan wheel recess 4 formed in the fan frame 2, a motor holder 3 which is mechanically connected to the fan frame 2 via struts 10 located at the rear in the direction of flow, a motor 5 which is at least partially mounted in the motor holder 3, a fan wheel 6 which is arranged in the fan wheel recess 4 and which is driven rotationally by the motor 5 about a rotational axis R, wherein the fan wheel has a plurality of blade elements 6a, wherein all elements of a group which has at least one of the struts 10 and at least one of the blade elements 6a are forward-scythe-shaped or backward-scythe-shaped.