Double Suction Fan Wheel Assembly Mandrel with Axial Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing double suction fan wheels are lengthy, complicated, and expensive, and fail to achieve high structural stiffness and efficient assembly, particularly in fixing blade ends to side and central plates in a single operation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an assembly mandrel comprising displaceable cylindrical components and circular plates, equipped with retaining means and rolling/flanging devices, allows for the simultaneous fastening of blade ends to the central disk and end rings, enabling a single assembly operation and mass production of fan wheels with high structural stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate assembling of blade arrays is used, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assembly of both blade arrays with the central disk and end rings into a single integrated operation. The assembly mandrel simultaneously supports both arrays, and the rolling/flanging devices perform fastening operations on both sides concurrently, eliminating the need for separate assembly and joining operations that were required in prior art.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly mandrel is segmented into two cylindrical components that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions (e.g., one for mounting end rings, another for central disk positioning) while working in coordination to achieve single-operation assembly of the complete fan wheel.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple assembly operations are used, then precise positioning is achieved, but production time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly mandrel is pre-configured with seats for the end rings and central disk, and retaining means are pre-positioned on the cylindrical components. These preliminary preparations enable the blades to be immediately secured in precise positions during the single assembly operation, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment and positioning steps that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly mandrel acts as an intermediary device that simultaneously controls the positioning of both blade arrays relative to the central disk and end rings. Through its rotating and displaceable cylindrical components, the mandrel mediates the coordination between all components, ensuring precise alignment is achieved in a single operation rather than through multiple sequential adjustments.
3Productivity
If simple assembly methods are used, then labor costs are reduced, but structural stiffness and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rolling and flanging operations that fundamentally change the physical state and connection strength of the blade ends to the central disk and end rings. The rolling process deforms the metal to create interference fits, while flanging creates rigid mechanical connections, transforming simple positioning into high-strength, high-stiffness permanent attachments suitable for high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods (such as multiple bolts or rivets) with a integrated rolling and flanging system. This mechanical substitution achieves superior structural stiffness and reliability through continuous metal deformation and forming, while enabling mass production through automation on the single assembly mandrel.
4Productivity
If single assembly operation is implemented, then productivity increases, but connection reliability may compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly mandrel incorporates dynamic capabilities with its two cylindrical components that can rotate and displace independently. This dynamics allows the system to adapt during the single assembly operation, making real-time adjustments to maintain precise connection accuracy while performing all fastening operations simultaneously, thereby preserving connection reliability despite the simplified single-step process.
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 enables the efficient assembly of fan wheels with high structural stiffness and reduced labor and costs, allowing for the production of large fan wheels with a minimum number of operations and ensuring positive locking to prevent deformation at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
rolling and flanging devices are mounted near said seats of the end rings and the central disk on the assembly mandrel for rolling and flanging said end rings and said central disk onto said blade feet
Implementation Method 2
rolling and flanging devices are mounted near said seats of the end rings and the central disk on the assembly mandrel for rolling and flanging said end rings and said central disk onto said blade feet
Implementation Method 3
said cylindrical components of the assembly mandrel being provided with retaining means, arranged on the lateral surface thereof, for temporary holding in position the blades of the fan wheel during the construction operations thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8
AI summary
The apparatus comprises an assembly mandrel formed (15) of two cylindrical components (16, 17) displaceable one relative to the other and operable to rotate about a common axis, and a pair of circular plates (18, 19) slidably mounted on the ends of the assembly mandrel. The assembly mandrel carries seats adapted for supporting and holding in position the end rings and the central disk. The cylindrical components of the assembly mandrel are provided with retaining means (20), arranged on the lateral surface thereof, for temporary holding in position the blades of the fan wheel. Rolling (25) and flanging (26) devices are mounted near the seats of the end rings and of the central disk on the assembly mandrel. The cylindrical components of the assembly mandrel are axially displaceable one relative to the other between a spaced apart position for mounting the end rings and the central disk and an approached position for carrying out the rolling and flanging operations of the end rings and the central disk onto the blade ends.