Radial-Channel Propeller Structure for Low-Noise Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hair dryer propellers generate significant noise due to airflow turbulence and collisions with fixed components, while also requiring excessive energy consumption or having complex mechanical structures.
Innovation Solution
A propeller design featuring a helico-centrifugal type with radially arranged air passage channels forming a honeycomb structure, each with a staggered outlet section and varying wall thickness, which minimizes noise by increasing blade passage frequency and reducing airflow volume collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a propeller with a large number of blades is used to increase blade passage frequency and reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller is segmented into multiple discrete blades (at least three blades) arranged around the rotation axis. Each blade is an independent structural element that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, reducing the complexity of manufacturing the entire propeller while achieving the desired high blade passage frequency for noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple blades are merged into a single rotating assembly that functions as one integrated propeller unit. This combining of multiple blade elements into a unified structure simplifies the overall mechanical design compared to alternative solutions while maintaining the noise reduction benefits of high blade passage frequency
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a propeller with many blades is used to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller design segments the blade structure into multiple independent elements that can be manufactured using standard manufacturing processes. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing compared to creating a single complex blade structure, as each blade can be produced separately and then assembled into the final propeller assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies a minimum number of blades (at least three) as a critical parameter change from conventional designs. This parameter modification optimizes the balance between noise reduction performance and manufacturing feasibility, ensuring that the propeller can be manufactured with standard processes while achieving the desired acoustic performance
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the outlet cross-section dimension is increased to at least 4 mm to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but the propeller size and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies a minimum outlet cross-section dimension of 4 mm as a critical parameter optimization. This parameter change is carefully selected to achieve the optimal balance between noise reduction performance and propeller size, ensuring that the outlet is large enough to minimize noise from air collisions while keeping the overall propeller dimensions compact for integration into household appliances
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 propeller achieves a high flow rate with reduced noise and energy consumption, maintaining a compact size and ease of manufacture by optimizing the airflow channels and material usage.
Implementation Method 1
The propeller comprises a proximal wall defining an inlet opening provided to admit into the propeller a flow of air directed along a longitudinal axis, and a distal wall opposite the proximal wall with respect to the longitudinal axis. The propeller further comprises a plurality of air passage channels in fluidic communication with the inlet opening, said air passage channels being positioned around the longitudinal axis, each air passage channel extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis, between an inlet end and an outlet end.
Implementation Method 2
each air passage channel extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis, between an inlet end and an outlet end. In response to the rotation of the propeller, an airflow is admitted at the inlet opening and then driven radially outward. The radial airflow passes through the inlet and outlet ends of the air passage channels.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a propeller (10) for a blowing device, configured to be driven in rotation about a longitudinal axis (A), the propeller comprising: - a proximal wall (4) defining an inlet opening (40) admitting an airflow directed along the longitudinal axis (A), - a plurality of air passage channels (3) in fluidic communication with the inlet opening (40), said air passage channels (3) being positioned around the longitudinal axis (A), each air passage channel (3) extending radially between an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end having an outlet cross-section (34) having a maximum dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) greater than or equal to 4 millimeters. The present invention further relates to a blowing device, preferably a hair dryer or a vacuum cleaner, comprising such a propeller.