Outboard Motor Fan Segmentation for Simultaneous Cooling and Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods cannot simultaneously cool a flywheel magnet generator and ventilate the interior of an engine cover using a single fan.
Innovation Solution
An outboard motor design featuring a single fan that includes a first suction port above the engine cover and a second suction port below the flywheel rotor, with separate ventilation paths to radially release air for both cooling the generator and ventilating the engine cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fan is used for both cooling the generator and ventilating the engine cover, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to simultaneously achieve both cooling and ventilation functions
Solution Approach 1:
The fan blade is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion that are inclined in opposite directions. The upper portion directs air flow upward for engine cover ventilation, while the lower portion directs air flow downward for generator cooling. This segmentation allows a single fan to perform both functions simultaneously without requiring separate fans for each purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating blades with dual inclination directions. The same fan structure serves both as a ventilation device for the engine cover and as a cooling device for the generator, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and achieving universal functionality from a single element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fans are used for cooling the generator and ventilating the engine cover, then each function can be optimized, but device complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of two separate fans (one for generator cooling and one for engine cover ventilation) into a single fan assembly. By combining these functions into one component, the total number of parts is reduced while maintaining the optimized performance of both cooling and ventilation functions through the segmented blade design.
3Ease of operation
If the fan blades are inclined in opposite directions, then both upward and downward air flow can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan blade is segmented into distinct upper and lower portions, each inclined in opposite directions. This segmentation provides precise control over air flow directions (upward for ventilation, downward for cooling) while allowing each segment to be manufactured as a standardized component, balancing operational effectiveness with manufacturing feasibility.
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 design effectively cools the flywheel magnet generator and ventilates the engine cover using a single fan, enhancing the performance and efficiency of the outboard motor.
Implementation Method 1
The fan includes a first ventilation path and a second ventilation path. The first ventilation path radially outwardly releases the air sucked in through the first suction port
Implementation Method 2
The second ventilation path radially outwardly releases the air sucked in through the second suction port
Data Source
AI summary
An outboard motor includes an engine, a flywheel magnet generator, a fan, and a cover member. The engine includes a crankshaft extending in a vertical direction. The flywheel magnet generator includes a flywheel rotor, a core, and a coil. The flywheel rotor is attached to an end of the crankshaft. The core and the coil are disposed between the flywheel rotor and the engine. The fan is attached onto the flywheel rotor. The cover member is disposed above the fan. The cover member includes a first suction port that sucks in air from above the cover member. The flywheel rotor includes a second suction port that sucks in air from below the flywheel rotor. The fan includes a first ventilation path and a second ventilation path. The first ventilation path radially outwardly releases the air sucked in through the first suction port, whereas the second ventilation path radially outwardly releases the air sucked in through the second suction port.