Segmented Hub Ribs for Fan Impeller Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan designs for vehicle cooling systems face challenges in reducing vibratory stresses on the propeller due to mechanical and aerodynamic forces, leading to potential deformation and reduced lifespan, while also needing to comply with automotive manufacturer specifications for a metal connection and maintaining effective air circulation and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A propeller design with non-contiguous, segmented ribs that provide partial stiffness to reduce rigidity and enhance air mixing, allowing for flexibility in the connection between the drive motor and blades, while maintaining robustness and aerodynamic cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If continuous ribs are used in the hub, then the hub rigidity is increased and structural strength is improved, but the vibrational stresses are amplified and transmitted to the propeller blades
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rib structure is divided into multiple discrete segments arranged radially around the hub. Each segment is separated from others, creating a segmented pattern that maintains structural support while allowing vibrational isolation. This segmentation breaks the continuous stress transmission path that would otherwise amplify vibrations to the propeller blades.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection between fan and engine is made more flexible, then vibrational stress transmission is reduced, but the connection strength and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hub structure incorporates localized flexible zones at specific positions where segments are separated, while maintaining rigid zones at attachment points for the propeller blades and engine connection. This creates a gradient of stiffness - flexible where needed for vibration isolation, rigid where structural integrity is critical - resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ribs are removed from the center of the hub, then flexibility is increased and vibration transmission is reduced, but the hub becomes susceptible to deformation under mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than removing ribs entirely, the invention segments them into multiple radial sections that extend partially or fully from the hub center to the periphery. This segmented configuration provides distributed structural support to prevent hub deformation while the gaps between segments allow flexibility and vibration isolation, achieving both goals simultaneously.
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 segmented rib design reduces the transmission of vibratory stresses to the propeller, prolongs its lifespan, and allows for adjustable rigidity to manage vibratory responses, while maintaining effective air circulation and cooling of the electric motor.
Implementation Method 1
these ribs serve to move the air within the hub, particularly to cool the electric motor that drives the propeller
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an impeller for circulating an air flow, comprising blades (2) extending from a blade root attached to the hub (6) of the impeller. The hub (6) includes a base wall (8) provided with a through-hole (12) for the passage of a drive shaft for driving the impeller and a side wall (10), said hub also comprising at least one rib (14) located between the hole (12) and the side wall (10). The impeller is characterised in that the rib (14) is formed by one or more segments (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) and the segment or one of said segments (14a, 14b, 14c) has at least one free edge (15) extending from the base wall (8) and facing the side wall.