Series Fan Support Frame with Inclined Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional series fans used in electronic devices, such as high-density servers, generate loud noise and excessive vibration due to the alignment of air inlets and outlets and the resonance of fan frames, which can interfere with the operation of sensitive components like hard disks.
Innovation Solution
A series fan design featuring a hollow support frame with inclined passages and receiving spaces that intersect the central axes of two fans at an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees, reducing noise and vibration by altering airflow patterns and disrupting resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air inlet and air outlet of two fans are aligned in a conventional series fan, then the heat dissipation effect is achieved, but the fans generate loud periodic noise due to pulse effect on blades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the air inlet and air outlet positions of the two fans in the series configuration. Instead of aligning them centrally, the inlet of one fan is positioned at a different location relative to the outlet of the other fan, creating an asymmetric airflow path that eliminates the periodic pulse effect on blades while maintaining heat dissipation effectiveness
2Ease of manufacture
If the fan frames are serially connected with engagement structures, then the series fan assembly is achieved, but severe resonance and vibration occur between the two fan frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration isolation component as an intermediary element between the two fan frames. This component acts as a mediator that connects the frames while absorbing and dampening vibrational energy, preventing resonance from propagating through the assembly while still maintaining the structural connection needed for the series configuration
3Device complexity
If the central axes of two fans are serially connected, then the compact series structure is achieved, but the vibration state remains unchangeable and resonance is severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the vibration issue by transitioning from a one-dimensional central axis alignment to a three-dimensional offset configuration. The fans are positioned such that their central axes are staggered in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, creating a spatial arrangement that breaks the resonance pathway while maintaining compact 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
The design effectively lowers noise and reduces vibration, enhancing airflow efficiency and minimizing interference with other electronic components, thereby improving system performance and reducing noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
The inclined passage is positioned between the first and second receiving spaces. A first virtual central line of the first fan and a second virtual central line of the second fan intersect each other in the inclined passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A series fan with support frame includes a first fan, a second fan and a hollow support frame. The support frame has a first receiving space, a second receiving space, an inlet, an outlet and an inclined passage in communication between the first and second receiving spaces. The first and second receiving spaces are respectively positioned in the support frame in adjacency to the inlet and the outlet. The first and second fans are respectively correspondingly received in the first and second receiving to spaces. A first virtual central line of the first fan and a second virtual central line of the second fan intersect each other in the inclined passage.