Fan Module Connector Sealing Structure for Automated Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fan modules in electronic devices face challenges in automatic assembly due to the lack of a fixed and controllable shape of the power connecting wire, leading to potential parts damage, machine interruptions, and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof and shockproof structure for a fan module is introduced, comprising a shell, a waterproof rubber sealing ring, and a connector module. The shell has an opening with a flange, and the waterproof rubber sealing ring is installed in the opening, providing auto-alignment, waterproof, and shockproof functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional flexible power connecting wires are used to connect the fan to the power supply, then the fan can be powered, but the flexible wire cannot be automatically assembled due to lack of fixed shape, leading to parts damage and machine interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The power connecting wire is segmented into a rigid connector portion and a flexible wire portion. The rigid connector is fixedly connected to the fan housing, providing a stable interface for automatic assembly, while the flexible wire extends from the connector to provide electrical connection. This segmentation allows the rigid part to be assembled automatically without damage while maintaining the flexibility needed for wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid connector is pre-fixed to the fan housing before assembly. This preliminary action ensures that when the fan is automatically assembled, the connector is already in its correct position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual wire handling during automation and preventing parts damage.
2Productivity
If hooks are used to fix connectors for automatic assembly, then automatic assembly is enabled, but assembly tolerances cause parts damage and machine interruptions, affecting production yield
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof rubber sealing ring serves as a flexible intermediary element that absorbs assembly tolerances. The rubber material deformable nature allows it to accommodate slight misalignments between the connector and the fixing plate during automatic assembly, preventing parts damage while maintaining assembly speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates a movable connection between the rigid connector and the flexible wire, allowing for parameter changes in position and orientation. This flexibility enables the connector to adapt to assembly tolerances automatically, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing precision variations and preventing machine interruptions.
3Extent of automation
If a fixed shape connector is designed for automatic assembly, then assembly automation is improved, but the connector needs additional waterproof and shockproof protection
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof rubber sealing ring simultaneously performs multiple functions: it seals the opening to prevent water ingress, cushions shock impacts, and accommodates assembly tolerances. By merging these functions into a single component, the design achieves waterproof and shockproof protection without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid connector is designed with universal features that serve both automatic assembly and environmental protection needs. The connector's fixed shape enables automation, while its integration with the waterproof sealing structure provides shockproof and waterproof protection, making it a multi-functional component that reduces overall device complexity.
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 proposed structure allows for convenient and safe automatic assembly of the fan module on electronic devices, enhancing production yield and throughput while reducing production costs and improving the reliability and quality of the electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the waterproof rubber sealing ring is installed in the opening of the shell... the waterproof rubber sealing ring includes a first abutting portion, a first surrounding portion and a second abutting portion... the first abutting portion, the first surrounding portion and the second abutting portion cover three surfaces of the flange of the shell
Implementation Method 2
waterproof rubber sealing ring... providing auto-alignment, waterproof and shockproof functions
Implementation Method 3
the connector module is installed in the waterproof rubber sealing ring... the second surrounding portion connected to the second abutting portion and contacting the shell, the electric circuit board and the fixing plate
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof and shockproof structure of a fan module includes a shell, a waterproof rubber sealing ring and a connector module. The shell includes an opening and a flange. The flange is disposed in the opening, the waterproof rubber sealing ring is also disposed in the opening, and the connector module is installed in the waterproof rubber sealing ring, and is movably installed in the opening of the shell. The waterproof rubber sealing ring includes a first abutting portion, a first surrounding portion and a second abutting portion. The first surrounding portion is connected to the first abutting portion, the second abutting portion is connected to the first surrounding portion, and the first abutting portion, the first surrounding portion and the second abutting portion cover three surfaces of the flange of the shell.