Reversible Fan Assembly With Sliding Brackets for Bidirectional Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for achieving bidirectional airflow heat dissipation in electronic devices require additional fan units and are inefficient in terms of configuration and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly with a single fan unit that can switch between forward and reverse airflow directions using a sliding bracket system and locking mechanisms, allowing easy removal and replacement of fan sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fan unit that achieves reverse airflow is removed and replaced with a fan unit that achieves forward airflow, then the airflow direction can be changed, but additional configuration costs are required and the replacement efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The fan blade assembly is designed with rotatable blades that can dynamically change their orientation angle. The blade assembly includes a blade holder and multiple fan blades that can rotate relative to the housing, allowing the same physical fan unit to achieve different airflow directions (forward or reverse) by adjusting the blade angle, eliminating the need for complete fan unit replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The fan unit is segmented into separable components: the motor assembly and the blade assembly. The blade assembly can be independently removed and replaced through the opening in the housing, allowing easy reconfiguration of airflow direction by swapping blade assemblies with different orientations while keeping the motor assembly in place
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fan units are configured to achieve bidirectional airflow, then heat dissipation in both directions is possible, but material management requirements and storage space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single fan unit is designed to perform multiple functions by achieving bidirectional airflow capability through rotatable blades. The same fan unit can direct airflow in opposite directions depending on the blade orientation, eliminating the need for separate fan units for forward and reverse cooling, thus reducing material quantity and storage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The fan blade assembly incorporates dynamic adjustability allowing the blades to rotate to different angles. This dynamic capability enables one fan unit to replace what would traditionally require two static fan units, reducing the quantity of fan units needed while maintaining bidirectional heat dissipation functionality
3Ease of operation
If a fan unit is designed with fixed airflow direction, then the structure is simple, but the efficiency of replacing fan unit to change airflow direction is low
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is divided into modular segments: the motor assembly and the blade assembly. The blade assembly is designed as a separate replaceable component that can be easily removed through an opening in the housing and replaced with a pre-assembled unit, significantly improving replacement efficiency compared to replacing individual blades or the entire fan unit
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assemblies are pre-assembled with the correct orientation and configuration before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick replacement and reconfiguration of airflow direction without requiring on-site assembly or adjustment, improving operational efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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 efficient bidirectional airflow with reduced material management and storage requirements, and simplifies the process of changing airflow direction and replacing fan sections.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of fan sections is received in a corresponding fan mounting chamber along the first direction, and has an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet along the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly and an electronic device are provided in the present disclosure. The electronic device comprises a housing and the fan assembly mounted in the housing. The housing is provided with a receiving chamber, a first opening, and a second opening. The fan assembly includes a plurality of brackets, a fan unit, and a plurality of locking mechanisms. The fan unit includes a mounting plate and a plurality of fan sections. The fan unit may be fitted in the receiving chamber in a forward state or a backward state, to achieve a forward airflow or a backward airflow. Each of the plurality of fan sections may be locked to each bracket by each locking mechanism and be taken out from the receiving chamber with a corresponding bracket.