Modular Fan Assembly With Tool-Free Power and Latching Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional standalone fans require multiple power connections, leading to cable clutter and instability in assembly, and existing modular fan systems suffer from unstable mechanical connections and inconvenient storage of central connectors.
Innovation Solution
A fan module design featuring complementary first and second connectors with conductive pins and contact foils, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and a rotational latching mechanism for secure mechanical and electrical connections between fans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple standalone fans are used to increase cooling capacity, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but cable clutter and assembly complexity increase due to multiple power connections
Solution Approach 1:
The fan system is divided into modular fan units that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each fan body includes integrated connectors that allow sequential coupling of multiple fans without requiring separate power connections for each unit, thus maintaining heat dissipation performance while reducing cable clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fan bodies are merged into a single integrated fan module through sequential mechanical and electrical connections. The connectors combine power supply and signal transmission functions, allowing multiple fans to operate as a unified system with shared power connection, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular fan system with separate central connector is used, then adaptability is improved, but mechanical connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The central connector is merged with the fan body structure to form an integrated assembly. The connector includes a protruding base that mechanically engages with the fan housing, ensuring stable mechanical connection while maintaining electrical connectivity. This integration eliminates the separate connector component and improves connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If central connector is separated from fan body when not in use, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to storage and misplacement issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is permanently integrated with the fan body structure, eliminating the need for separate storage. The protruding base of the connector is fixed to the fan housing, ensuring it remains attached during assembly and disassembly operations. This integration maintains connector adaptability while completely resolving storage and misplacement issues.
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
Ensures stable mechanical and electrical interconnections, reduces component loss, simplifies assembly, and enhances heat dissipation through increased contact area and reliable electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive pin being pressed against the contact foils when the adjacent fan bodies are assembled
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of fans for use in a fan module that is configured to allow tool-free assembly and disassembly, at least one of the fans includes either a first connector and a second connector, two first connectors, or two second connectors, where the first connector and the second connector are complementary. The first connector includes a plurality of conductive pins, and the second connector includes a plurality of contact foils. The first connector of the fan is coupled to the second connector of an adjacent fan to establish both electrical and mechanical connections between the adjacent fans. An external power connector includes either the first connector or the second connector. The external power connector is coupled to a complementary connector of an outermost fan body to supply power to the fan module.