Segmented Thin Plate Anti-Backflow Device for Small Fan Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan units in electronic devices face issues with air backflow when they malfunction or are deactivated, leading to system instability, especially in devices with cross-connected fluid supplies, and existing anti-backflow devices are difficult to manufacture and install for small fan units like those with dimensions 40 mm×40 mm or 38 mm×38 mm.
Innovation Solution
A thin plate anti-backflow device is fabricated by cutting a rectangle plate with parallel blades and connecting arms, which covers the air outlet when not in use and rotates to allow airflow when the fan is activated, preventing backflow and securely attaching to the fan unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shutter types of anti-backflow devices are used, then backflow prevention is achieved, but manufacturing and installation become difficult for small fan units
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-backflow device is segmented into multiple first blades arranged in parallel, each blade having connecting arms that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the device to be manufactured as a thin plate that can be easily cut and installed on small fan units, while still providing effective backflow prevention through the collective action of multiple blades
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting arms are designed to rotate, allowing the first blades to dynamically adjust their position. When the fan operates, the blades rotate to allow airflow; when the fan stops or malfunctions, the blades return to block the air outlet, preventing backflow. This dynamic mechanism simplifies the overall structure compared to conventional shutters while maintaining reliability
2Volume of moving object
If the fan unit size is reduced to 40 mm×40 mm or 38 mm×38 mm, then space utilization is improved, but installation of anti-backflow devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-backflow device is constructed as a thin plate with parallel blades that can be flexibly cut and attached to small fan units. This thin-film structure adapts to the compact dimensions of small fan units (40 mm×40 mm or 38 mm×38 mm) while remaining easy to manufacture and install, overcoming the limitations of rigid shutter mechanisms in confined spaces
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-backflow device for a fan unit, which is fabricated by cutting a rectangle thin plate, includes: a plate body defining an air outlet to permit air outflow upon activation of the fan unit, and having at least two inner peripheral sides; a plurality of connection arms; and a plurality of blades. Each blade is connected a pair of the connection arms, which are in turn connected to two connecting holes formed in the inner peripheral sides of the plate body.