Fan Module Vibration Absorption Assemblies for Hard Disk Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed fan rotation in computer systems causes vibration, which affects the performance and potentially damages internal components like hard disks due to inadequate vibration absorption.
Innovation Solution
A fan module with a casing and two vibration absorption assemblies, comprising first and second vibration absorption components made from different materials, positioned to absorb vibration waves in different frequency ranges, reducing the transmission of vibration to the casing and subsequently to the hard disks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotation speed of the fan is increased to improve heat dissipation efficiency, then the heat dissipation performance is improved, but the vibration amplitude increases and affects the performance of internal electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration absorption assembly as an intermediary component between the fan and the casing. This assembly includes vibration absorption components (such as elastic elements or damping materials) that act as mediators to absorb and attenuate vibration waves generated by the high-speed rotating fan, preventing them from being transmitted to the casing and internal electronic components like hard disks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibration energy generated by the fan into beneficial heat energy through vibration absorption components. The elastic elements and damping materials transform the mechanical vibration energy into thermal energy through internal friction and hysteresis, thereby dissipating the harmful vibrations while maintaining the fan's high-speed rotation capability
2Device complexity
If the fan is fixed directly to the casing to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vibration is directly transmitted to the casing and internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection structure between the fan and the casing by introducing a separate vibration absorption assembly. Instead of a direct rigid connection, the connection is divided into multiple stages: the fan connects to the vibration absorption components, which in turn connect to the casing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural simplicity while incorporating vibration isolation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration absorption assembly employs composite material structures combining different material properties. The assembly may include elastic materials (such as rubber or silicone) combined with damping materials (such as viscoelastic polymers or constrained layer damping structures), creating a composite system that provides both flexibility and vibration dissipation capabilities while maintaining structural integrity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces the intensity of vibration waves transmitted to the casing and hard disks, ensuring normal operation and preventing damage from fan-induced vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The first vibration absorption components and the second vibration absorption components are adapted for absorbing vibration waves in different frequency ranges
Data Source
AI summary
A fan module includes a casing, a fan, and two vibration absorption assemblies. The casing has an accommodating space. The fan is located in the accommodating space and keeps a distance from the casing. Each of the two vibration absorption assemblies includes two first vibration absorption components and a second vibration absorption component. The two first vibration absorption components are respectively in contact with the fan and separated from the casing, respectively. The second vibration absorption component is connected with two first vibration absorption components and the casing, respectively. The first vibration absorption components and the second vibration absorption components are adapted for absorbing the vibration waves having different frequency ranges.