Noise reduction system for a blower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor power equipment, such as handheld blowers, generate significant noise, which can be a concern for operators and those nearby, and existing solutions often increase the size, cost, and complexity of the equipment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a downwardly angled aperture array of vanes on the housing of the blower, which directs noise away from the operator's ears and into sound-absorptive terrain, reducing noise levels without adding extra components or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional blower designs are used, then equipment simplicity and cost-effectiveness are maintained, but noise levels remain high and affect operators and nearby individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by redirecting noise in a different spatial direction. The housing is designed with acoustic channels that redirect noise downward and away from the operator's ears, transforming the noise propagation path from upward/outward to downward/away from operator. This geometric redirection reduces operator exposure without adding complex active noise control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic channels and housing structures as intermediary elements between the fan assembly and the operator environment. These intermediaries redirect noise pathways, preventing direct transmission to the operator's ears while maintaining the blower's core functionality. The housing acts as a mediator that manages noise propagation without requiring additional active components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction components are added to the blower, then noise perception is reduced, but equipment size, cost, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges noise reduction functionality into the existing housing structure of the blower. The acoustic channels and housing design are integrated with the blower's structural components rather than being separate add-on elements. This consolidation achieves noise reduction without proportionally increasing weight, as the housing serves dual purposes: structural support and acoustic management.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the blower components, contains the fan assembly, and acts as an acoustic channel system for noise redirection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated noise reduction components, thereby avoiding proportional weight increase while achieving noise control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction components are added to the blower, then noise perception is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction features are merged into the housing manufacturing process itself. The acoustic channels and housing geometry are formed as integral parts of the housing structure during molding or fabrication, rather than requiring separate assembly steps. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to adding separate noise control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, component mounting, and acoustic management. By consolidating these functions into a single manufactured part, the patent avoids the need for multiple separate components and assembly operations, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while achieving noise reduction.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction components are added to the blower, then noise perception is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic channels and noise redirection features are merged into the housing structure itself. Rather than adding separate acoustic panels, baffles, or active noise control systems, the housing geometry is designed to inherently redirect noise pathways. This integration maintains structural simplicity while achieving noise reduction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses geometric design of the housing to redirect noise in different spatial dimensions. The acoustic channels are formed as integral parts of the housing geometry, using shape and orientation to redirect noise downward and away from the operator. This approach avoids complex mechanical noise control mechanisms while achieving effective noise management through structural geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A blower may include a housing, a motor, a fan assembly and an aperture array. The housing may include a handle portion, a top wall and a bottom wall. The fan assembly may be operably coupled to the motor to force air through a blower tube responsive to operation of the motor. The blower tube may define a tube axis. The aperture array may be provided at a portion of the housing to provide a path for air to the fan assembly. The aperture array may be defined by a plurality of vanes disposed at a portion of the housing between the top wall and the bottom wall. The vanes may be angled downward relative to the handle portion.