Adjustable Fan Cage Assembly for Server Rack Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fan connectors are fixed and not adaptable to server racks of different heights, requiring redesign or new fan development for each rack configuration, increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A cage assembly with an adjustable component that allows the connector position to change, enabling compatibility with various rack heights by moving between defined positions to align with circuit board connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fan connector position is fixed, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and the structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different rack configurations is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different rack configurationsVSAvoidconnector position adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector position is made adjustable through a movable mounting structure that allows the connector to be repositioned along the circuit board. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the same fan assembly to adapt to different rack configurations (1U, 2U, 3U, etc.) without requiring multiple fixed designs, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fan assembly is designed with a universal connector mounting structure that can accommodate multiple rack unit configurations. By making the connector position adjustable rather than fixed, a single fan design can serve multiple functions across different rack sizes, eliminating the need for separate fixed connector designs for each rack configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the fan connector position is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the need for multiple fan designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidconnector position adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fan assembly is designed with a universal connector mounting structure that can accommodate multiple rack unit configurations. By making the connector position adjustable rather than fixed, a single fan design can serve multiple functions across different rack sizes, eliminating the need for separate fixed connector designs for each rack configuration and thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector position is made adjustable through a movable mounting structure that allows the connector to be repositioned along the circuit board. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the same fan assembly to adapt to different rack configurations (1U, 2U, 3U, etc.) without requiring multiple fixed designs, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connector position is adjustable, then the adaptability to different rack configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various rack heightsVSAvoidadjustable component mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector position is made adjustable through a movable mounting structure that allows the connector to be repositioned along the circuit board. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the same fan assembly to adapt to different rack configurations (1U, 2U, 3U, etc.) without requiring multiple fixed designs, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11997820B2Cage assembly and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2024.05.28 WISTRON CORP
  • US11997820B2 patent drawing
  • US11997820B2 patent drawing
  • US11997820B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cage assembly includes a cage body and an adjustable component, where the adjustable component is movably disposed on the cage body, the adjustable component has a connector-installing portion, and a position of the connector-installing portion is changed along with the adjustable component.