Fastener-Free Fan Frame Assembly Using Sliding Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling fan assemblies in electronic devices, such as servers, are inefficient as they require manual fixing of fans using screws or rivets.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly designed for mounting fans without fasteners, utilizing a slider mechanism and resetting member that allows for easy assembly and disassembly by moving the fans along defined slots and using a positioning pin for stability, enabling the fans to be securely attached to the frame without manual fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If manual fixing with screws or rivets is used, then fan attachment stability is improved, but assembly efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can slide relative to each other along guiding slots. The fan mounting structure is segmented into separate components that engage through the sliding mechanism, allowing efficient assembly while maintaining stable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure transitions from a static screwed/riveted connection to a dynamic sliding mechanism. The movable portion can slide along the guiding slots to position and secure fans, providing both assembly efficiency and attachment stability through controlled movement rather than permanent fastening.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent fastening with screws or rivets is used, then fan attachment stability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into removable components where the movable portion can be easily detached from the fixed portion, enabling simple fan removal for maintenance while ensuring stable operation during use through the sliding locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic sliding mechanism allows the movable portion to be easily positioned and locked for stable fan attachment, then readily moved or removed for maintenance, providing both operational stability and ease of repair without permanent fastening.
3Productivity
If a sliding mechanism with guiding slots is used, then assembly efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into fixed and movable portions with guiding slots that provide simple linear movement paths. This segmentation enables efficient assembly through straightforward sliding and locking actions without requiring complex mechanisms, keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for holding cooling fans without the use of screws or rivets includes a bottom plate, a frame on the bottom plate, a slider on the frame, a position pin, and a sliding pin. The frame comprises first and second plates, the first plate defining first and second slots extending in different directions. An end of the sliding pin is connected to the slider, other end of the sliding pin is movable within the second slot, and the slider defines a third slot. The orientation of the second slot is such that pushing the assembly against a spring releases the clamping action of the first and second plates on the assembled fans, and releasing the first and second plates allows the fans in the assembly to be reclamped.