Reverse-Airflow Fan Brake Mechanism Without Added Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan brake mechanisms require additional braking circuits or modifications to the fan's circuit board, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A fan brake mechanism with a wind resistor and claw portion that engages and disengages based on fan rotation direction, allowing for repetitive braking without power supply or additional circuitry, featuring a modular design for easy integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional braking circuits or modifications to the fan's circuit board are installed to achieve fan braking, then the braking function is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical braking circuits with a purely mechanical braking mechanism. The brake pawl and ratchet wheel engage through mechanical interaction driven by reverse airflow, eliminating the need for additional braking circuits, microprocessors, or modifications to the fan's circuit board while achieving reliable braking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking mechanism is self-activating through reverse airflow. When the fan rotates in reverse, the airflow automatically engages the brake pawl with the ratchet wheel without requiring external control circuits, power supply, or electronic components, thereby simplifying the device complexity while maintaining braking reliability.
2Reliability
If additional braking circuits are integrated onto the existing fan circuit board, then the braking function is achieved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to densely populated circuit boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical braking components (brake pawl, ratchet wheel, spring) for electrical braking circuits, avoiding the need to integrate additional circuits onto the densely populated fan circuit board. This mechanical approach maintains braking reliability while significantly improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking mechanism is designed as a separate, modular mechanical assembly that can be independently manufactured and then integrated with the fan. This segmentation allows the braking function to be produced separately without complicating the main fan manufacturing process, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If the fan brake mechanism is redesigned to include additional circuits, then the braking control is improved, but the productivity decreases due to increased manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical braking control circuits with a simple mechanical braking system that uses reverse airflow to activate the brake pawl. This substitution maintains effective braking control while dramatically improving manufacturing efficiency by eliminating the need for circuit board redesign and additional electronic component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking mechanism automatically activates through reverse airflow without requiring external control circuits or power supply connections. This self-service characteristic simplifies the overall system, improving productivity by reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining reliable braking control.
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 effective braking of failed fans without modifying the fan assembly, maintaining cooling performance and simplifying integration by eliminating the need for additional circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the thrust generated by the wind resistor counteracts the centrifugal force, causing the movable member to retract inward and prevent activation of the braking function
Implementation Method 2
the thrust generated by the wind resistor counteracts the centrifugal force
Implementation Method 3
the centrifugal force causes the claw portion of the movable member to extend outward, engaging with the hook portion of the brake pawl
Implementation Method 4
This engagement activates the fan brake mechanism, halting the reverse rotation of the failed fan
Data Source
AI summary
A fan brake mechanism includes a fan unit and a brake unit. The fan unit includes a frame and fan blades. The frame includes a vertically extending shaft barrel, and the fan blades are vertically mounted on a shaft with a pivot portion positioned within the shaft barrel. The brake unit includes a brake base and a brake module. The brake base is provided with brake pawls, and the brake module includes a body portion, at least one movable member accommodated within the body portion, and a limit pin corresponding to the movable member. The body portion includes a through groove that engages with the pivot portion, allowing the brake module to pivot on the shaft. A limit slot corresponding to the limit pin is positioned between the claw portion and the wind resistor, enabling the movable member to move within the body portion.