Propeller Fan Wing Serration Design to Reduce Eddy Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Propeller fans experience efficiency deterioration due to eddies generated at the inner and outer circumferential rear edges of the protrusion, leading to interference and reduced fan performance.

Innovation Solution

The propeller fan design incorporates a protrusion with a first serration shape at the outer circumferential rear edge and a second serration shape at the inner circumferential rear edge, reducing eddy size and interference by controlling the length ratio of these serrations and incorporating a bent portion to manage airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a protrusion is added to the radially outer portion of the wing to improve airflow control, then fan efficiency is improved, but eddies are generated at the rear edges causing efficiency deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan efficiencyVSAvoideddy generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometry of the protrusion's rear edges through serration shapes. The outer circumferential rear edge is given a first serration shape and the inner circumferential rear edge is given a second serration shape, with specific length ratio constraints between the serrations. This geometric parameter modification controls eddy generation while preserving the airflow control benefits of the protrusion, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving fan efficiency and reducing harmful eddies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If serration shapes are added to reduce eddies at the outer circumferential rear edge, then eddy interference is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeddy interferenceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by applying parameter changes through carefully constrained serration geometry. The first and second serration shapes are designed with specific length ratio relationships, and the serrations are formed as continuous undulating patterns along the rear edges. This approach reduces eddy interference through geometric optimization while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and avoiding excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the protrusion is extended further back in the rotation direction to improve airflow management, then fan performance is enhanced, but larger eddies are generated at the rear edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan performanceVSAvoideddy size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by applying parameter changes to the protrusion geometry. The serration shapes on the outer and inner circumferential rear edges, with their specific length ratios, control the flow separation and eddy formation characteristics. This allows the protrusion to be optimized for airflow management while the serrations simultaneously control eddy size, preventing the trade-off between performance enhancement and eddy generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively minimizes eddy size and interference, enhancing fan efficiency and reducing noise, thereby improving the overall performance of the propeller fan and air conditioner.

Implementation Method 1

each of the wings includes a protrusion tapered and positioned on a rear side in a rotation direction... the outer circumferential rear edge is provided with a first serration shape, and the inner circumferential rear edge is provided with a second serration shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Implementation Method 2

reduce eddies generated at a rear edge radially outside the top of the protrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence reduction: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS11828294B2Propeller fan and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2023.11.28 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • US11828294B2 patent drawing
  • US11828294B2 patent drawing
  • US11828294B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A propeller fan includes a hub, and a plurality of wings provided at an outer circumference of the hub. Each of the wings includes a protrusion tapered and positioned on a rotation direction rear side in a radially outer portion of the wing, the protrusion includes a top positioned at a rearmost end in the rotation direction, an outer circumferential rear edge positioned radially outside the top, and an inner circumferential rear edge positioned radially inside the top, the outer circumferential rear edge includes a first serration having a first serration shape, and the inner circumferential rear edge includes a second serration having a second serration shape.