Segmented Fan Unit Housing for Filter Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan units for filter fans are bulky, expensive to manufacture, and require multiple tool-based installation steps, with complex and costly procedures for direction changes and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The fan unit housing is divided into two parts, forming an integral protective grid structure with a motor bracket and air inlet part, allowing for easy installation and cost-effective manufacturing, with bayonet lock fastening elements for tool-free mounting and a diagonal fan wheel design minimizing airflow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the housing is divided into two parts with integral protective grid structure, then the ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate parts: the motor bracket and the air inlet part. Each part is manufactured independently with integrated protective grid structures, allowing for simpler manufacturing processes and easier assembly. The motor bracket contains the motor and has its own protective grid, while the air inlet part has a separate protective grid, enabling modular production and reduced manufacturing complexity for each component.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional screw mounting is used, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flange is segmented into discrete fastening elements (slots and protrusions) that enable tool-free bayonet mounting. The mounting flange on the motor bracket and corresponding features on the filter frame are designed as separate, pre-configured elements that snap together quickly, eliminating the need for screw assembly during installation while maintaining precise positioning through the slot-protrusion geometry.
3Strength
If the fan unit is designed as a single integrated housing, then the structural strength is improved, but the overall height and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a motor bracket and an air inlet part, each with reduced height compared to a single integrated housing. The motor bracket contains the motor and has a compact vertical profile, while the air inlet part is designed separately, allowing the overall unit to be more compact than a traditional single-housing design while maintaining structural integrity through the connection between parts.
4Reliability
If traditional mounting procedures are used, then the reliability of mounting is maintained, but the ease of operation for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into discrete, tool-free fastening elements consisting of slots and protrusions that enable quick bayonet mounting. The mounting flange on the motor bracket and corresponding features on the filter frame are designed as separate elements that can be quickly engaged and disengaged by hand, maintaining secure mounting while enabling easy maintenance operations without requiring tools or complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan unit (1), to be attached to a filter frame (40) of a filter fan, consisting of a housing with a cylindrical housing rim, an inlet opening (20), an outflow opening (7) and at least one protective grid which covers one of both of the openings, and one fan (4) attached to the housing via a motor mount (14) which conveys the air in at least the axial direction. The design enabling the manufacture of a more compact fan unit in an easier and more cost-effective manner, which provides high efficiency and can be installed as a suction as well as a blowing fan unit in the filter fan, and is easy to dismount for the maintenance of the filter fan. This is attained in that the fan unit housing is divided perpendicularly with respect to the axis (X-X) of the fan (4) in the region of the housing rim (9, 22) into two housing parts, one forming a motor bracket (2) and the other forming an air inlet part (3), which are detachably connected to one another, whereby the motor bracket (2) as well as the air inlet part (3) each integrally form a protective grid structure (8, 21).