Pivotable Fan Module Assembly for Rearless Rack Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fan module designs for network device chassis are unable to support both closed cabinets with telescopic rails and without rear access, leading to delays in servicing and increased resource consumption, costs, and labor due to the need to handle two different cabinet configurations.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable removable fan module with fan trays that can be vertically removed from the top or pivoted from the rear, allowing access and replacement in both types of cabinets without disrupting network operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fan modules are designed for fixed installation in closed cabinets with telescopic rails, then structural stability is improved, but accessibility for servicing deteriorates when rear access is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The fan module incorporates a pivotable mechanism that transforms the fixed installation into a dynamically adjustable configuration. The module can pivot between a horizontal operational position and a vertical servicing position, allowing technicians to access the fan module from the top of the cabinet when rear access is unavailable, while maintaining structural stability during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension for servicing by allowing the fan module to pivot from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. This dimensional transformation enables access from the top of the cabinet, creating a new service pathway that bypasses the limitation of rear-only access in closed cabinets with telescopic rails
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fan module designs are created for different cabinet configurations, then adaptability to specific cabinet types is improved, but device complexity and labor costs increase due to handling multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The fan module is designed with universal adaptability through its pivotable mechanism, allowing a single design to serve multiple cabinet configurations. The module can be installed in both open cabinets with rear access and closed cabinets with telescopic rails, eliminating the need for separate designs for different cabinet types and reducing the complexity of handling multiple configurations
3Ease of manufacture
If fan modules require rear access for servicing, then installation in closed cabinets with telescopic rails is simplified, but servicing time and network downtime increase when rear access is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable mechanism allows the fan module to be quickly repositioned from a horizontal operational state to a vertical servicing state, and back again. This dynamic transformation enables rapid servicing from the top of the cabinet without requiring lengthy disassembly or special tools, reducing both servicing time and network downtime while maintaining ease of installation in closed cabinets
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A fan tray, for a fan module of a network device chassis, may include an inner assembly that includes an inner cassette, one or more fans connected to the inner cassette, a first latch connected to the inner cassette and configured to removably connect to an outer assembly of the fan tray, and a fan controller connected to the inner cassette and configured to control operation of the one or more fans. The outer assembly may be configured to receive and retain the inner assembly, and may include an outer cassette with one or more openings configured to communicate with the one or more fans, a second latch connected to the outer cassette and configured to removably connect to a rear portion of the network device chassis, and an adaptor connected to the outer cassette and configured to connect and provide power to the fan controller.