Wind Scattering Device Fan Array Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind-spreading devices for producing grit mats in wood-based panels are not economically efficient and lack a compact structure, relying on few high-performance fans that generate large air flows and require complex directional deflection systems.

Innovation Solution

A wind-spreading device with a fan field comprising a large number of low-performance axial fans arranged in a compact configuration, generating individual air flows parallel to the inflow surface, eliminating the need for dynamic pressure chambers and directional deflection, and allowing for direct air flow into the wind scattering chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a few high-performance fans are used to generate large air flows, then the air flow requirement is met, but the device complexity and cost increase due to complex directional deflection systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow generation capabilityVSAvoiddirectional deflection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single large fan system into multiple smaller fans arranged in a grid pattern. Each fan generates a localized air flow that collectively covers the entire wind scattering chamber. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex directional deflection systems while maintaining the required air flow distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple low-performance fans to achieve the cumulative air flow effect of a single high-performance fan. By merging the air flows from numerous fans arranged in a grid, the system achieves uniform air distribution across the chamber without requiring sophisticated flow deflection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If high-performance fans are used, then air flow requirements are met, but the device structure becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow generation capabilityVSAvoiddevice compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the air flow generation function across multiple compact fans that can be arranged in a space-efficient grid pattern. This allows the overall device footprint to be optimized while maintaining sufficient air flow generation capability through the collective output of all fans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-point air flow source to a distributed two-dimensional array of fans. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve the required air flow coverage while maintaining a compact overall structure, as the fans can be arranged to utilize available space efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If expensive high-performance fans are used, then air flow performance is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow generation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive high-performance fans with multiple inexpensive low-performance fans. While individual fans are less capable, their collective output achieves the required air flow performance, and their lower individual cost results in reduced overall manufacturing expenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the air flow generation task across multiple economical fans rather than relying on a single expensive unit. This segmentation allows the use of cost-effective components while achieving the same functional outcome through cumulative effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If directional deflection systems are added to guide air flow, then flow distribution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow distribution uniformityVSAvoiddeflection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning fans at specific locations throughout the chamber to create localized air flow zones. Each fan provides optimized flow to its immediate area, and the collective arrangement achieves uniform overall distribution without requiring global flow deflection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The air flow distribution function is segmented across multiple fan locations rather than using a centralized deflection system. This segmentation allows each fan to independently contribute to localized flow control, achieving uniform distribution through coordinated simple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design achieves a compact and economical structure for producing high-quality grit mats by using numerous inexpensive fans, reducing costs and improving flow conditions, enabling precise control of air flow for enhanced spreading accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of fans (7) for generating at least one air flow (L) for separating the spreading material in the wind scattering chamber (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow separation: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP4155244B1Wind scattering device and scattering apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 SIEMPELKAMP MASCHINEN UND ANLAGENBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4155244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4155244B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4155244B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wind-dispersing device (3) for spreading material onto a spreading material conveyor, comprising at least one wind-dispersing chamber (5) which has an upper spreading material opening (6) through which spreading material is introduced into the wind-dispersing chamber and several fans (7) for generating at least one airflow (L) for separating the spreading material in the wind-dispersing chamber (5), wherein the airflow (L) generated by the fans enters the wind-dispersing chamber (5) via an inlet area (F) which extends along the height of the wind-dispersing chamber. This device is characterized in that the fans (7) are arranged in a fan array (8) which comprises several fans distributed over the height and width of the fan array (8) that generate individual flows oriented parallel to one another, wherein the fan array (8) is connected to the wind-dispersing chamber (5) in such a way as to...that the individual flows (E) of the fans (7) are oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the inlet area (F) of the wind scattering chamber (5).