Modular Fan Holder for Adjustable Electronic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan modules are inflexible and require new frames for different cooling needs, leading to waste and increased production costs due to their inability to adjust fan positions according to heat source locations.
Innovation Solution
A fan holder design featuring a frame with adjustable components, including lateral plates and fixing members, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and position adjustment of fans within the electronic device case, enhancing flexibility and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fans are fixed in a large frame with screws in an ordered manner, then the fans are protected and fixed, but hardware cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The large frame is divided into multiple detachable fan holders, each capable of being independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows for faster installation by eliminating the need to secure the entire frame structure, while maintaining reliable fan fixation within each modular holder unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan holder design incorporates dynamic positioning features that allow the fan holder itself to be adjusted and repositioned within the case without requiring complete disassembly. This provides both stability during operation and flexibility for future reconfiguration, reducing installation time for different cooling configurations.
2Reliability
If fans are fixed in a large frame with screws, then the fans are protected and fixed, but auxiliary tools like screwdrivers are required causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The fan holder is designed as a self-contained modular unit that can be installed as a complete assembly rather than securing individual fans with screws. This eliminates the need for screwdrivers and other auxiliary tools during installation, while maintaining reliable fixation through the integrated holder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan holder employs a simple clip-based or snap-fit mechanism instead of traditional screw fastening, using inexpensive, tool-free connection methods that provide sufficient fixation stability without requiring expensive or specialized tools for installation and removal.
3Reliability
If conventional fan modules are used, then fans are fixed in position, but the positions of fans cannot be adjusted according to heat source locations
Solution Approach 1:
The fan holder design incorporates adjustable positioning features that allow the holder to be relocated to different positions within the case along guided tracks or mounting slots. This provides adaptability for different heat source locations while maintaining stable fixation once positioned, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and repositioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan holder is designed as a universal component that can be installed in multiple locations within the case and can accommodate different fan sizes or types. This multi-functionality allows the same holder design to serve various cooling configurations, providing both stable fixation and adaptability to different thermal management requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If new frames are needed for different cooling needs, then cooling requirements can be met, but waste and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing entirely new frames for different cooling configurations, the system uses segmented, modular fan holders that can be independently positioned and reconfigured. This allows the same case structure to accommodate various cooling layouts by simply relocating the modular holders, eliminating the need to manufacture and discard entire frames, thus reducing material waste and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular fan holder design enables easy removal and reuse of the same components for different cooling configurations. Rather than discarding entire frames when reconfiguration is needed, the individual fan holders can be recovered, relocated, and reinstalled, significantly reducing material waste and extending component lifecycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan holder includes at least one frame, a first lateral plate, and a second lateral plate. The frame has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to each other, and the first side surface and the second side surface respectively have a positioning member and a slot. Each frame can be selectively combined with each other through the first side surface and the second side surface. The first lateral plate has a positioning trough, and the second lateral plate has a stopper. The first lateral plate and the second lateral plate are detachably disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface respectively. The positioning member is interlocked with the positioning trough, and the stopper is inserted in the slot. The fan is disposed in the fan holder, and the fan holder is fixed to a case of an electronic device, so as to provide an air flow to cool the electronic device.