Fan Module Latching and Rotating Groove Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan frame fastening structures for connecting multiple fans in series face instability and inefficiency in axial and horizontal directions, making installation and disassembly cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A fan module design featuring hollow cylindrical fan frames with latching members and rotating grooves that securely lock and unlock, preventing tangential and axial displacement, and surface markers for accurate assembly, enhancing ease of installation and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fastening structure is provided at the joint portion to lock and connect fan frames in series, then the fan frames can be connected in series, but the stability in axial and horizontal directions deteriorates and installation/disassembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening structure is segmented into two distinct functional components: latching members (with latching posts) that prevent horizontal displacement, and positioning portions that prevent axial displacement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in restraining movement in a specific direction, thereby improving overall stability while maintaining series connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching grooves and rotating grooves act as intermediary structures that receive and guide the latching posts and positioning portions. These intermediary features facilitate proper alignment and engagement between adjacent fan frames, ensuring stable connection while enabling easy installation and disassembly through rotational movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fastening structure is provided at the joint portion to lock and connect fan frames in series, then the fan frames can be connected in series, but installation and disassembly efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening structure incorporates rotating grooves that allow the positioning portions to rotate during engagement and disengagement. This dynamic rotational mechanism transforms a potentially complex locking operation into a simple rotational motion, significantly improving installation and disassembly efficiency while maintaining series connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching members and positioning portions are designed to automatically engage with their corresponding grooves when the fan frames are brought together in the correct orientation. The surface markers guide proper alignment, and the structural features self-align during assembly, reducing the need for manual adjustment and improving installation efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If latching members with latching posts are used to prevent tangential displacement, then horizontal stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching posts serve multiple functions: they engage with latching grooves to prevent horizontal displacement, guide the engagement process, and provide tactile feedback for proper alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment features or adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining horizontal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching members are positioned at specific asymmetric locations on the fan frame, and the latching grooves are correspondingly positioned to receive them. This asymmetric arrangement ensures proper orientation during assembly and prevents incorrect installation, simplifying the user interface while maintaining structural integrity and horizontal stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If positioning portions are used to prevent axial displacement, then axial stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning portions operate in the axial dimension while the latching members operate in the horizontal dimension. By addressing axial stability through a separate mechanism (positioning portions with rotating grooves) rather than trying to solve all stability issues with a single complex structure, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining axial stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan module includes a first fan frame and a second fan frame. A side surface of the first fan frame includes a number of latching posts and a number of positioning portions extending toward the second fan frame. A side surface of the second fan frame defines a number of latching grooves in one-to-one correspondence with the latching posts. The side surface of the second fan frame further defines a number of rotating grooves in one-to-one correspondence with the positioning portions. Engagement between the latching posts and the latching grooves restricts a tangential relative displacement between the first fan frame and the second fan frame. Engagement between the rotating grooves and the positioning portions restricts an axial displacement between the first fan frame and the second fan frame.