Impeller Side Plate Geometry to Reduce Fan Vortex Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric fans used in vacuum cleaners experience reduced air blowing efficiency due to turbulent vortex flows formed in the flow channel near the central opening portion of the impeller.
Innovation Solution
The electric fan design includes a side plate with a gradually lowered height from the central opening portion to the circumferential portion, where the ratio of the distance from the edge of the central opening to a point on the side plate perpendicular to the output shaft is at least 0.4, reducing vortex formation and enhancing air blowing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the side plate has a conventional uniform height configuration, then the structure is simple, but vortex flow forms in the flow channel reducing air blowing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The side plate is designed with varying height across different radial positions, creating local quality differences. The height decreases from the central opening edge toward the circumferential portion, with specific height ratios (ΔH/H≥0.4) at different points. This local variation in geometry optimizes flow characteristics and reduces vortex formation without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The side plate incorporates curved surfaces instead of flat planes, with the height transitioning smoothly from the central opening edge to the circumferential portion. This curvature design guides air flow more smoothly through the impeller, reducing turbulence and vortex formation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If the side plate height is reduced near the central opening portion, then vortex flow is reduced improving air blowing efficiency, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies quantitative parameter ranges for the side plate height variation, particularly ΔH/H≥0.4, where ΔH is the height reduction from the central opening edge and H is the original height. By defining specific parameter thresholds rather than requiring precise continuous control, the design achieves flow optimization while maintaining manufacturability within standard tolerance ranges.
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 configuration significantly improves air blowing efficiency by minimizing vortex formation and increasing the average flow speed within the impeller, resulting in a more effective air flow from the inlet to the outlet.
Implementation Method 1
a turbulent vortex flow, referred to as a vortex flow 134, formed in the flow channel in the vicinity of the central opening portion 132a of the side plate 132
Implementation Method 2
a flow of air (air flow) 135 is formed that flows in from a central opening portion (air inlet) 132a of a side plate 132 and flows out from an air outlet 139
Data Source
AI summary
A side plate of an impeller is formed so that the height thereof is lowered gradually from an edge portion of a central opening portion toward a circumferential portion. When the distance from the edge portion of the central opening portion to the circumferential portion, in a direction perpendicular to the output shaft, is taken as L, the distance from the edge portion of the central opening portion to the circumferential portion, in the direction of the output shaft, is taken as H, a point on the side plate away from the edge portion of the central opening portion by 0.1×L in the direction perpendicular to the output shaft is taken as P, and the distance from the edge portion of the central opening portion to the point P in the direction of the output shaft is taken as ΔH, ΔH/H≧0.4 is satisfied. With this configuration, the formation of a vortex flow in the flow channel inside the impeller from the air inlet to the air outlet is reduced, and, thus, air blowing efficiency is improved.