Speed limited fan
US6200098A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04D27/008
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a method of driving a plurality of plastic fan blades (14) integrally molded with a band (16) about and engaging a metal driving hub (12) at an interface by rotating the fan blades (14) in unison with the hub (12) up to a predetermined rotational speed at which the band (16) flows or expands radially to create a space between the band (16) and the hub (12) whereby the fan blades (14) are allowed to rotate at a slower rotational speed than the hub (12) to prevent the fan blades (14) from bursting in response to centrifugal force. The drive connection may optionally include band projections (24) and/or male projections (26) which shear before or as the separation occurs. A film may be disposed at the interface to prevent the plastic of the fan blades (14) and band (16) from bonding to the metal hub (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.