Flow Guide Device Grid Structure for Fan Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fans installed in tight spaces, such as in heat pumps, experience increased noise due to large-scale turbulent flow structures on the suction side, leading to tonal noise increases.

Innovation Solution

A flow guide device with a radial outer area and central area, featuring a flow-rectifying grid web structure and a frame element with fastening means, is designed to be arranged on the suction side of the fan, which dampens or divides turbulent flow structures, reducing noise by serving as both a flow-rectifying element and a support structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fans are installed in confined spaces, then installation flexibility is improved, but noise increases due to large-scale turbulent flow structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guide device divides the suction side area into multiple grid openings through a grid structure, creating segmented flow paths that prevent the formation of large-scale turbulent flow structures and reduce noise while maintaining installation flexibility in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guide device acts as an intermediary element between the fan and the confined space environment, modifying the flow characteristics through its grid structure to reduce turbulent flow structures and noise generation while allowing the fan to operate in confined installations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional support structures are added to the fan installation, then fan support and positioning are improved, but device complexity and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan support and positioningVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guide device merges the flow straightening function with the fan support function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable fan positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guide device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides and straightens the airflow while also providing structural support and positioning for the fan, reducing the number of components needed and simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flow guide device effectively reduces fan noise by dampening turbulent flow structures, eliminating the need for additional support structures and improving the flow profile, resulting in a quieter operation compared to installations with separate support structures.

Implementation Method 1

By appropriately designing the flow guide device with flow-straightening flow guide elements, large-scale turbulent flow structures are dampened or fragmented. Consequently, the fan noise is reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4390143A1Flow guiding device and fan unit having the flow guiding device
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 EBM PAPST MULFINGEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4390143A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4390143A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4390143A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a flow guide device (1) for arrangement on a suction side of a fan device (10), comprising a radial outer area (2) and a central area (3), wherein the radial outer area (2) is arranged radially outside the central area (3) with respect to a central axis (4) of the flow guide device (1), wherein a flow-straightening grid structure (5) with flow guide elements (54) is provided in the radial outer area (2), which defines a plurality of grid openings (51) for drawing in air, wherein a fan receptacle (52) for fixing the fan device (10) is formed on an inner side of the flow guide device (1) facing away from an outer side in the central area (3), wherein a frame element (6) with at least one fastening means (61) is arranged around the grid structure (5) in the radial outer area (2).via which the flow guide device (1) together with the fan device (10) attached to it can be fastened.