Modular Combined Fan Structure with Snap-Fit Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined fan structures are inflexible and costly to reconfigure as hardware configurations in computer mainframes change, as they require complete replacement of fixed-numbered fans, which is inconvenient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A modular combined fan structure with interchangeable sub-fans connected via a snap-fit connector system, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and internal wiring channels to manage connections neatly, reducing external wiring exposure and improving protection against dust and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fans are fixedly mounted together on a fan carrier to form a combined fan, then the cooling effect is improved and noise is reduced, but the adaptability to changing hardware configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The combined fan is divided into multiple independent sub-fans that can be separately mounted and removed. Each sub-fan includes an impeller assembly and mounting structure, allowing selective configuration based on cooling requirements without replacing the entire fan unit
Solution Approach 2:
The fan mounting structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The first and second mounting structures enable sub-fans to be added or removed according to changing hardware configurations and cooling demands
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed number of fans are mounted together, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is segmented into modular sub-fans with standardized mounting interfaces. This segmentation maintains structural stability when assembled while enabling easy reconfiguration by allowing individual sub-fans to be added or removed without affecting the entire assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structures are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same first and second mounting structures to accommodate different numbers and configurations of sub-fans, providing both stability and reconfigurability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the circuit between multiple fans is closed to form a combined fan, then the noise is reduced, but the cost of complete replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combined fan consists of multiple independent sub-fans with separate circuits that can be selectively activated. This allows the system to maintain low noise operation through coordinated control while reducing replacement costs by allowing individual sub-fan replacement rather than complete assembly replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables selective replacement of only the sub-fans that are damaged or no longer needed, while retaining functional sub-fans for continued use, thereby reducing material waste and replacement costs
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
Enables flexible configuration of fan numbers to match changing cooling demands, reduces replacement costs, and enhances the appearance and reliability of the fan system by minimizing external wiring and protecting internal components.
Implementation Method 1
the hook slidingly abuts against the bottom of the socket and pushes the elastic flap in a direction away from the socket, such that the elastic flap is elastically deformed and stores elastic potential energy. When the hook moves to the snapping groove, the elastic flap releases the elastic potential energy, such that the hook is snapped into the snapping groove
Data Source
AI summary
A combined fan structure includes sub-fans and a connector connected between two adjacent sub-fans, the sub-fan includes an impeller mounting shell and an impeller assembly mounted on the impeller mounting shell, each of two sidewalls of the impeller mounting shell away from each other is respectively configured with two sockets, two sidewalls of the two sockets away from each other are each configured with an insertion opening configured for the connector to be inserted into, two sidewalls of the socket adjacent to the insertion opening are respectively configured with a limiting bar, a limiting channel is formed between the limiting bar and a bottom of the socket, the limiting channel is in communication with the insertion opening; a snapping groove is defined at the bottom of the socket, when the connecting plate body is inserted in the socket, the hook is snapped in the snapping groove.