Reversible Fan Module With Louver Backflow Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan modules for switches lack anti-backflow devices, leading to recirculation of discharged heated air and potential contamination from dust, oil, or insects, affecting cooling efficiency and normal operation, especially in outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A fan module with an anti-backflow device featuring a louver assembly with pivotally mounted blades and a filter, which seals airflow channels when the fan stops or operates against the intended airflow direction, preventing backflow and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fan modules are used for cooling switches, then cooling function is provided, but heated air may be sucked back into the switch through non-operating fan modules, disrupting cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anti-backflow valve as an intermediary component between the fan module and the air inlet. This valve allows air to flow through the fan module in the correct direction while blocking reverse flow, preventing heated air from being sucked back into the switch through non-operating fan modules and maintaining cooling stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the anti-backflow function from the main fan module structure and implements it as a separate, detachable anti-backflow device. This extracted component can be independently installed on each fan module, providing targeted protection against backflow without compromising the overall cooling system design.
2Device complexity
If fan modules without anti-backflow devices are used, then device complexity is low, but recirculation of discharged air occurs, reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fan module into functional components: the fan unit, the detachable anti-backflow device, and the filter. This segmentation allows the anti-backflow function to be added as a separate module, increasing cooling efficiency without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-backflow device incorporates a louver assembly with pivotable blades that can dynamically adjust their position. The blades pivot to open or close the airflow channel based on airflow direction, providing adaptive control that prevents recirculation while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fan modules are designed for fixed airflow direction, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different switch types (heat exhaust vs cold air intake) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic airflow direction adjustment mechanism where the fan module can be rotated to change the airflow direction. This allows a single fan module design to adapt to different switch types (heat exhaust and cold air intake) by simply rotating the module to the appropriate orientation, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal fan module design that can serve multiple functions by incorporating detachable anti-backflow devices and adjustable airflow direction. This multi-functional design allows the same basic fan module structure to be used across different switch types and applications, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
4Device complexity
If no filter is included in fan modules, then device complexity is low, but dust, oil, or flying insects may be sucked in, affecting normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fan module into distinct functional components, including a detachable filter element. This segmentation allows the filter to be added as a separate, easily replaceable component that protects the fan module from contaminants like dust, oil, and flying insects without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component between the external environment and the fan module internals. This filter acts as a barrier that prevents harmful contaminants from being sucked into the fan module, protecting the internal components while allowing air flow to continue.
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
Effectively prevents recirculation of heated air and ingress of contaminants, ensuring consistent cooling performance and operational reliability in switches, including both hot exhaust and cold air intake types.
Implementation Method 1
a louver assembly with pivotable blades that seal airflow channels when not in use
Implementation Method 2
a filter to prevent impurities
Implementation Method 3
a fan housed within a housing... configured to generate an airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A fan module includes a mounting bracket, a fan and an anti-backflow device are detachably installed in the mounting bracket. The fan is configured to generate airflow along a predetermined direction, and the anti-backflow device allows the airflow to pass through. The fan is configured to generate airflow in another direction by being turned over, and the anti-backflow device allows the airflow in another direction to pass through be being turned over correspondingly. The anti-backflow device includes a louver assembly for one-way pass function. An electronic device includes the fan module is also provided.