Impeller Hub Rib Segmentation for Vibration Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impeller designs fail to effectively suppress vibrations between blades and other components, leading to noise issues during operation, while also impacting airflow and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The impeller design incorporates a hub with a top member and sidewall, featuring a plurality of ribs that are either inseparable or separable, strategically positioned to decouple vibrations without using continuous radial stiffeners, thereby reducing noise levels without compromising airflow or structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional impeller designs use continuous radial stiffeners to reinforce structure, then structural strength is improved, but vibrations are transferred and noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by replacing continuous radial stiffeners with discrete, non-contiguous stiffening elements. The stiffeners are positioned at specific angular locations rather than forming a continuous structure, which interrupts vibration transmission paths while maintaining structural support. This segmented approach allows the hub to retain strength while reducing the coupling between blade vibrations and the power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the strategic positioning and design of stiffeners that act as vibration isolators. These stiffeners are positioned to provide structural support while intentionally creating decoupling zones that prevent direct vibration transmission from blades to the power source, effectively serving as intermediaries that manage vibration energy.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional impeller designs use continuous radial stiffeners to reduce vibrations, then noise performance is improved, but airflow requirements are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stiffener structure into discrete, non-contiguous elements, the patent creates gaps in the radial stiffening pattern. These gaps allow unobstructed airflow paths through the hub region, preventing the continuous stiffener structure from blocking fluid flow. The segmented design thus simultaneously achieves vibration reduction and maintains airflow productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional impeller designs use continuous radial stiffeners to reinforce the hub, then structural integrity is improved, but the coupling of structural elements transfers vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by positioning stiffeners at discrete angular locations rather than forming a continuous radial structure. This segmentation interrupts the vibration transmission paths while maintaining structural integrity at each stiffener location. The non-contiguous arrangement prevents the formation of continuous vibration coupling pathways between blades and the power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of stiffeners at specific angular locations rather than uniform radial distribution. This asymmetric arrangement disrupts the symmetry of vibration modes and prevents resonant coupling between blades and the hub structure, thereby reducing vibration transmission while maintaining structural support where needed.
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 effectively reduces noise levels during operation while maintaining airflow and structural integrity, as demonstrated by noise analysis and fluid flow simulations, with noise reduction of up to 8 dB(A) and minimal impact on flow rates and tensile stress.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, a pressure difference is produced between the forward and rear surfaces of the blades, and a fluid (such as air, water, or other types of fluids) is accelerated behind the blade.
Implementation Method 2
The top member of the hub also comprise an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, where a plurality of first ribs are formed either inseparably or separably on the inner surface of the top member... effectively suppress or reduce the vibrations between the blades or vanes of an impeller and one or more remaining components
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are mechanisms for an impeller (10, 20, 40) and method of reducing noise levels while driving fluids with impellers. Exemplary implementations include a hub (21, 41) and multiple blades (22) separably attached to or inseparably formed on the hub. The hub may be used to effectively reduce noise levels during operations of the impeller by having a first cylindrical feature (261), a first number of first ribs (27, 47, 706), and a second number of second ribs (281, 48, 708), while maintaining substantially similar mechanical properties or operational characteristics. The hub may further optionally include a second substantially cylindrical feature (704) that is separably attached to or is inseparably formed on the hub to further enhance one or more properties or characteristics of the hub while serving to reduce the noise level of the impeller.