Work Tool Fan Placement for Cooling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable work tools face inefficiencies in air flow and cooling due to the placement of fans, leading to reduced energy efficiency and increased consumption, as well as exposure to contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A fan is positioned inside the casing between the motor and the tool, allowing for downward air discharge with greater efficiency and protection from contaminants, while being integrated with the transmission to reduce size and pressure drops, and an auxiliary centrifugal fan enhances cooling within the motor body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the fan is positioned above the motor in the upper part of the casing, then the air flow can be generated, but the air must be deflected downwards immediately downstream of the fan, causing significant pressure drops and reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional fan positioning by placing the fan in the lower part of the casing below the motor, rather than above it. This inversion allows the fan to directly discharge air through lower outlet openings facing the tool, eliminating the need for immediate downward deflection and reducing pressure drops. The air flow path becomes more direct and efficient, with the fan positioned at the same level as the outlet openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of fan positioning from the vertical upper section to the lower section of the casing, utilizing the available space between the motor and the tool. This dimensional repositioning allows the fan to be closer to the outlet openings, creating a more efficient air flow path that reduces energy loss.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outlet openings are positioned in the lower part of the casing facing the tool, then contaminants are prevented from entering the casing, but the fan remains far from the outlet openings causing pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the fan below the motor rather than above it, placing the fan in close proximity to the lower outlet openings. This allows the fan to directly discharge air through the contaminant-protective lower openings without requiring long air flow paths, thereby reducing pressure drops while maintaining protection from grass clippings and contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fan position with the lower section of the casing where the outlet openings are located, creating an integrated arrangement where the fan, outlet openings, and tool are positioned in close proximity. This merging eliminates the spatial separation that causes pressure drops while maintaining the protective function of the lower outlet openings.
3Productivity
If a large fan is used to compensate for pressure drops, then sufficient air flow can be maintained, but the overall dimensions of the casing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional fan positioning to place a smaller fan in the lower part of the casing close to the outlet openings. This inversion eliminates the need for large fans by reducing the air flow path length and pressure drops, thereby maintaining sufficient air flow capacity while reducing the overall dimensions of the casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the air flow system by repositioning the fan closer to the outlet openings, which reduces the required fan size while maintaining the same air flow capacity. This parameter change optimizes the relationship between fan dimensions, air flow path length, and overall casing volume.
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 configuration improves air flow efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and protects the fan and internal components from contaminants, resulting in a more effective and compact cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
a fan kinematically connected to the drive shaft and adapted to generate a flow of air from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening of the casing passing in heat exchange relationship with the motor
Implementation Method 2
a fan kinematically connected to the drive shaft and adapted to generate a flow of air from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening of the casing passing in heat exchange relationship with the motor
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a work tool (100) comprising: a motor (125) provided with a drive shaft (130), a casing (195) containing the motor (125) and provided with at least one inlet opening (235) and with at least one outlet opening (240), an implement (135) positioned outside the casing (195) and kinematically connected with the drive shaft (130), and a fan (245) kinematically connected to the drive shaft (130) and able to generate a flow of air from the inlet opening (235) towards the outlet opening (240) of the casing (195) passing in heat exchange relationship with the motor (125), wherein said fan (245) is contained inside the casing (195) in a space located between the motor (125) and the implement (135).