Centrifugal fan impeller with variable shape fan blades and method of assembly

US9689264B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Regal Beloit America, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Rachele Barbara Cocks · Huntington, US
• Michael Raymond Hull · Fort Worth, US
• Norman Carl Golm, JR. · Fort Wayne, US
• Brian L. Beifus · Fort Wayne, US
• Zachary Joseph Stauffer · Fort Wayne, US
• Lisa Marie Warriner · Fort Wayne, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 27, 2017
• Expiry date: May 24, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49336
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In one aspect, a flexible fan blade for use in a centrifugal fan impeller having at least one of a rear plate and a front plate with an air inlet is provided. The flexible fan blade comprises a fixed central portion fixedly coupled to at least one of the front plate and the rear plate of the centrifugal fan impeller. The flexible fan blade also includes a trailing edge extending from the fixed central portion and being moveable between a first position and a second position. The trailing edge is fabricated from a compliant material. Furthermore, the trailing edge is flexible in relation to the fixed central portion between a first position and a second position. The flexible fan blade also includes a leading edge extending from the fixed central portion in opposed relation to the trailing edge.