Server Fan Airflow Shielding Structure Prevents Reversal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Server fans in server systems often reverse due to positive pressure airflow during replacement, leading to motor breakdowns under high load as they need to overcome reverse impedance before running.
Innovation Solution
A server fan with an airflow shielding structure featuring shutter plates and a connection rod that can shut the air outlet during replacement to prevent reversal and open with airflow once operational, ensuring normal operation by controlling airflow effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the fan module is removed and replaced in the server chassis, then the faulty fan can be replaced with a good one, but the good fan module may be reversed due to positive pressure airflow inside the chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter plate is pre-installed on the fan module to block the air outlet before the fan is placed in the chassis. This preliminary action prevents the harmful positive pressure airflow from reaching the fan blades during replacement and storage, thereby preventing reversal while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful positive pressure airflow is extracted or blocked from reaching the fan blades by introducing the shutter plate mechanism. The shutter plate acts as a barrier that takes out the harmful airflow path, allowing the fan to be safely replaced without experiencing damaging airflow pressure.
2Reliability
If the shutter plates are shut to prevent fan reversal, then the fan is protected from airflow effects, but the air outlet is blocked during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter plate is designed as a movable component that can dynamically change its state between closed and open positions. During replacement and storage, the shutter plate remains closed to protect the fan from harmful airflow. During normal operation, the shutter plate opens to allow proper airflow through the fan, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter plate mechanism is designed to automatically open when the fan operates normally, utilizing the fan's own operational state to trigger the opening action. This self-service mechanism ensures that the airflow path is restored without requiring manual intervention, maintaining productivity while ensuring protection during replacement.
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
Prevents fan reversal during replacement and maintains normal operation by shielding the fan from chassis airflow, reducing motor breakdowns and enhancing practicality.
Implementation Method 1
the shutter plates are capable of turning simultaneously for opening and closing the air outlet through the connection rod
Data Source
AI summary
A fan module includes a fan body and metal plates. The fan body has a fan seat, and the fan seat is provided with coupling holes. The metal plates enclose the fan body and expose an outlet side. The position assembly includes a position frame and position members. The position frame has an air outlet and is fixed on the outlet side. The airflow shielding structure includes shutter plates and a connection rod. One side of the shutter plates are pivoted at the position frame, and the shuttle plates are capable of turning simultaneously for opening and closing the air outlet so as to maintain the normal operation of the server fan.