Fan Frame Fixing Mechanism With Elastic Buffer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing mechanisms for fan frames in servers suffer from noise issues due to loose screws and reduced vibration absorption capability over time, as elastic washers become thinner and experience elastic fatigue under constant pressure.

Innovation Solution

A fixing mechanism featuring a locking elastic tab and an elastic buffer installed between locking portions, which reduces vibration and maintains high elasticity to prevent fatigue, eliminating the need for screws with elastic washers for secure attachment to the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If elastic washers are mounted on screws to reduce vibration and noise, then shock absorption capability is improved, but the elastic washers become thinner due to constant pressure and experience elastic fatigue, reducing their effectiveness over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and noiseVSAvoidelastic washer durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the elastic buffer by providing it with a hollow internal cavity filled with buffer material. This structural parameter change allows the buffer to absorb vibrations through the compression and expansion of the buffer material within the hollow space, rather than relying solely on the elastic deformation of a solid washer, thereby maintaining reliability over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining an elastic buffer material with a hollow internal cavity. The buffer material (such as foam, rubber, or gel) is contained within the hollow space of the elastic buffer, creating a composite system that provides both elastic support and vibration absorption, improving durability while maintaining shock absorption capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If screws with elastic washers are used to fix the fan frame, then initial vibration absorption is improved, but the screws easily loosen due to insufficient screw threads, causing louder noises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and noiseVSAvoidscrew fixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic buffer acts as an intermediary element between the screw and the fan frame. It provides a larger surface area for force distribution and creates a more stable connection interface, preventing screw loosening while simultaneously absorbing vibrations. The buffer mediates the connection between the rigid screw and the vibrating fan frame, solving both fixation stability and vibration absorption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional change by using a hollow elastic buffer with internal buffer material instead of a flat two-dimensional washer. This three-dimensional structure provides enhanced mechanical interlocking and force distribution in multiple directions, preventing screw loosening while maintaining vibration absorption capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If elastic washers are pressed by screws for long periods, then fixation stability is maintained, but the elastic washers show elastic fatigue and reduced vibration absorbing capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidvibration and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow internal cavity is pre-filled with buffer material before assembly, providing beforehand cushioning capability. This pre-configured buffer material is ready to absorb vibrations from the start, preventing the elastic fatigue that occurs in solid washers under constant pressure, while maintaining both fixation stability and vibration absorption over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 mechanism provides enhanced shockproofing and durability by distributing pressure effectively and maintaining elasticity, reducing noise and vibration while ensuring stable fixation without the drawbacks of traditional elastic washers.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic buffer has less extruding pressure on and thus has higher elastic deformation capacity compared with the elastic washer of the prior art

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

for reducing vibration generated due to the spinning of the cooling fans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS7379300B1Fixing mechanism for a fan fixing frame
Publication Date: 2008.05.27 INVENTEC CORP
  • US7379300B1 patent drawing
  • US7379300B1 patent drawing
  • US7379300B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A fixing mechanism fixes a side of a fan frame having a plurality of cooling fans and provided with a locking elastic tab having a second locking portion to a bottom board of a housing of an electronic device. The fixing mechanism includes a fixing tab fixed to the bottom board; a locking tab corresponding to the locking elastic tab and vertically installed on the fixing tab for fixing the fan frame, the locking tab having a first locking portion for being locked to the second locking portion; and an elastic buffer installed between the first locking portion and the second locking portion, for reducing vibration generated due to the spinning of the cooling fans.