Multi-zone Varying Blade Density Fan Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan systems in information handling systems face reduced airflow performance due to the decreasing spacing of fan blades as more blades are added, particularly for thicker blades that require deeper air intake into airflow channels, and existing solutions that clear radial portions of blades to improve airflow also reduce performance by removing contributing airflow generators.
Innovation Solution
A fan system with multiple radial zones having varying fan blade densities, where each zone has a distinct blade density and length, allowing for increased airflow channel sizes near the air inlet and a greater number of blades towards the perimeter to enhance airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more fan blades are added to increase airflow, then the airflow capacity increases, but the blade spacing reduces to a level that affects airflow performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fan blade structure is segmented into three distinct radial zones with different blade densities. The first radial zone (near the hub) has lower blade density, the second radial zone (middle) has medium blade density, and the third radial zone (outer perimeter) has higher blade density. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its blade spacing for its specific function: the inner zones maintain larger spacing for air intake while the outer zones provide additional blades for increased airflow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radial zones of the fan blades are given different local qualities in terms of blade density and spacing. Rather than using uniform blade spacing throughout, the patent applies varying blade densities locally to different radial zones, with the first zone having fewer blades per unit radius, the second zone having medium density, and the third zone having highest density. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing areas needing air intake to have larger spacing while areas needing airflow generation have higher density.
2Ease of operation
If radial portions of fan blades are removed to clear air intake path, then air intake improves, but airflow generation capacity reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The fan blade is segmented radially into three zones with progressively increasing blade density from hub to perimeter. This segmentation ensures that the inner radial zones maintain larger blade spacing that naturally clears the air intake path, while the outer radial zones add blade density for airflow generation. The segmentation eliminates the need to remove radial portions of blades because the low-density inner zones inherently provide clear air paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radial portions of the fan blade are assigned different local qualities of blade density. The first radial zone (inner portion) has lower blade density to facilitate air intake, the second zone has medium density, and the third zone (outer portion) has higher density for airflow generation. This local quality differentiation allows both air intake and airflow generation to be optimized simultaneously without compromising either function.
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
The fan system achieves improved airflow performance by allowing more air into the channels and moving more air, with experimental results showing 12% higher pressure and 18% higher CFM airflow compared to conventional systems, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional fan systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fan that is located in the fan chassis and that includes: a plurality of fan blades; a first radial fan zone that includes a first fan blade density provided by at least a portion of the plurality of fan blades that are located in the first radial fan zone
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-radial-zone varying blade density fan system includes a fan in a fan chassis including a plurality of fan blades. A first radial fan zone on the fan includes a first fan blade density provided by fan blades located in the first radial fan zone. A second radial fan zone on the fan is located adjacent the first radial fan zone and includes a second fan blade density that is greater than the first fan blade density and that is provided by fan blades located in the second radial fan zone. A third radial fan zone on the fan is located adjacent the second radial fan zone and includes a third fan blade density that is greater than the second fan blade density and that is provided by fan blades located in the third radial fan zone.