Fan Wall Module with Movable Wall for Simplified Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan wall modules in IT device conditioning systems are difficult to maintain and install due to complex positioning requirements and the need for specific joints to compensate for standard tolerances, leading to increased costs and risk of system malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A fan wall module design featuring a movable wall that allows easy access to maintenance areas and deformable conduits to compensate for positional differences between modules, facilitating quick installation and maintenance while reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the fan wall modules are arranged side-by-side with rigid connections, then the structural stability is improved, but the installation complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and specific joints to compensate for tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible bellows-like conduits to connect adjacent fan wall modules. These flexible conduits can deform and adapt to positional variations between modules, eliminating the need for precise positioning and complex rigid joints while maintaining structural integrity and fluid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from rigid to dynamic/flexible. The bellows-like conduits provide dynamic adaptation to positional tolerances, allowing the system to accommodate manufacturing variations without requiring complex rigid positioning mechanisms or specialized joints.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the positive pressure portion is fixed to the ground, then the system stability is improved, but the maintenance difficulty increases as elements cannot be accessed without disassembling the fan and plate
Solution Approach 1:
The positive pressure portion is segmented from the fixed structure, allowing it to be independently accessed. The heat exchanger assembly and associated elements can be removed and serviced without disassembling the fan or the mounting plate, as the positive pressure portion itself becomes the accessible module.
Solution Approach 2:
The elements requiring maintenance (heat exchanger assembly, conduits) are extracted into a separately accessible positive pressure portion. This allows these elements to be removed and serviced independently while the fan and mounting structure remain in place, significantly reducing maintenance complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard tolerances are applied to module positioning, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the installation time increases due to the need for peculiar joints to compensate for positional differences
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bellows-like conduits automatically compensate for positional variations within standard tolerances, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment procedures and specialized joints. Installers simply connect the flexible conduits between modules, and the system self-accommodates to positional variations.
Data Source
AI summary
Fan wall module for a fan wall unit arrangement, comprising a frame suitable for being connected to other frame of other fan wall modules, the frame delimiting a space suitable for housing a wall carried by the frame, the fan wall module comprising a fan assembly supported by the wall, this latter dividing such space in a first portion and a second portion, wherein the wall is carried by the frame in a movable manner so that the first portion can be reached through the second portion.