Fan Wheel Annular Gap Design for Mass Flow and Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan wheels lack improved aerodynamics and strength properties, and their operational range is limited, particularly in efficiently conveying gaseous fluids and dissipating heat from drive motors.
Innovation Solution
A fan wheel design featuring a reduced axial extent annular gap between the first carrier means and the support disk, with projections for stabilization and fluid guidance, and a connection between the support disk and hub arrangement for enhanced force transmission and stability, allowing a significant increase in the main fluid flow while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the axial extent of the annular gap is reduced to improve aerodynamic efficiency and increase main fluid flow, then the mass flow rate of the main fluid stream increases, but the structural stability and force transmission between support means may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-disk support structure to a dual-disk support structure with an annular gap. By utilizing the axial dimension to create a separated two-disk arrangement with radial spokes connecting them, the design achieves both reduced axial extent for improved aerodynamics and maintained structural stability through the three-dimensional framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into two separate disks (first support means and support disk) connected by radial spokes. This segmentation allows the annular gap to be minimized for aerodynamic efficiency while the spoke connections maintain structural integrity and force transmission across the gap.
2Loss of substance
If material usage is minimized to reduce weight and cost, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but the strength properties and aerodynamic performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Material is strategically distributed in the fan wheel design: the two support disks provide localized structural strength at critical locations, while the radial spokes provide targeted reinforcement for force transmission. The blade regions between the disks use material efficiently for aerodynamic function. This localized material placement achieves high strength-to-material-ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan wheel employs a composite structural approach combining disk elements with radial spoke connections, creating a composite framework that maximizes strength per unit material. The combination of axial disk structures and radial spoke elements creates a synergistic structure more efficient than solid monolithic designs.
3Productivity
If the annular gap is reduced to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then fluid flow through the annular volume increases, but heat dissipation capability from the drive motor may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular gap between the two support disks serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a flow passage for the main fluid stream to improve aerodynamic efficiency, and it acts as a cooling channel for heat dissipation from the drive motor. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between maximizing fluid flow and maintaining heat dissipation capability.
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 design achieves improved aerodynamic efficiency and strength, enabling a substantial increase in the mass flow of the main fluid while minimizing material usage and ensuring effective heat dissipation from the drive motor.
Implementation Method 1
the support disk forms an annular gap with the first support means, and the support disk is penetrated by at least one inlet opening that allows a radially outward flow of fluid in the annular gap
Implementation Method 2
when the fan wheel rotates around the axis of rotation, a fluid flow is caused from the motor housing towards the support disk
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fan impeller for conveying a gaseous fluid, comprising several blades (5) arranged at a predetermined angular interval in an annular volume around an axis of rotation (2), and each blade being fixed at its axially opposite end regions (11, 12) to support means (3, 4), wherein a first support means (3) is designed as a disk-shaped disc coaxial to the axis of rotation (2) and includes a hub arrangement (26), and wherein a second support means (4) is designed as a ring coaxial to the axis of rotation (2). According to the invention, a support disk (20) designed coaxial to the axis of rotation (2) is arranged at a distance from the first support means (3), forming an annular gap (21) with the first support means (3), and the support disk (20) is penetrated by at least one inlet opening (22) that allows a radially outward flow of fluid in the annular gap (21).