Fan Motor Reverse Rotation Stopping Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fans in electronic devices or servers face reduced heat dissipation efficiency when one fan fails, as air flow from other fans can cause the failed fan to rotate in reverse, leading to instability and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fan design incorporating a rotor with a first locking mechanism and a stopping assembly, where the rotor stops rotating by contacting a second locking mechanism when reversing, utilizing a rebounding assembly to facilitate movement and contact between the locking mechanisms, ensuring the rotor halts in reverse rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fan fails in an electronic device, then the fan stops rotating, but air flow from other fans causes the failed fan to rotate in reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping assembly is pre-positioned to counteract reverse rotation before it occurs. When the rotor attempts to rotate in reverse due to air flow from other fans, the stopping assembly's locking mechanism engages with the rotor's locking structure to prevent the reverse motion, thereby eliminating the harmful effect before it can compromise system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the harmful reverse rotation force into a beneficial locking action. The air flow that would normally cause reverse rotation instead pushes the stopping assembly into engagement with the rotor, transforming the harmful aerodynamic force into a useful mechanical locking mechanism that secures the rotor in place.
2Reliability
If the stopping assembly is added to prevent reverse rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping assembly is integrated into the motor structure by combining multiple functions into a single component. The stopping assembly includes a locking mechanism that engages with the rotor, a rebounding assembly that provides resetting force, and a stopping blade that physically blocks reverse rotation, all merged into one compact unit that attaches to the motor housing without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical stop to prevent reverse rotation, a locking mechanism to secure the rotor position, and a rebounding system to reset the stopping blade after engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the first and second locking mechanisms contact each other, then reverse rotation is prevented, but the rotor cannot rotate smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are designed with dynamic engagement characteristics. The stopping blade is positioned and dimensioned so that it only engages with the locking mechanism when the rotor attempts reverse rotation. During normal forward rotation, the blade remains disengaged, allowing smooth rotor operation. The rebounding assembly ensures the blade returns to its disengaged position after any contact, maintaining continuous smooth rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking engagement occurs periodically only when reverse rotation is detected. The rebounding assembly creates a cycle where the stopping blade engages briefly to prevent reverse rotation, then resets to its non-interfering position, allowing the rotor to rotate smoothly again. This periodic engagement ensures prevention of reverse rotation without continuous interference with normal operation.
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 solution effectively prevents reverse rotation of the rotor, maintaining heat dissipation efficiency by ensuring that a failed fan does not compromise airflow, thereby enhancing product reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The rebounding assembly may comprise a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member corresponding to the first magnetic member, respectively disposed on the frame and the stopping assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fan and a motor are provided. The fan or the motor includes a shaft seat disposed on a frame, a rotor, and a stopping assembly. The rotor is disposed on the shaft seat and includes a hub and a rotation shaft. The hub has a first locking mechanism adjacent to its peripheral surface, and the rotor is connected to the shaft seat via the rotation shaft. The stopping assembly corresponds to the rotor, and includes a second locking mechanism facing the first mechanism. When the rotor smoothly rotates, the first locking mechanism is separated from the second locking mechanism. When the rotor rotates in reverse, the stopping assembly moves along a first direction, and the first and second locking mechanisms contact each other. When the first locking mechanism is affixed to the second locking mechanism, the rotor stops rotating.