Tool-Free Fan Fixing Device for Compact Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan fixing methods in electronic devices, such as screw locking, require tools and result in increased maintenance time due to narrow operating spaces in compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A fan fixing device with a fixing base and detachable fixing piece that uses clamping connections between the fixing piece and the fixing base to secure the fan without tools, utilizing the existing holes on the fan's side plates for alignment and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw locking is used to fix the fan, then the fan can be securely fixed in the host chassis, but tools are required and maintenance time increases due to narrow operating space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-locking mechanical system with a snap-fit mechanism. The fixing piece includes elastic fingers that can be inserted into corresponding slots on the fan frame, allowing tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure fixation. This substitution eliminates the need for screwdrivers and reduces maintenance time in compact spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate fixing piece as an intermediary component between the fan and the host chassis. This fixing piece can be pre-assembled with the fan using simple snap-fit connections, and then the entire assembly can be quickly installed or removed from the chassis without requiring tools. The intermediary component decouples the complex fixation requirements from the fan itself
2Reliability
If screw locking is used to fix the fan, then the fan can be securely fixed in the host chassis, but the operating space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit mechanism replaces the screw-locking system, eliminating the need for tool insertion space. The elastic fingers can be engaged and disengaged by hand manipulation within the compact chassis space, reducing the operating space requirement while maintaining secure fixation
3Reliability
If traditional fan fixation is used, then the fan can be securely mounted, but disassembly and assembly require tools and increase maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit mechanism replaces screw locking, allowing fingers to be inserted into slots and engaged with elastic fingers without tools. This enables easy hand-operated assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure mounting, significantly improving ease of operation for maintenance personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic fingers in the fixing piece are designed to automatically engage with the slots on the fan frame when the fixing piece is inserted, and automatically disengage when pressure is applied to release them. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for tool operation knowledge and simplifies the maintenance process
Data Source
AI summary
A fan fixing device adapted to mount a fan in an electronic device is provided. The fan includes a frame, a first side plate, and a second side plate. The fan fixing device includes a fixing base and a fixing piece. The fixing base includes a side wall with an opening. The fixing piece is detachably mounted around the fan, and includes a main body with a first side, a second side, and a third side, a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a buckling part. The first fixing part is fixed on the first side plate. The second fixing part is fixed on the second side plate. The buckling part is located on the third side, and includes an inner surface facing the frame and an outer surface clamped in the opening, to fix the fan on the fixing base.