US20150267713A1 - Reduced weight rigid hvac fan construction - Google Patents
Reduced weight rigid hvac fan construction Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150267713A1 US20150267713A1 US14/220,540 US201414220540A US2015267713A1 US 20150267713 A1 US20150267713 A1 US 20150267713A1 US 201414220540 A US201414220540 A US 201414220540A US 2015267713 A1 US2015267713 A1 US 2015267713A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fan assembly
- motor
- sheet metal
- support frame
- approximately
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
- F04D29/403—Casings; Connections of working fluid especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D17/00—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps
- F04D17/08—Centrifugal pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D19/00—Axial-flow pumps
- F04D19/002—Axial flow fans
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
- F04D25/12—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation the unit being adapted for mounting in apertures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/02—Selection of particular materials
- F04D29/023—Selection of particular materials especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/05—Shafts or bearings, or assemblies thereof, specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
- F04D29/053—Shafts
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/60—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling
- F04D29/601—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/20—Casings or covers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F7/00—Ventilation
- F24F7/007—Ventilation with forced flow
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2230/00—Manufacture
- F05D2230/50—Building or constructing in particular ways
- F05D2230/54—Building or constructing in particular ways by sheet metal manufacturing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2300/00—Materials; Properties thereof
- F05D2300/10—Metals, alloys or intermetallic compounds
- F05D2300/12—Light metals
- F05D2300/121—Aluminium
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2300/00—Materials; Properties thereof
- F05D2300/10—Metals, alloys or intermetallic compounds
- F05D2300/17—Alloys
- F05D2300/171—Steel alloys
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/20—Casings or covers
- F24F2013/205—Mounting a ventilator fan therein
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49229—Prime mover or fluid pump making
- Y10T29/49236—Fluid pump or compressor making
- Y10T29/49243—Centrifugal type
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49229—Prime mover or fluid pump making
- Y10T29/49236—Fluid pump or compressor making
- Y10T29/49245—Vane type or other rotary, e.g., fan
Abstract
A fan assembly and associated methods are shown. Examples shown include components such as box section rails, truss structures, formed features and thinner gauge material that used in prior configurations. These and other features shown provide a lighter and/or stiffer fan assembly.
Description
- Embodiments described herein generally relate to fan assemblies. Specific examples may include industrial fan assemblies, such as plenum fans.
- Fan assemblies, such as plenum fans are commonly used in a number of industrial and consumer applications. The fan structure provides positioning of the motor and impeller assembly with respect to an inlet plate and/or inlet funnel, whilst also supporting the whole fan, rigidly or sprung, with respect to a customer's equipment.
- Current designs of plenum fan construction consist of heavy gauge steel channels/beams that in turn support a separate heavy gauge steel motor mounting pedestal and inlet plate. Improved fan assemblies are desired that use less metal, are lighter weight, and exhibit improved performance, such as higher stiffness and/or higher stiffness to weight ratio.
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FIG. 1 is a fan assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 2A is chart illustrating some example material specifications in accordance with the prior art. -
FIG. 2B is chart illustrating some example material specifications in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is chart illustrating some additional material specifications in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. - The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.
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FIG. 1 shows afan assembly 100 according to an example of the invention. Thefan assembly 100 includes amotor 110 and animpeller 112. Examples ofmotors 110 include electric motors such as DC or AC motors, however other motors such as hydraulic motors, etc, are within the scope of the invention. AlthoughFIG. 1 shows a centrifugal impeller, having a number ofblades 114, the invention is not limited to centrifugal impellers. Examples of the invention may also be used with axial impellers, and/or mixed flow impellers. Although aplenum fan assembly 100 is shown as an example, configurations of the present invention may also be used with other types of fans. - The
fan assembly 100 includes asupport frame 120 to hold themotor 110, which in turn holds theimpeller 112. In the example shown, thesupport frame 120 further includes aninlet plate 130 that couples to aninlet funnel 134. - Examples of the
fan assembly 100 include features that allow thefan assembly 100 to be significantly lighter and stiffer than prior fan assemblies. Lighter fan assemblies are desirable for a number of reasons. A lighter fan assembly is cheaper to ship. A lighter fan assembly requires less structural support at installation, for example on a rooftop or other ceiling structure. A lighter fan assembly may also use less material, such as sheet metal, and as a result, will be less expensive to manufacture. A stiffer fan assembly may be quieter than a less stiff fan assembly. In one example, a stiffer assembly allows the use of less material, and thus a lighter assembly. - Using configurations described in the present disclosure, a fan assembly is shown that may be stiffer than prior configurations. Using configurations described in the present disclosure, a fan assembly is shown that may be lighter than prior configurations. Using configurations described in the present disclosure, a fan assembly may be both lighter and stiffer than prior configurations.
- The
example fan assembly 100 ofFIG. 1 shows a plurality of box section rails. A first pair ofbox section rails 122 are shown running parallel to an axis of rotation of themotor 110. In one example, thebox section rails 122 are formed from box section stock material, such as extruded stock. In one example thebox section rails 122 are formed by joining more than one formed component, such as two “L” shaped sections together to form the box section. In the example ofFIG. 1 , an Lshaped section 123 is shown joined with a second L shaped section to form eachbox section rail 122. Although two L shaped components are used as an example, other shapes of sub-components are possible when forming box section rails. - In one example, substantially all components of the
support frame 120 are formed from sheet metal. In one example, the sheet metal includes steel. In one example, the sheet metal includes aluminum. Other metals, or alloys are also possible within the scope of the invention. One advantage of forming box section rails from L shaped sections is that the sub-components are more easily formed from sheet metal. In many instances, sheet metal is less expensive that other types of stock material. As noted above, in examples of the present invention, cost and weight are further reduced by using thinner gauge sheet metal that in prior configurations. - A second pair of
box section rails 124 are further shown coupled between the first pair ofbox section rails 122. In the example shown inFIG. 1 , the first and second pair ofbox section rails FIG. 1 is particularly effective at providing a high stiffness to weight ratio. - The
support frame 120 of theFIG. 1 example further shows amotor mount 126. The motor mount is shown coupled to the second pair ofbox section rails 124. In one example, at least oneinternal member 128 is included with themotor mount 126 to form a plurality of triangular units within themotor mount 126. In one example, the resultingmotor mount 126 forms a truss to further increase stiffness of thesupport frame 120, and provide a higher stiffness to weight ratio. - In one example a number of formed features are also included in at least a portion of the
support frame 120. One or more formed features may add stiffness to individual components, and further increase stiffness of thesupport frame 120 and/or provide a higher stiffness to weight ratio. In one example, theinlet plate 130 includes formedfeatures 132. In one example, themotor mount 126 includes formedfeatures 127. In one example, at least oneinternal member 128 includes formed features 129. - The formed features are shown as stamped or otherwise formed from within a planar surface of a component of the
support frame 120. In one example, such a configuration provides stiffness within larger planar portions of a thinner gauge sheet, providing an increased stiffness to weight ratio. Although selected components such as theinlet plate 130,motor mount 126, andinternal member 128 are shown inFIG. 1 with formed features, other examples of the invention may utilize formed features in fewer or greater numbers of individual components. -
FIG. 1 further shows a number offastening locations 102. In one example, fasteners such as rivets, swage locks, screws, bolts, etc. are used to join components of thesupport frame 120. In one example, the components are joined using other methods, such as adhesives, or welding. In one example, spot welding is used atfastening locations 102. Using components and support frame configurations as described, a stiffer and/orlighter fan assembly 100 is possible. Although individual components may be too flexible on their own, when assembled as described and shown in the figures, thesupport frame 120 becomes stiff, even though a material, such as sheet metal, used to form thesupport frame 120 is thinner than in prior designs. In one example the assembly functions as a monocoque structure, where only in the assembled state does the frame exhibit the stiffness and strength necessary for operation. As noted above, this provides an increased stiffness to weight ratio. -
FIG. 2A shows some prior material lists for assembly of three fan assembly examples. The fan size column at the left of the chart shows a fan diameter in millimeters. The materials specifications in the chart are shown for steel sheet metal, with the numbers indicating gauge thickness. -
FIG. 2B shows a material list for assembly of thee fan assemblies with the same fan diameters fromFIG. 2A , but using component designs as described in embodiments of the invention. As can be seen, the gauge thickness is significantly reduced using component designs as described in embodiments of the invention. In one example, due to reduction in gauge thickness, the mass of the support frame is equal to or less than half of the mass used in prior designs. In one example, a stiffness of the support frame is equal to or greater than a stiffness from prior designs, while the mass is equal to or less than half of the mass used in prior designs. -
FIG. 3 shows a material list for a selection of example fan assemblies formed according to examples described in the present disclosure. Using methods and configurations shown, the fan assemblies are lighter and/or stiffer than prior designs. - The chart in
FIG. 3 , illustrates sheet metal gauge thickness for example fan assembly configurations formed from galvanized mild steel sheet. The fan sizes indicated in column 1 show fan diameters given in millimeters. In the fan industry, fan assemblies are often categorized into Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) international standard classifications. Factors that affect a fan assembly's AMCA class include motor power, and fan size. - In the chart of
FIG. 3 , class I (CL1) indicates a fan assembly operating range between a low value of approximately 3,400 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 2.5 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 2,415 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 5.0 inches water gauge (W.G.). Class II (CL2) indicates a fan assembly operating range between a low value of approximately 3,400 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 2.5 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 2,415 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 5.0 inches water gauge (W.G.). Class III (CL3) indicates a fan assembly operating range between a low value of approximately 5,500 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 6.6 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 4,000 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 13.5 inches water gauge (W.G.). -
FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of one example method of forming a fan assembly. Inoperation 402, a number of box section rails are formed. Inoperation 404, the number of box section rails are coupled together to form a base unit. Inoperation 406, an inlet plate is coupled to the base unit. Inoperation 408, a motor mount is coupled to the base unit, and in operation 410 a motor is coupled to the motor mount. Inoperation 412, an impeller is coupled to a shaft of the motor. - As discussed above, any of a number of coupling techniques or fasteners may be used to couple components together to form a support frame of the fan assembly. In addition to any suitable fastener, welding and/or adhesives may be used. As discussed above, in one example, box section rails are formed by joining multiple components, such as L shaped sections, together. In one example method, formed features are further added to selected components of the fan assembly. In one example, the formed features are stamped. As discussed above, other forming techniques, such as drawing, bending, forging, etc. are also within the scope of the invention.
- To better illustrate the method and apparatuses disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of embodiments is provided here:
- Example 1 includes a fan assembly. The fan assembly includes a motor, an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor, a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes a number of sheet metal components, and a number of formed features within a planar surface of at least one of the number of sheet metal components.
- Example 2 includes the fan assembly of example 1, wherein the number of sheet metal components include steel sheet metal.
- Example 3 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-2, wherein the number of sheet metal components include aluminum sheet metal.
- Example 4 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-3, further including an inlet funnel coupled to an inlet plate, wherein the inlet plate includes a number of formed features within a planar surface.
- Example 5 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-4, wherein the number of sheet metal components are joined together using a fastener chosen from a group consisting of rivets, swage locks, bolts, screws, and adhesives.
- Example 6 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-5, wherein the number of sheet metal components are joined together using welding.
- Example 7 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the impeller includes an axial impeller.
- Example 8 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-7, wherein the impeller includes a centrifugal impeller.
- Example 9 includes a fan assembly that includes a motor, an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor and a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes a plurality of box section rails coupled together to form a base unit, an inlet plate coupled to the base unit, and a motor mount coupled to the base unit.
- Example 10 includes the fan assembly of example 9, wherein the motor mount includes a plurality of diagonal cross members to form a truss.
- Example 11 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 9-10, wherein the plurality of box section rails includes a first pair of box section rails parallel to a rotation axis of the motor, and at least two second box section rails coupled between the first pair of box section rails to form a ladder base unit.
- Example 12 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 9-11, wherein the support frame includes a number of formed features within a planar surface of at least a portion of the support frame.
- Example 13 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 9-12, wherein the number of formed features are formed within a portion of the motor mount.
- Example 14 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 9-13, wherein the number of formed features are formed within a portion of the inlet plate.
- Example 15 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 9-14, wherein the support frame is formed from steel sheet metal having a gauge thickness equal to or less than 14.
- Example 16 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 9-15, wherein the support frame is formed from steel sheet metal having a gauge thickness equal to or less than 14 for a centrifugal impeller diameter of approximately 365 mm.
- Example 17 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 9-15, wherein the support frame is formed from steel sheet metal having a gauge thickness equal to or less than 16 for a centrifugal impeller diameter of approximately 270 mm.
- Example 18 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 9-15, wherein the support frame is formed from steel sheet metal having a gauge thickness equal to or less than 18 for a centrifugal impeller diameter of approximately 122 mm.
- Example 19 includes a method of forming a fan assembly. The method includes forming a number of box section rails, coupling together the number of box section rails to form a base unit, coupling an inlet plate to the base unit, coupling a motor mount to the base unit, coupling a motor to the motor mount, and coupling an impeller to a shaft of the motor.
- Example 20 includes the method of example 19, wherein forming the number of box section rails includes bending a flat sheet of metal to form the number of box section rails.
- Example 21 includes the method of any one of examples 19-20, wherein forming the number of box section rails includes joining two L shaped sections of sheet metal together to form the number of box section rails.
- Example 22 includes the method of any one of examples 19-21, further including stamping a number of features within a planar surface of at one sheet metal component of the fan assembly.
- Example 23 includes the method of any one of examples 19-22, wherein stamping a number of features includes stamping a number of features into a portion of the inlet plate.
- Example 24 includes the method of any one of examples 19-23, wherein stamping a number of features includes stamping a number of features into a portion of the motor mount.
- Example 25 includes a fan assembly, including a motor, and an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor, a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes a number of sheet metal components with no component thicker than 14 gauge steel. The fan assembly is designed to operate in a range between a low value of approximately 5,500 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 6.6 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 4,000 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 13.5 inches water gauge (W.G.).
- Example 26 includes a fan assembly, including a motor, and an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor, a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes a number of sheet metal components with no component thicker than 14 gauge steel. The fan assembly is designed to operate in a range between a low value of approximately 4,400 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 4.3 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 3,150 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 8.5 inches water gauge (W.G.).
- Example 27 includes a fan assembly, including a motor, and an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor, a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes a number of sheet metal components with no component thicker than 14 gauge steel. The fan assembly is designed to operate in a range between a low value of approximately 3,400 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 2.5 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 2,415 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 5.0 inches water gauge (W.G.).
- The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
- In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
- The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims (27)
1. A fan assembly, comprising:
a motor;
an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor;
a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes;
a number of sheet metal components; and
a number of formed features within a planar surface of at least one of the number of sheet metal components.
2. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the number of sheet metal components include steel sheet metal.
3. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the number of sheet metal components include aluminum sheet metal.
4. The fan assembly of claim 1 , further including an inlet funnel coupled to an inlet plate, wherein the inlet plate includes a number of formed features within a planar surface.
5. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the number of sheet metal components are joined together using a fastener chosen from a group consisting of rivets, swage locks, bolts, screws, and adhesives.
6. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the number of sheet metal components are joined together using welding.
7. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the impeller is an axial impeller.
8. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the impeller is a centrifugal impeller.
9. A fan assembly, comprising:
a motor;
an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor;
a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes;
a plurality of box section rails coupled together to form a base unit;
an inlet plate coupled to the base unit; and
a motor mount coupled to the base unit.
10. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the motor mount includes a plurality of diagonal cross members to form a truss.
11. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of box section rails includes a first pair of box section rails parallel to a rotation axis of the motor, and at least two second box section rails coupled between the first pair of box section rails to form a ladder base unit.
12. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the support frame includes a number of formed features within a planar surface of at least a portion of the support frame.
13. The fan assembly of claim 12 , wherein the number of formed features are formed within a portion of the motor mount.
14. The fan assembly of claim 12 , wherein the number of formed features are formed within a portion of the inlet plate.
15. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the support frame is formed from steel sheet metal having a gauge thickness equal to or less than 14.
16. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the support frame is formed from steel sheet metal having a gauge thickness equal to or less than 14 for a centrifugal impeller diameter of approximately 365 mm.
17. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the support frame is formed from steel sheet metal having a gauge thickness equal to or less than 16 for a centrifugal impeller diameter of approximately 270 mm.
18. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the support frame is formed from steel sheet metal having a gauge thickness equal to or less than 18 for a centrifugal impeller diameter of approximately 122 mm.
19. A method of forming a fan assembly, comprising:
forming a number of box section rails;
coupling together the number of box section rails to form a base unit;
coupling an inlet plate to the base unit;
coupling a motor mount to the base unit;
coupling a motor to the motor mount; and
coupling an impeller to a shaft of the motor.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein forming the number of box section rails includes bending a flat sheet of metal to form the number of box section rails.
21. The method of claim 19 , wherein forming the number of box section rails includes joining two L shaped sections of sheet metal together to form the number of box section rails.
22. The method of claim 19 , further including stamping a number of features within a planar surface of at one sheet metal component of the fan assembly.
23. The method of claim 22 , wherein stamping a number of features includes stamping a number of features into a portion of the inlet plate.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein stamping a number of features includes stamping a number of features into a portion of the motor mount.
25. A fan assembly, comprising:
a motor;
an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor;
a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes a number of sheet metal components with no component thicker than 14 gauge steel; and
wherein the fan assembly is designed to operate in a range between a low value of approximately 5,500 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 6.6 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 4,000 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 13.5 inches water gauge (W.G.).
26. A fan assembly, comprising:
a motor;
an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor;
a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes a number of sheet metal components with no component thicker than 14 gauge steel; and
wherein the fan assembly is designed to operate in a range between a low value of approximately 4,400 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 4.3 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 3,150 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 8.5 inches water gauge (W.G.).
27. A fan assembly, comprising:
a motor;
an impeller coupled to a shaft of the motor;
a support frame coupled to the motor, wherein the support frame includes a number of sheet metal components with no component thicker than 14 gauge steel; and
wherein the fan assembly is designed to operate in a range between a low value of approximately 3,400 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 2.5 inches water gauge (W.G.) and a high value of approximately 2,415 cubic feet per minute at a static pressure of approximately 5.0 inches water gauge (W.G.).
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/220,540 US20150267713A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2014-03-20 | Reduced weight rigid hvac fan construction |
PCT/US2015/021388 WO2015143108A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2015-03-19 | Reduced weight rigid hvac fan construction |
MX2016012212A MX2016012212A (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2015-03-19 | Reduced weight rigid hvac fan construction. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/220,540 US20150267713A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2014-03-20 | Reduced weight rigid hvac fan construction |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150267713A1 true US20150267713A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
Family
ID=54141667
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/220,540 Abandoned US20150267713A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2014-03-20 | Reduced weight rigid hvac fan construction |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150267713A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2016012212A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015143108A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
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US20160102668A1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-04-14 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Llc. | Vertical pump having motor support with truss elements |
EP3219991A1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2017-09-20 | Trane International Inc. | Aligning a centerline of a motor shaft in a fan assembly |
US10054130B1 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2018-08-21 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Rotary seal for an industrial fan assembly |
US10356943B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2019-07-16 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Industrial fan assembly |
US10605258B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2020-03-31 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Forward curved blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US10605262B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2020-03-31 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Axial blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US10935040B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2021-03-02 | The Boeing Company | Radial blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US11268537B2 (en) | 2018-08-06 | 2022-03-08 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Interface for a plenum fan |
US11374458B2 (en) | 2018-10-24 | 2022-06-28 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Electric motor with fluid cooling |
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US20160102668A1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-04-14 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Llc. | Vertical pump having motor support with truss elements |
US10760576B2 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2020-09-01 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Llc | Vertical pump having motor support with truss elements |
EP3219991A1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2017-09-20 | Trane International Inc. | Aligning a centerline of a motor shaft in a fan assembly |
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US11846301B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2023-12-19 | Trane International Inc. | Aligning a centerline of a motor shaft in a fan assembly |
US10605262B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2020-03-31 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Axial blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US10605258B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2020-03-31 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Forward curved blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US10356943B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2019-07-16 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Industrial fan assembly |
US10935040B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2021-03-02 | The Boeing Company | Radial blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US10054130B1 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2018-08-21 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Rotary seal for an industrial fan assembly |
US11268537B2 (en) | 2018-08-06 | 2022-03-08 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Interface for a plenum fan |
US11959495B2 (en) | 2018-08-06 | 2024-04-16 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Interface for a plenum fan |
US11374458B2 (en) | 2018-10-24 | 2022-06-28 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Electric motor with fluid cooling |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2015143108A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
MX2016012212A (en) | 2017-04-06 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TWIN CITY FAN COMPANIES, LTD., MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ROBINSON, JEFFREY WILLIAM;SCHULZ, DANIEL RICHARD;REEL/FRAME:032486/0892 Effective date: 20140320 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |