Integrated Bearing Shield for Radial Fan Airflow and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial fan motor suspension systems for extractor hoods require multiple components, which can block the air inlet and lead to noise issues due to resonance with the fan wheel.
Innovation Solution
An end shield with integrated mounts and support arms that position the rotor and stator within the fan wheel, minimizing air inlet blockage and reducing resonance through angled and asymmetrical attachment points, allowing for a more stable and quieter operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used for motor suspension, then the motor can be securely suspended, but the air inlet becomes obstructed and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing shield is merged with the motor suspension function by integrating support arms directly into the shield structure. The bearing shield now simultaneously serves as both a protective cover for the bearing and as the suspension element that attaches the motor to the housing, eliminating the need for separate suspension components that would obstruct air flow
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing shield is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the bearing, suspends the motor assembly, provides structural support, and maintains motor positioning. By making the bearing shield a multi-functional component, the design eliminates additional parts that would block air inlets and create noise
2Reliability
If a complex motor suspension system is used, then the motor can be securely positioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing shield is merged with the motor suspension function by integrating support arms directly into the shield structure. The bearing shield now simultaneously serves as both a protective cover for the bearing and as the suspension element that attaches the motor to the housing, eliminating the need for separate suspension components
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing shield is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the bearing, suspends the motor assembly, provides structural support, and maintains motor positioning. By making the bearing shield a multi-functional component, the design eliminates additional parts that would block air inlets and create noise
3Reliability
If support arms are extended into the fan wheel, then the motor is securely suspended, but air flow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed with specific geometric characteristics - they are positioned at the periphery of the fan wheel where they minimize interference with the main air flow path. The arms extend only as far as necessary to provide stable suspension while maintaining clearances that preserve air flow efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing shield (13) for a blower motor (3) of a radial fan (2) of a range hood (1), comprising a first mount (17), which is configured to hold a bearing (21) for a shaft (22) of a rotor (14) of the blower motor (3), a second mount (27) that is configured to hold a stator (15) of the blower motor (3) on one side (31) of said mount in the axial direction (16), and a plurality of supporting arms (33, 34, 35) that connect in the axial direction (16) to the other side (36) of the second mount (27) and that are configured to fasten the bearing shield (13) to a housing (7) of the radial blower (2) in such a manner that the rotor (14) and the stator (15) of the blower motor (3) are arranged entirely inside a fan wheel (4) that is provided in the housing and driven by the blower motor, wherein the first mount (17), the second mount (27) and the supporting arms (33, 34, 35) are integrally formed with one another.