Rotor Coupling Angular Variation Reduces Fan Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan and rotor assemblies face challenges in increasing fluid flow without corresponding increases in noise levels, and they often consume excessive power and generate undesirable noise, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A rotor coupling design featuring a first member rotatable about a first axis and a second member integral with the hub of an air displacement rotor, allowing angular variation and torque transmission between the members, enabling self-balancing during operation and reducing noise through free angular movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotational speed of the fan rotor is increased to increase airflow, then the cooling effect is improved, but noise and power consumption increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a flexible coupling between the drive shaft and rotor hub that allows dynamic adjustment of the connection angle during operation. This flexible connection enables the rotor to self-balance and reduce vibrations, thereby decreasing noise while maintaining effective airflow generation without requiring excessive rotational speed increases
2Productivity
If the size of the fan rotor is increased to move more air, then the cooling effect is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling mechanism allows the rotor to operate more efficiently at its optimal size by enabling dynamic angle adjustment that reduces vibrations and improves airflow generation. This dynamic connection enhances the performance of existing rotor sizes without requiring larger dimensions, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and space requirements
3Productivity
If the rotational speed is increased to improve cooling, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling enables the rotor to self-balance and operate more efficiently at lower rotational speeds by reducing vibrations and optimizing the connection angle dynamically. This improves cooling efficiency without requiring excessive power input, thereby resolving the contradiction between cooling performance and power consumption
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 rotor coupling achieves increased airflow and cooling efficiency while minimizing noise and power consumption, with self-balancing capabilities that reduce vibration and stress on components, leading to quieter and more durable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible connection between the drive shaft and rotor hub which allows free angular variation between a rotation axis of the drive shaft and a rotation axis of the rotor
Implementation Method 2
said rotor being self-balancing during air displacement
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotor coupling (10) including a first member (12) rotatable about a first axis of rotation (14) and a second member (16), engageable with the first member, and rotatable about a second axis of rotation (18). The rotor coupling (10) further includes at least one torque pin (24) for transmitting torque between the first and second members such that the first and second axes of rotation are allowed to respectively angularly vary during rotation of the rotor coupling.