Waterproof Fan Module With Pluggable Connector for Serviceable Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial computers face challenges in achieving both high heat-dissipation and waterproof/dustproof performance while maintaining convenient maintenance of heat-dissipating fans, as conventional designs compromise between these functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A fan device with a pluggable second connecting device, a protective shell, and multiple waterproof rings, integrated with a waterproof wall in the electronic device housing, allowing for replaceable fan units and enhanced waterproof performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat-dissipating fan and heat-dissipating holes are provided on components, then heat-dissipating effect is improved, but waterproof and dustproof performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fan device is segmented into a fan body and a separate lid that can be detached. The lid contains the heat-dissipating holes and the fan body contains the motor and blades. This segmentation allows the lid to be removed for fan maintenance while the sealed fan body remains intact, maintaining waterproof and dustproof performance during normal operation while enabling heat dissipation when the lid is attached with heat-dissipating holes.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible waterproof seal (gasket) is used between the lid and the fan body housing. This flexible seal ensures waterproof and dustproof performance when the lid is attached, while allowing the lid to be easily detached for maintenance. The seal maintains the protective barrier during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between sealed protection and access for maintenance.
2Reliability
If conventional sealed structure is used for waterproof and dustproof, then waterproof and dustproof performance is improved, but maintenance convenience of heat-dissipating fan deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fan device is divided into maintainable segments: the lid can be detached from the fan body housing, allowing the fan motor and blades to be accessed for maintenance while the sealed housing structure remains intact. This segmentation enables easy maintenance without compromising the overall waterproof and dustproof sealed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be dynamically detachable and reattachable, transitioning between a sealed state (for waterproof and dustproof performance) and an open state (for maintenance). This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt between protection mode and maintenance mode, resolving the contradiction between sealed protection and maintenance access.
3Reliability
If fan is fixed in sealed housing, then waterproof and dustproof performance is improved, but replaceability and maintenance of fan unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fan unit is segmented into a replaceable lid component and a permanent sealed housing. The lid can be detached and replaced, allowing fan maintenance and replacement while the sealed housing maintains waterproof and dustproof integrity. This segmentation provides replaceability at the component level without compromising the overall sealed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it seals the fan body to maintain waterproof and dustproof performance, it provides access for maintenance when detached, and it can be replaced if damaged or worn. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the lid a universal component that handles both protection and maintenance needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A waterproof electronic device (100) and a fan device thereof are provided. The waterproof electronic device (100) includes a housing (20), a system component region (20S), a waterproof wall (20W), and the fan device. The system component region (20S) includes a first connecting device (21) exposed to the housing (20). The waterproof wall (20W) is disposed between the housing (20) and the system component region (20S). A fan receiving area (23), a wire passing area (24), and an opening (250) exposed to the housing (20) are defined by the waterproof wall (20W). The opening (250) corresponds in position to the first connecting device (21). The fan device includes a fan lid, a fan body (33), a cable (34), and a second connecting device (35) that is coupled to the first connecting device (21). The fan lid is fixed to the waterproof wall (20W) and covers the fan receiving area (23). The cable (34) is connected to the fan body (33) and the second connecting device (35), and passes through the wire passing area (24).