Centrifugal Fan Impeller Rib Segmentation for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impellers in centrifugal fans face challenges in meeting strength requirements while maintaining a lightweight design due to the need for a certain thickness in supporting portions.
Innovation Solution
The impeller design incorporates rib portions axially opposite to the vanes, separated by a base portion, which reduces the thickness required for strength while maintaining structural integrity, and includes a ring portion connected to the vanes for reinforcement, allowing for a lighter weight while meeting strength requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the supporting portion is increased to meet strength requirements, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight of the impeller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion is segmented into a base portion and a rib portion that are separated by a gap. The rib portion extends from the inner periphery toward the outer periphery of the impeller, while the base portion provides additional support. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve required strength without increasing overall thickness, thereby reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in the axial direction, the patent introduces a radial dimension solution by extending the rib portion radially outward from the inner periphery. This dimensional shift allows strength to be achieved through radial spanning rather than axial thickening, reducing impeller weight while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
2Weight of moving object
If the thickness of the base portion is reduced to decrease weight, then the impeller becomes lighter, but the strength requirement may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion is divided into functionally distinct base portion and rib portion separated by a gap. The rib portion (thickness: 0.5-2mm) provides primary structural support spanning radially, while the base portion (thickness: 1-3mm) provides additional reinforcement at the periphery. This segmentation enables weight reduction through optimized local thickness distribution rather than uniform thickening.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the supporting portion have different thickness characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The rib portion has controlled thickness (0.5-2mm) for flexibility and weight reduction, while the base portion has greater thickness (1-3mm) for structural support. This local quality differentiation allows the overall structure to meet strength requirements with reduced average weight.
3Weight of moving object
If the supporting portion is designed with optimized thickness distribution, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion is segmented into base portion and rib portion with a gap between them, creating a structured design that is relatively simple to manufacture. The rib portion can be formed as a separate feature extending from the inner periphery, and the base portion at the outer periphery provides natural structural definition. This segmentation creates clear manufacturing zones rather than requiring complex variable thickness formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies concrete parameter ranges (rib portion thickness: 0.5-2mm, base portion thickness: 1-3mm, gap width: 0.5-2mm) that provide design guidance for manufacturing. These parameter specifications transform the complex optimization problem into a set of controllable dimensional parameters that can be implemented using standard manufacturing processes, reducing the practical complexity despite the segmented structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An impeller rotates about a central axis and includes a cup portion having a bottom portion and a cylindrical portion, a base portion, and a plurality of vanes. The impeller further includes a plurality of rib portions, formed on a surface of a side opposite to another side of the base portion where the vanes are provided, wherein each of the rib portions is disposed axially opposite to at least a portion of a corresponding one of the vanes, and the rib portion and the vane are separated by the base portion, wherein a ring-shaped rib portion centering at the central axis and connected with the rib portions is further formed on the surface of the side opposite to the another side of the base portion where the vanes are provided. The ring-shaped rib portion extends axially from the base portion in a direction opposite the vanes.