Fan Connector Isolation via Spring-Loaded Plunger and Damping Isolators
Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling systems, vibration energy from fans is transferred through the fan carrier to the fan-side connector, causing wear and communication loss due to relative vibration between the connectors, leading to fan failure.
Innovation Solution
A fan carrier with a plunger assembly and multiple isolators is used to dampen vibration energy, allowing the fan-side connector to float and preventing vibration transfer, while the plunger assembly ensures secure seating of the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fan-side connector is rigidly mounted on the fan carrier, then the connector is securely positioned, but vibration energy from the fan is transferred to the connector causing wear and communication loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces isolators as intermediary elements between the fan carrier and fan-side connector. These isolators act as mediators that decouple the rigid mechanical connection, allowing the connector to float independently while maintaining electrical contact. The isolators absorb and dampen vibration energy, preventing its transfer to the connector and thereby resolving the contradiction between secure positioning and vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the fan-side connector can move or 'float' relative to the fan carrier through the compliant isolators. This dynamic capability allows the connector to respond to vibration forces without transmitting them to the rigid fan carrier structure. The plunger assembly provides a spring-loaded mechanism that maintains contact pressure while allowing controlled movement, enabling the system to adapt to vibration conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fan-side connector is allowed to float to reduce vibration, then vibration transfer is prevented, but the connector may not be securely seated
Solution Approach 1:
The isolators serve as intermediaries that enable the connector to float for vibration isolation while simultaneously providing a mechanical interface that maintains positioning stability. The compliant material of the isolators allows relative movement to dampen vibrations while still constraining the connector within the fan carrier structure, preventing complete dislodgement.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger assembly provides a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism that maintains continuous contact pressure on the connector while allowing controlled movement. This dynamic system ensures the connector remains securely seated during normal operation but can move sufficiently to isolate vibrations, resolving the contradiction between security and vibration isolation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If isolators are introduced to dampen vibration, then vibration energy transfer is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolators are introduced as relatively simple intermediary elements between existing components (fan carrier and connector). Rather than redesigning the entire mounting structure, the isolators provide vibration isolation by being placed in the existing mechanical interface, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while achieving the vibration reduction objective.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the plunger assembly is made compliant to allow floating, then vibration isolation is improved, but the connector seating security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger assembly employs a spring-loaded mechanism that dynamically adjusts to vibration conditions. The spring provides continuous contact pressure to maintain secure seating while allowing controlled compression and movement to isolate vibrations. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to maintain both seating security and vibration isolation simultaneously, as the spring can compress to absorb vibration energy while still exerting sufficient force to keep the connector seated.
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 solution reduces wear on connector pins/contacts by minimizing sliding distance and oscillations, enhancing the reliability of the information handling system by preventing fan failure due to vibration-induced wear.
Implementation Method 1
The isolators may be mounted on the fan carrier, and dampen vibration energy in the fan carrier and prevent the vibration energy from being transferred to the fan-side connector
Implementation Method 2
The plunger assembly may be biased toward an at-rest position. The plunger assembly may be in physical communication with the fan-side connector when the plunger assembly is in a deformed position
Data Source
AI summary
A fan carrier is to be placed in physical communication with a fan-side connector of an information handling system. The fan carrier includes a plunger assembly and multiple isolators. The plunger assembly is biased toward an at-rest position. The plunger assembly is in physical communication with the fan-side connector when the plunger assembly is in a deformed position. The isolators are mounted on the fan carrier, and dampen vibration energy in the fan carrier and prevent the vibration energy from being transferred to the fan-side connector. The isolators enable the fan-side connector to float within the fan carrier.