Fan Module Direct Mainboard Connection Without Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fan modules require cables and riser cards for connection to the mainboard, increasing production costs and complicating the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A fan module design that eliminates the need for cables and riser cards by using a base with integrated restriction structures to secure the circuit board directly to the mainboard, allowing direct connection via the base opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cables and riser cards are used to connect the fan module to the mainboard, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the production cost increases and the assembly process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the circuit board connection port and the base structure into an integrated assembly. The circuit board is fixed to the base with its connection port extending through the base, eliminating the need for separate cable connections. This integration reduces the number of components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the fan module and mainboard

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the cables and riser cards from the system by providing a direct mounting structure. The fan module is designed to be mounted directly to the mainboard through the base, with the circuit board connection port establishing electrical connection without requiring intermediate cable components, thus removing the complexity associated with cable management and connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If cables and riser cards are used to connect the fan module to the mainboard, then the connection is stable, but the production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board and base are merged into a single integrated structure where the circuit board is fixed to the base and the connection port extends through the base. This merging reduces the number of assembly steps by eliminating the need to separately install cables and riser cards, thereby improving production efficiency while maintaining stable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the circuit board is restricted by two restriction structures, then the circuit board deformation is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit board stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two restriction structures are merged into the base structure itself, rather than being separate components. The base includes integrated features that restrict the circuit board at two different positions, preventing deformation while maintaining a simple overall structure. This integration avoids adding extra components and keeps the device complexity low

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12453040B2Fan module
Publication Date: 2025.10.21 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • US12453040B2 patent drawing
  • US12453040B2 patent drawing
  • US12453040B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fan module is adapted to be disposed on a mainboard. The fan module includes a base, a stator unit, a circuit board, a first restriction structure and a second restriction structure. The base includes a mounting shaft and a base opening, wherein the mounting shaft has an axis. The mounting shaft is telescoped in the stator unit. The circuit board is coupled to the stator unit, wherein the circuit board includes a circuit board connection port. The first restriction structure restricts the circuit board, wherein the first restriction structure is arranged on the first straight line, and the first restriction structure is disposed a first distance away from the axis. The second restriction structure restricts the circuit board, wherein the second restriction structure is arranged on the second straight line, the second restriction structure is disposed a second distance away from the axis.