Composite Fan Frame Structure for Vibration and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan structures fail to effectively absorb vibrations generated during operation, leading to noise and transmission of vibrations within electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A fan structure with a fan frame having both hard and soft material portions, where the soft portions are integrated into the flow passage and encircle electrical connectors, providing a unitary structure that absorbs vibrations and enhances sealing and waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional fan structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vibration-absorbing effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fan frame is constructed using composite materials with different hardness values. Specifically, the fan frame includes a first portion made of a first material and a second portion made of a second material, where the first material has a different hardness than the second material. This composite structure allows the fan frame to absorb vibrations effectively while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated molding processes.
2Strength
If a hard material fan frame is used, then the structural strength is high, but the vibration transmission to the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the fan frame are made from materials with different hardness values to achieve local optimization. The first portion uses a harder material for structural strength, while the second portion uses a softer material to absorb vibrations and reduce vibration transmission to the electronic system. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between overall structural strength and vibration isolation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft material fan frame is used, then the vibration-absorbing effect is improved, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan frame employs composite materials with different hardness values in different portions. The softer second portion provides vibration absorption, while the harder first portion maintains structural strength. This composite approach allows the fan frame to simultaneously achieve both vibration absorption and structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If separate vibration-absorbing components are added, then the vibration-absorbing effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-absorbing function is integrated directly into the fan frame structure itself, eliminating the need for separate vibration-absorbing components. The fan frame includes portions made of different materials with different hardness values, where the softer portions serve as built-in vibration absorbers. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining effective vibration absorption.
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
The integrated material design reduces airflow loss, operating noise, and vibration transmission, while ensuring effective sealing and waterproofing during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the first relatively soft portion serves as a part of a wall surface of the flow passage... the different material portion also provides a vibration-absorbing effect
Implementation Method 2
the side wall is a unitary structure of the first plastic portion and the first different material portion formed by a dual-material injection or a secondary injection
Data Source
AI summary
A fan structure includes a fan impeller, a motor and a fan frame. The motor has a rotating shaft connected to the fan impeller. The fan frame encloses the motor and the fan impeller to form a flow passage. The fan frame has a bottom wall and a side wall. The side wall includes a first relatively hard portion and a first relatively soft portion that is exposed in the flow passage.