Vibration-Resistant Fan Module Fasteners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling fans mounted on computer enclosures using screws often generate undesirable vibrations, leading to noise and potential damage to other components.
Innovation Solution
A fan module design featuring a U-shaped supporting rack and vibration-resistant fasteners made of rubber or foam, which securely attach the cooling fan to the rack, absorbing vibration energy and minimizing interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling fan is mounted using screws, then the fan is securely fixed to the enclosure, but vibration noise is generated and other components are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration-absorbing mounting structure as an intermediary between the cooling fan and the computer enclosure. This mounting structure includes vibration-absorbing elements (such as rubber or foam materials) that mediate the connection, allowing secure fixation while absorbing vibration energy and preventing noise transmission to other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibration energy generated by the cooling fan into beneficial vibration absorption. By using vibration-absorbing materials in the mounting structure, the harmful vibrations are dissipated as heat or small-amplitude damped oscillations, transforming the harmful effect into a beneficial damping action that protects other components.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration-resistant fasteners are used, then vibration noise is reduced, but the complexity of the mounting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function and vibration absorption function into a single integrated mounting structure. Rather than using separate screws and vibration dampers, the design combines these functions into one component that both secures the fan and absorbs vibrations, thereby reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the mounting structure, combining rigid elements (for structural support and secure fixation) with vibration-absorbing materials such as rubber or foam (for noise reduction). This composite approach achieves both secure mounting and vibration dampening without requiring overly complex structures.
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
The design effectively reduces vibration noise and protects other components by securely fastening the cooling fan and absorbing its operational vibrations, enhancing the stability and quiet operation of the computer enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
vibration-resistant fasteners made of rubber or foam, which securely attach the cooling fan to the rack, absorbing vibration energy and minimizing interference with other components
Data Source
AI summary
A fan module includes a cooling fan, a supporting rack, and a number of fasteners sandwiched between the cooling fan and the supporting rack. The fasteners are made of vibration-resistant material. The supporting rack includes two opposite supporting walls. An installing portion protrudes out from a top of each supporting plate. Each fastener is sandwiched between the cooling fan and the corresponding installing portion. An extension portion extends from each fastener to resist against an outside surface of the cooling fan.