Fan Module Connector Nesting for Tighter Airflow Layouts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The distance between fans in server fan modules is variable due to cable width, creating ineffective airflow areas that reduce the overall heat dissipation effect.
Innovation Solution
A fan module design with a first and second connector configuration where the orthographic projection of the first connector on the quick release bracket falls within the projection of the fan frame, reducing the distance between fans and forming an effective airflow field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first connector is disposed on the outer wall of the quick release bracket away from the fan, then the connector can be easily connected and disconnected, but the distance between fans increases creating ineffective airflow areas
Solution Approach 1:
The first connector is nested within the quick release bracket structure, with its orthographic projection falling within the projection of the quick release bracket. This nesting arrangement allows the connector to be integrated into the bracket's footprint, eliminating the need for additional space that would otherwise create gaps between fans, while still maintaining accessibility for connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement where connectors extend outward from the bracket, to a two-dimensional planar arrangement where the connector's projection is contained within the bracket's projection area. This dimensional reorganization allows the connector to occupy space efficiently without increasing the overall footprint or creating gaps between adjacent fans.
2Productivity
If the distance between fans is reduced to improve heat dissipation, then airflow efficiency improves, but connector connection and disconnection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is nested within the quick release bracket's projection area, allowing fan modules to be positioned closely together without the connectors interfering with adjacent fans or requiring additional clearance space. This nesting enables reduced inter-fan distance while maintaining connector accessibility through the bracket's integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and quick release bracket are merged into a single integrated assembly, where the connector is fixed to the bracket and their projections are combined. This merging eliminates the need for separate clearance zones for both the bracket and connector, allowing fans to be positioned closer together while the integrated assembly remains accessible for connection and disconnection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan module includes a fan, a fan frame, a pair of quick release brackets, and a connector set. The fan frame has a bottom wall and sidewalls surrounding the bottom wall to form an accommodating space. The fan is suitable for being placed in the accommodating space. The quick release brackets are assembled at two opposite sides of the fan. The connector set includes first and second connectors. The first connector is fixed at one of the quick release brackets. The second connector is fixed at the fan frame. When the fan is placed at the accommodating space, the first connector and the second connector are inserted into each other, and an orthographic projection of the first connector at the bottom wall of the fan frame falls within a range of an orthographic projection of the quick release bracket at the bottom wall of the fan frame.