Fan Module Asymmetric Fixing Slots Prevent Misplacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The misplacement of fan, air guiding, and air blocking components in thermal dissipation modules can lead to decreased thermal dissipation efficiency, causing overheating and potential damage to electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A foolproof fan module design featuring a frame with specific fixing slots and distances to ensure correct installation of fan, air guiding, and air blocking components, preventing misplacement and maintaining thermal dissipation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fan components, air guiding components and air blocking components are arranged based on the structure of the electronic device, then the thermal dissipation module can be integrated into the electronic device, but misplacement of these components may occur causing decreased thermal dissipation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration into electronic deviceVSAvoidthermal dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing fixing slots with different widths (first width, second width, third width) and different distances from the middle plane. This asymmetric configuration ensures that each component (fan, air guiding, air blocking) can only be installed in its correct position, preventing misplacement while maintaining integration into the electronic device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the frame with multiple fixing slots of varying dimensions and positions before component installation. This pre-established asymmetric slot configuration guides the components into their correct positions during assembly, ensuring proper placement before the thermal dissipation system becomes operational.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If components are misplaced, then the assembly process becomes simpler and more flexible, but thermal dissipation efficiency decreases causing overheating and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidoverheating and damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric fixing slots with different widths and distances create a foolproof assembly system where components can only be installed correctly. This maintains assembly flexibility while eliminating the risk of misplacement that would lead to overheating and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the fixing slots to physically prevent incorrect component placement. The asymmetric dimensions create mechanical interference that blocks misplacement before it can occur, thereby preventing the harmful effects of improper assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed width fixing slots are used for all components, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but component placement precision cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcomponent placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the widths of fixing slots at different locations (first width, second width, third width) and at different distances from the middle plane. This localized differentiation ensures each component fits precisely in its designated position while keeping the overall manufacturing process relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The asymmetric slot dimensions provide precise component placement without requiring complex manufacturing. Each slot's unique width and position creates a simple yet effective positioning system that ensures manufacturing precision through geometric constraints rather than complex processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS9938987B2Fan module
Publication Date: 2018.04.10 INVENTEC PUDONG TECH CORPOARTION
  • US9938987B2 patent drawing
  • US9938987B2 patent drawing
  • US9938987B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fan module comprises a frame and at least one filling component. The frame comprises a base plate and a plurality of partition plates. A plurality of air flow channels are formed by the base plate and the plurality of partition plates. Each partition plate has a first fixing slot, a second fixing slot, a third fixing slot and a fourth fixing slot that are located at a side away from the base plate in sequence. The first fixing slot has a first width. The second fixing slot has a second width. The third fixing slot has a third width, and the fourth fixing slot has a fourth width. The filling component is filled in the air flow channels. The first width is the same as the third width. The first width, the second width and the fourth width are different from one another.