Modular Fan Chassis Air Filtering System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filtering systems for modular fan chassis in information handling systems are costly due to custom design requirements, obstruct components, and complicate access to modular fan chassis components.
Innovation Solution
A modular fan chassis with integrated air filtering system, where each modular fan chassis houses an air filter, allowing for tool-less installation and easy replacement, reducing the need for custom designs and enhancing component accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional air filtering subsystem is used, then air filtration is provided for the fan system, but the system requires custom design for each device product which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The air filtering subsystem is designed with universal features that allow it to be used across multiple device product designs. The subsystem includes a housing with front and rear walls that can accommodate different fan configurations, and the air inlet/filter assembly can be positioned to work with various device layouts without requiring custom design for each product.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filtering subsystem is divided into separate modular components including the housing, air inlet assembly, and filter elements. This segmentation allows the subsystem to be configured for different device products by rearranging or repositioning modules rather than redesigning the entire system, reducing custom design requirements.
2Reliability
If a conventional air filtering subsystem secured with multiple screws is used, then air filtration is provided, but access to modular fan chassis components is obstructed and requires complete removal of the filtering subsystem
Solution Approach 1:
The air filtering subsystem is segmented into the housing and the air inlet/filter assembly. The air inlet assembly is secured separately with its own fasteners, allowing it to be removed independently from the housing. This enables access to fan chassis components behind the filter without removing the entire filtering subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The air inlet and filter assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the housing. This extracted assembly can be independently removed through the front wall opening, providing access to components behind it while leaving the housing and other filtering components in place.
3Reliability
If a conventional air filtering subsystem is used, then air filtration is provided, but it obstructs features on the device chassis such as LEDs, PSUs, and cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The air filtering subsystem is designed with localized air intake and filtration paths that are positioned to avoid obstructing device features. The housing and air inlet assembly are configured to draw air from specific locations that do not block LEDs, power supply units, or cabling, allowing each local area to maintain its intended function.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filtering subsystem utilizes the depth dimension by positioning the filter assembly behind the front wall plane. Air is filtered in this rearward space, allowing the filtering function to be performed without the filter elements protruding forward to obstruct device features on the front surface.
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 reduces costs, simplifies access to components, and prevents obstruction of features like LEDs, enabling efficient air filtration across different product designs.
Implementation Method 1
an air filter housing that is defined by the base, that is located between the air inlet and the air outlet, and that is configured to house an air filter
Data Source
AI summary
A modular fan chassis air filtering system includes a base that defines a fan device housing that houses a fan device. At least one system chassis coupling feature is included on the base and couples to a system chassis via a modular fan chassis housing defined by the system chassis. An air inlet is defined by the base and allows air to enter the fan device housing in response to operation of the fan device. An air outlet is defined by the base and allows air to exit the fan device housing in response to operation of the fan device. An air filter housing is defined by the base, located between the air inlet and the air outlet, and houses an air filter that filters the air that enters the fan device housing through the air inlet before that air exits the fan device housing through the air outlet.