Fan Frame Fixing Module Eliminates Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing case structures with fan frames are complex to assemble, leading to high assembly time and cost, and they transmit vibration energy to electronic components, potentially damaging them due to the use of hard fastening elements.
Innovation Solution
A simplified case structure with a fan frame fixing module that includes a fan frame, positioning part, and auxiliary part, where the fan frame is fixed using the positioning and auxiliary parts without screws, and optional vibration-absorbing elements are used to reduce vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to fix the fan frame to the housing, then the fan frame is securely fastened, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screws from the fastening system entirely, extracting the harmful fastening elements that caused both complexity and vibration transmission. The fan frame is instead retained through friction between the elastomeric material and the housing surface, eliminating the need for additional fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the fan frame by using an elastomeric material that can deform under compression. This allows the fan frame to conform to the housing surface and create sufficient frictional force for retention without mechanical fasteners, transforming the fastening mechanism from rigid to flexible.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hard fastening elements are used to secure the fan frame, then the assembly is stable, but vibration energy is transmitted to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the fan frame from rigid to elastomeric, which fundamentally alters how vibrations are handled. The elastomeric material absorbs and dampens vibration energy through its viscoelastic properties, preventing transmission to the housing and internal components while maintaining assembly stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful rigid connection into a beneficial vibration-dampening connection. The elastomeric material's ability to deform and return to shape is transformed from a potential weakness into a virtue that actively absorbs vibration energy, turning what would be a transmission path into a damping medium.
3Reliability
If multiple screws are used at each corner of the fan frame, then the fastening is secure, but the assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all screws and fastening hardware from the assembly process, reducing the number of components from multiple screws per corner to zero. This dramatically simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable retention through friction-based holding of the elastomeric fan frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple screws into a single integrated elastomeric component. The fan frame itself becomes both the structural element and the fastening element, combining what were previously separate functions into one unified component that achieves retention through its material properties.
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
This solution reduces assembly time and cost by eliminating the need for screws and minimizes vibration transmission to electronic components, enhancing their stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the fan frame is provided with plural vibration-absorbing elements for reducing vibration energy of the operating fans
Data Source
AI summary
A case structure includes a first housing and a fan frame fixing module. The fan frame fixing module includes a fan frame, a positioning part and an auxiliary part. The positioning part is disposed on the first housing. The auxiliary part is disposed on the first housing. The fan frame urges against the first housing and the positioning part, and the auxiliary part urges against the fan frame so that the fan frame is fixed on the first housing.