Modular Fan Impeller System with Adapter Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fan impeller technologies require a large number of specific, one-piece or multi-part impellers for different applications, leading to high production costs and logistical challenges due to the need for multiple tools and storage management.
Innovation Solution
A fan impeller system comprising a rotor element, multiple fan impeller blades, and adapter elements, where the rotor element has evenly distributed receptacles for adapter elements, allowing for the selection and mounting of different blade types and adapter types to configure a fan impeller suitable for various applications, with secure and adjustable connections using coding elements and fastening mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific fan impellers are provided for different applications, then the fan impeller can be optimized for each application, but the production cost and logistical complexity increase due to the need for multiple tools and storage management
Solution Approach 1:
The fan impeller is divided into separate modular components: a rotor element with receptacles, multiple adapter elements with different geometries, and multiple blade types. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and stored, while combinations of these modules create different fan impeller configurations for various applications, eliminating the need for completely different tools for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor element with its standardized receptacles serves as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of adapter elements and blade combinations. This universal interface allows a single rotor element design to support multiple fan impeller configurations for different applications, reducing the overall variety of tools and storage requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific fan impellers are provided for different applications, then the fan impeller can be optimized for each application, but the storage and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fan impeller into standardized modular components (rotor element, adapter elements, blades), the system reduces the total number of unique items that need to be stored. Instead of storing complete different fan impeller designs for each application, only the modular components need storage, significantly reducing storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal rotor element design with standardized receptacles can be paired with different adapter elements and blades to create multiple application-specific configurations. This universality allows a single rotor element inventory item to serve multiple applications, reducing the total quantity of storage items needed.
3Device complexity
If a modular system with adapter elements is used, then the production cost is reduced and logistical challenges are minimized, but the connection security between components must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
Adapter elements serve as intermediary components between the rotor element and the blades. These adapters include coding elements that provide secure, reliable connections through positive engagement mechanisms. The coding elements ensure proper alignment and secure attachment, maintaining connection reliability while enabling modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding elements on the adapter elements and receptacles utilize geometric parameter changes (such as tapered surfaces, cam mechanisms, or interlocking shapes) to create secure connections. These parameter changes ensure that the adapter elements and blades are firmly attached to the rotor element, maintaining reliability while enabling easy modular assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan impeller system has a rotor element (10), a multiplicity of fan impeller blades (30) and a multiplicity of adapter elements (20). The rotor element (10) has a multiplicity of receptacles (11) that are evenly distributed in a circumferential direction (U) with an adapter element (20). The adapter element (20) is arranged between the respective fan impeller blade (30) and the respective receptacle (11). The adapter elements (20) may differ at least in their shape and/or dimensions. The fan impeller blades (30) may differ at least in their shape and/or dimensions.