Suspended Fan Modules With Damping For Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems face challenges in maintaining a desired temperature range due to heat generation and require quick replacement of cooling devices like fans, which are often space-constrained and difficult to install and replace.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile fan assembly with a mounting structure that includes a support surface and aperture, allowing for easy installation and replacement, featuring a fan module with dampened covers to reduce vibration and a compact design that does not interfere with the system's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fan assemblies are used in data storage systems, then cooling function is provided, but the fan assemblies are difficult to install and replace due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is divided into separate components: a fan module with mounting ears and a separate cover assembly. This segmentation allows the fan module to be installed first through the aperture, followed by the cover assembly, enabling tool-free installation and quick replacement while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan module is nested within the cover assembly, with the fan module extending through an aperture in the cover. This nested configuration allows the compact integration of components while maintaining ease of installation and replacement.
2Temperature
If fan assemblies are installed in space-constrained data storage systems, then cooling is achieved, but vibration transfer to other components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration damping material is introduced as an intermediary between the fan module and the cover assembly. This damping material absorbs and isolates vibrations generated by the fan module, preventing their transfer to other components while maintaining the compact design necessary for temperature control in data storage systems.
3Volume of moving object
If compact fan assemblies are used, then space constraints are addressed, but electrical component routing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is achieved by extending conductive contacts through the cover assembly in a direction perpendicular to the main assembly plane. This three-dimensional routing approach allows electrical components to be connected within the compact footprint without requiring complex planar routing, thus maintaining small size while simplifying electrical integration.
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 solution provides flexible routing for electrical components, reduces vibration transfer, and allows for quick replacement of fan assemblies without tools, maintaining system efficiency and preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a fan module with dampened covers to reduce vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a drawer and a fan assembly. The drawer includes a mounting structure with a support surface and an aperture. The fan assembly extends through the aperture and includes a fan module and a top cover. The top cover is coupled to the support surface.