Hot Swappable Fan Module Light Guide Assembly Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot swappable fan modules face issues with deformation or disintegration when plugged or unplugged due to insufficient or uneven fixing forces, which can lead to damage.
Innovation Solution
The hot swappable fan module incorporates a light guide assembly with a light guide post and stopping portions, along with fixing elements, to securely attach the cooling fan to the outer frame, ensuring even force distribution and preventing deformation during plugging or unplugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a status indicator is required on the cooling fan, then the cooling fan can provide state information, but the available area for disposing the fixing element is reduced, causing insufficient or uneven combining force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixing element into multiple distributed fixing points around the cooling fan perimeter. Instead of relying on a single fixing element that would conflict with the status indicator, multiple fixing points are arranged to distribute the combining force evenly across the fan structure, allowing both the status indicator and sufficient fixing strength to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light guide post with the fixing element structure. The light guide post serves dual functions: it guides light from the status indicator LED and simultaneously acts as a structural component that distributes fixing force. This merging allows the status indicator function and structural strength to be integrated rather than competing for space
2Ease of operation
If the cooling fan is unplugged from a system, then the cooling fan can be replaced, but the side with weaker combining force can be deformed by pulling or even fallen apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates reinforcing ribs and strengthened structural features at the fixing locations before the unplugging operation occurs. These pre-designed structural reinforcements are built into the fan housing and frame, providing additional support and distributing the pulling forces that occur during removal, preventing deformation or disintegration at the weaker combining force sides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by adding reinforcing ribs and structural reinforcements specifically at the fixing element locations and perimeter areas where combining force is applied. These localized structural improvements target the specific areas that experience stress during plugging and unplugging operations, providing enhanced stability without adding unnecessary weight or complexity to the entire fan structure
Data Source
AI summary
A hot swappable fan module includes an outer frame, a cooling fan, a fixing element, and a light guide assembly. The cooling fan is located on one side of the outer frame. The fixing element is operable to fix the outer frame and the cooling fan. The light guide assembly includes a light guide post, a first stopping portion, and a second stopping portion. The light guide post penetrates through the cooling fan and the outer frame. The first stopping portion is located on the light guide post, and abuts against one surface of the cooling fan opposite to the outer frame. The second stopping portion is arranged opposite to the first stopping portion, is light-transmittable, and is optically coupled to the light guide post, and abuts against one surface of the outer frame opposite to the cooling fan.