Self-Adjusting Fan Diverter for Multi-Direction Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air cooling systems for electronic devices require multiple fan modules to manage airflow direction and percentage, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and costs, while also potentially causing acoustic issues due to fan vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting fan module with a diverter wall and torsion spring, combined with a guide pin that engages with a guide path in the chassis bay, allowing for directional control of airflow from zero to 100% in one or multiple directions, eliminating the need for multiple fan modules and reducing acoustic noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fan modules are used to manage airflow direction and percentage, then airflow control capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan module is designed with a universal fan diverter assembly that can work with multiple guide path configurations (first guide path, second guide path, third guide path) to achieve different airflow directions and percentages. This single multi-functional module replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized fan modules, thereby improving airflow control capability while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fan modules are used to manage airflow direction, then airflow control capability is improved, but acoustic noise increases due to fan vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple airflow control functions into a single fan module by combining the fan assembly with an interchangeable guide path system. Instead of using multiple separate fan modules that would each generate vibrations and acoustic noise, one fan module with interchangeable guide paths achieves the same airflow control capability with reduced acoustic noise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fan modules are used for different airflow directions, then airflow control capability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan module employs a universal fan diverter assembly that can be configured for different airflow directions by simply changing the guide path insert. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple specialized fan modules, each optimized for a specific direction, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to control airflow in multiple directions.
4Ease of operation
If a fixed diverter wall is used to direct airflow, then airflow direction control is simplified, but adaptability to different airflow percentages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fan diverter assembly is designed with movable components including a fan diverter body that can rotate and an interchangeable guide path system. This dynamic design allows the airflow direction and percentage to be adjusted by changing the guide path insert or rotating the fan diverter body, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability to different airflow percentages and directions.
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 simplifies manufacturing by using a single fan module with interchangeable guide paths, effectively directing airflow while minimizing acoustic noise and reducing the complexity of airflow management in electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The fan diverter includes a diverter wall and a torsion spring along the diverter wall to position the diverter wall
Data Source
AI summary
A fan module is provided herein. The fan module includes a fan, a fan diverter, and a guide pin. The fan diverter is formed in the fan module. The fan diverter includes a diverter wall and a torsion spring along the diverter wall to position the diverter wall. The guide pin is connected to the diverter wall. The guide pin is formed to engage with a guide path formed along a chassis bay to position the diverter wall.