Removable Fan Impeller With Spring-Loaded Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlled mechanical ventilation face challenges with dust and grease fouling in turbines, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance issues, particularly with permanent turbine solutions that require complex disassembly and costly filters.
Innovation Solution
A removable turbine design with a hub and locking mechanism featuring inclined faces and radial beads, allowing for simple, tool-free disassembly and reassembly, along with optional magnetic locking, enables easy cleaning and reattachment without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the turbine is permanently fixed to the motor, then the system maintains constant depression over time, but the turbine becomes sensitive to fouling by dust and grease and requires complex disassembly for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine assembly is segmented into a removable turbine component and a fixed hub component. The turbine can be detached from the hub for cleaning and reattached, allowing maintenance without complex disassembly while maintaining system reliability when properly installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic removable connection. The turbine can be securely fixed during operation to maintain constant depression, but can be easily removed for cleaning by actuating the release mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is placed upstream of the fan, then fouling is reduced, but the system experiences pressure drop, increased bulk, higher cost, and requires regular filter maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful filtering function is extracted from the system by eliminating the filter component entirely. Instead of filtering air upstream, the design allows direct access to the turbine for cleaning, removing the filter-related complexity, pressure drop, and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of dust and grease fouling is converted into a benefit by making the turbine removable for easy cleaning. Rather than preventing fouling with a filter, the design accepts fouling as manageable through simple removal and cleaning of the turbine blades.
3Ease of repair
If the turbine is made removable for cleaning, then maintenance is simplified, but the attachment and detachment process becomes tricky to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical screwing attachment is replaced with a simpler locking mechanism using spring-loaded clips and notches. The turbine attaches by aligning with the hub and actuating a release lever, eliminating the need for tools and complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a release lever that the user simply pulls to detach the turbine. The spring-loaded clips automatically engage with the notches during attachment, providing self-aligning and self-securing functionality without complex adjustments.
4Ease of manufacture
If locking clips are used to secure the turbine, then attachment is simplified, but the clips may deform or fail under operational loads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system incorporates spring-loaded clips that provide elastic cushioning to absorb operational loads and shocks. The springs pre-load the clips to maintain constant engagement force with the notches, preventing deformation and ensuring reliable locking under varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking clips are designed as composite structures combining elastic material properties for shock absorption with geometric features (radial beads, inclined faces) for mechanical interlocking. The notches in the hub provide rigid engagement points while the clips provide flexible retention, creating a composite locking system that balances simplicity and strength.
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
Facilitates quick and easy maintenance of the turbine blades while ensuring secure attachment, maintaining system efficiency and reducing operational costs by minimizing the need for filters and complex assembly procedures.
Implementation Method 1
each hollow wall undergoes an elastic deformation so that the lower part of its contour is caused to slide successively along the lower inclined face, the boss, and finally the upper inclined face of the second abutment
Implementation Method 2
the two ends of the rod which are opposite to each other are respectively equipped with a magnet having opposite magnetic polarities
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention concerns a removable impeller (7) designed to be integrated in a fan (1), in particular for controlled mechanical ventilation, and configured in the shape of a wheel provided with a plurality of blades (8) and equipped with locking means to enable its being fixed on a hub. The invention is characterized in that it comprises projecting transmitting means, arranged proximate a central neck whereof the axis of revolution is parallel to that of the wheel, and designed so as to enable the locking means to be alternately engaged or released. The invention also concerns a fan comprising such an impeller.