Rotatable Flip-Lock Fan Mounting Mechanism for Server Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan module installations in servers require numerous components, a complex structure, and are time- and labor-intensive, with fan supports obstructing airflow and affecting heat dissipation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fan installing mechanism featuring a rotatable flipping member and locking component that allows for quick installation and removal of fans by switching between avoiding and locking states, eliminating the need for individual screw tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fan supports with bolts and via holes are used, then the fan can be installed and fixed to the bottom plate, but the component quantity increases and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The flipping member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both a mounting support and a locking mechanism. The flipping member includes a flipping body with a first limiting component that fits into the fan's mounting hole, and a locking component that engages with the bottom plate, eliminating the need for separate bolts and via holes
Solution Approach 2:
The flipping member can rotate between different positions: an avoiding position where it is pulled away from the fan for easy installation, and a locking position where it engages with the bottom plate to secure the fan. This dynamic positioning enables simple installation and reliable fixation without complex fastening mechanisms
2Reliability
If bolts are tightened one by one to install the fan module, then the fan can be fixed to the bottom plate, but the installation and detaching processes become time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The flipping member is pre-positioned in an avoiding position during installation, allowing the fan to be placed onto the mounting support without obstruction. Once the fan is in place, the flipping member is rotated to the locking position where the locking component automatically engages with the bottom plate, securing the fan in a single action rather than requiring multiple bolt tightening steps
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component is designed to automatically engage with the bottom plate when the flipping member is rotated to the locking position. The geometric shape and positioning of the locking component ensure that it self-secures the fan to the bottom plate without requiring additional fastening operations or tools
3Reliability
If conventional fan supports are used, then the fan can be mounted to the bottom plate, but the fan support blocks part of the gas flow and affects heat dissipation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flipping member is designed with a segmented structure where the locking component can be positioned at the edge of the mounting support rather than requiring a solid support structure across the entire fan mounting area. This segmentation allows the fan support to be minimized to only the necessary locking function, reducing obstruction to airflow while maintaining secure fan attachment
Data Source
AI summary
In a fan installing mechanism, a base has a first limiting component for limiting the movement of a fan. A flipping member is rotatably connected to the base, and has a second limiting component for limiting the movement of the fan. When the flipping member is in an avoiding state, the flipping member avoids the movement path of the installation of the fan to the base, and the fan is capable of being limiting-fitted to the first limiting component. When the flipping member is in a locking state, the flipping member is flipped relative to the base and the second limiting component is limiting-fitted to the fan, to hinder the fan from disengaging from the base. A locking component is provided between the base and the flipping member, and, when the flipping member is in the locking state, locks the position of the flipping member to the locking state.