Guide-Pin Fan Diverter for Flexible Airflow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air cooling systems for electronic devices face challenges in efficiently directing airflow and managing temperature while minimizing acoustic noise, requiring multiple fan modules with different orientations and airflow percentages, which complicates manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting fan module with a fan diverter and guide pin system, where the diverter wall is positioned by a torsion spring and guide pin, allowing for interchangeable guide paths in the chassis bay to direct airflow from zero to 100% in one or multiple directions, eliminating the need for multiple fan modules and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fan modules with different orientations are used to control airflow direction, then airflow direction control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic airflow diverter mechanism that can rotate between multiple positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to redirect airflow in different directions. This single movable component replaces the need for multiple fixed fan modules, allowing the system to adapt airflow direction dynamically while maintaining a compact design with reduced component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow diverter serves multiple functions: it directs airflow at various angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°), blocks airflow when needed, and works with a single fan module to achieve what previously required multiple fan modules. This multi-functional component reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility in airflow control.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed airflow diverters are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different airflow directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow diverter transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, rotatable component that can assume multiple positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). This dynamic design maintains manufacturing simplicity through a single movable part while dramatically improving adaptability to different airflow direction requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter wall is designed as a separate, movable component that can be rotated independently to different angular positions. This segmentation allows the diverter to be manufactured as a single piece and then positioned at various angles, combining ease of manufacture with directional adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable guide paths are implemented, then adaptability to different cooling configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin system provides universal positioning capability that works with multiple guide path configurations. A single guide pin design can engage with different guide paths (first, second, third guide paths) to achieve various cooling configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized components while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the airflow diverter and the various guide paths. This single intermediary component enables the system to switch between different cooling configurations without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single fan module is used instead of multiple fan modules, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but airflow control capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic airflow diverter that can rotate to different positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and a movable guide pin that can engage with different guide paths to control airflow percentage. This dynamic positioning system allows a single fan module to provide the same airflow control capability as multiple fan modules would provide, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow control function is segmented into two independent control mechanisms: the airflow diverter for directional control and the guide pin for percentage control. This segmentation allows a single fan module to achieve multi-dimensional airflow control (direction and percentage) that previously required multiple fan modules, reducing cost while preserving capability.
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
This solution enables flexible airflow direction and percentage control with a single fan module, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly complexity while maintaining acoustic stability and efficient heat removal.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring (144) along the diverter wall (142) to position the diverter wall (142)
Data Source
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AI summary
A fan module is provided herein. The fan module includes a fan, a fan diverter, and a guide pin. The fan diverter is formed in the fan module. The fan diverter includes a diverter wall and a torsion spring along the diverter wall to position the diverter wall. The guide pin is connected to the diverter wall. The guide pin is formed to engage with a guide path formed along a chassis bay to position the diverter wall.