Fan Fluid Dynamic Bearing Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increased heat generation in electronic devices requires fans to operate at higher speeds, leading to greater vibrations that can cause errors in disk drive apparatuses and other devices.
Innovation Solution
A fan design incorporating a motor with a fluid dynamic bearing mechanism, featuring a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion, thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion, and a single continuous bladder structure filled with lubricating oil to reduce vibrations by utilizing fluid dynamic pressures and a seal gap to maintain lubrication and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fan rotation speed is increased to increase air volume, then the cooling performance is improved, but the vibrations of the fan increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid dynamic bearing system where lubricating oil is supplied to the bearing portion to create a fluid pressure field. This hydraulic bearing mechanism supports the rotating shaft, allowing the fan to operate at high speeds required for increased air volume while the fluid pressure absorbs and dampens vibrations, preventing them from affecting other electronic devices
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a fluid dynamic bearing mechanism is used to reduce vibrations, then the vibration levels are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lubricating oil supply system directly into the bearing structure, where the stationary portion includes a lubricating oil supply portion that communicates with the bearing portion. The bladder structure is formed by integrating the seal gap, radial gap, and thrust gap into a single continuous structure. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the vibration-reducing fluid dynamic bearing functionality
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 fan achieves reduced vibration levels, lower power consumption, and cost-effective manufacturing compared to ball-bearing fans, while maintaining stability and preventing lubricant evaporation, thus minimizing interference with other electronic device components.
Implementation Method 1
a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion arranged to generate a fluid dynamic pressure in a lubricating oil is defined in a radial gap defined between an inner circumferential surface of the bearing portion and an outer circumferential surface of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a thrust dynamic pressure bearing portion arranged to generate a fluid dynamic pressure in the lubricating oil is defined in a thrust gap defined between the annular surface and a surface of the bearing portion which is axially opposed to the annular surface
Implementation Method 3
the lubricating oil is arranged continuously in the bladder structure, and a surface of the lubricating oil is defined only in the seal gap
Data Source
AI summary
A fan includes a motor and an impeller. The motor includes a stationary portion and a rotating portion rotatably supported by the stationary portion. The stationary portion includes a stator and a bearing portion arranged inside of the stator. The rotating portion includes a rotor magnet arranged radially outside the stator; a shaft inserted in the bearing portion, and having an upper portion fixed to the impeller directly or through one or more members; and a thrust portion arranged axially opposite the bearing portion, and including an annular surface arranged around the shaft.