U.S. patent application number 10/396535 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for removable fan module and electronic device incorporating same.
Invention is credited to Arbogast, Porter, Roesner, Arlen L..
Application Number | 20040190246 10/396535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32988793 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040190246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arbogast, Porter ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
REMOVABLE FAN MODULE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCORPORATING SAME
Abstract
A removable fan module is featured. The removable fan module
comprises a first member securable to a fan. The first member
comprises a portion adapted to engage a corresponding portion of an
electrical device. An electronic device also is featured. The
electronic device comprises a plurality of removable fan modules.
At least one of the plurality of removable fan modules has a first
type of fan and at least one of the plurality of removable fan
modules has a second type of fan. The removable fan module
comprises a fan retainer securable to the first and second type of
fan. A portion of the electronic device and the fan retainer are
adapted to enable the fan retainer to be received by the electronic
device.
Inventors: |
Arbogast, Porter; (Fort
Collins, CO) ; Roesner, Arlen L.; (Fort Collins,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P.O. Box 272400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
32988793 |
Appl. No.: |
10/396535 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/695 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20172
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/695 |
International
Class: |
H05K 007/20 |
Claims
1. A removable fan module, comprising: a first member securable to
a fan, the first member comprising a flanged portion adapted to
slidingly engage a corresponding flanged portion of an electrical
device; and a second member securable to a fan, the second member
adapted to house a first electrical connector adapted to matingly
engage a second electrical connector disposed within the electronic
device when the fan module is disposed within the electrical
device.
2. The removable fan module as recited in claim 1, comprising the
fan.
3. The removable fan module as recited in claim 1, wherein the
second member comprises a cantilevered portion adapted to house the
first electrical connector.
4. The removable fan module as recited in claim 1, wherein the
second member displaces the first electrical connector relative to
the fan to enable fans of two adjacent fan modules to be disposed
in a side-by-side arrangement.
5. The removable fan module as recited in claim 1, comprising a
finger guard, wherein the first member is adapted to capture the
finger guard.
6. The removable fan module as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first member comprises an alignment portion adapted to cooperate
with a corresponding alignment portion within the electrical device
to provide an indication of misalignment between the removable fan
module and the electrical device.
7. The removable fan module as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first member is operable to secure a type of fan having at least
one rotatable fan blade and a fixed air guide to the electrical
device.
8. The removable fan module as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first member is operable to secure a type of fan having
counter-rotatable blades.
9. The removable fan module as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first member is operable to be selectively secured to an inlet side
and an outlet side of the fan.
10. An electronic device, comprising: a plurality of removable fan
modules, at least one of the plurality of removable fan modules
having a first type of fan and at least one of the plurality of
removable fan modules having a second type of fan; and a common fan
retainer securable to the first and second type of fan; and a
chassis adapted to receive the plurality of removable fan modules,
the chassis and a common fan retainer adapted to cooperate to
secure each of the plurality of removable fan modules to the
chassis.
11. The electronic device as recited in claim 10, wherein the
common fan retainer and the chassis are adapted to enable the
chassis to receive each common fan retainer in sliding mating
engagement.
12. The electronic device as recited in claim 10, wherein the
common fan retainer comprises a pair of flanges and the chassis
comprises a plurality of pairs of corresponding flanges.
13. The electronic device as recited in claim 10, wherein the
common fan retainer comprises an alignment portion adapted to
cooperate a corresponding portion of the chassis to indicate when
there is alignment between at least one of the plurality of
removable fan modules and the chassis.
14. The electronic device as recited in claim 10, wherein at least
one of the plurality of removable fan modules comprises an
electrical connector adapted to blind-mate with a corresponding
electrical connector secured to the chassis.
15. The electronic device as recited in claim 10, wherein the
electrical connector for at least one of the plurality of removable
fan modules is displaced differently in relation to at least one
other electrical connector for at least one other pf the plurality
of removable fan modules.
16. The electronic device as recited in claim 14, wherein the
electrical connector is cantilevered axially relative to the
direction of airflow through the fan.
17. The electronic device as recited in claim 14, wherein the
electrical connector is cantilevered transversely relative to the
direction of airflow through the fan.
18. The electronic device as recited in claim 10, wherein at least
one of the plurality of removable fan modules is adapted to be
removed without interrupting operation of the electrical
device.
19. The electronic device as recited in claim 10, wherein the first
type of fan is of a different dimension than the second type of
fan.
20. A method of removably securing a plurality of fans within an
electronic device, comprising: securing a common fan retainer to at
least one of the plurality of fans, the common fan retainer being
operable to secure the at least one of the plurality of fans to the
electronic device; and disposing the plurality of fans and common
fan retainers within the electronic device to secure the plurality
of fans to the electronic device.
21. The method as recited in claim 20, wherein disposing comprises
slidingly engaging the common fan retainer with a corresponding
portion of the electronic device.
22. The method as recited in claim 20, comprising blind-mating an
electrical connector of at least one of the plurality of fans to a
corresponding electrical connector of the electronic device.
23. An electrical device, comprising: means for removably securing
a plurality of fan-types within an electrical device.
24. The electrical device as recited in claim 23, wherein the means
for removably securing comprises means for securing a common fan
retainer to at least two of the plurality of fan-types.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Electronic devices typically generate heat during operation
due to the flow of electricity through the device. Some electronic
components are susceptible to damage if this heat is not removed.
Consequently, various methods have been developed to remove heat
from within electronic devices and/or electronic components.
Passive methods use natural convection to remove heat. For example,
the electronic device may have a housing with vents to let cool air
flow into the device and hot air flow out. Other electronic devices
use active methods, such as electric fans built into the housing,
to provide a flow of cooling air through the device.
[0002] The processors in many processor-based devices are
susceptible to heat damage. Consequently, at least one cooling fan
usually is needed to remove the heat from the processor to prevent
the processor from being damaged. For example, a typical home
computer has a cooling fan to remove the heat produced by the
electronic components, including the processor, housed therein. In
other computer systems, several fans may be used to remove heat
from within the device. In mission critical systems, such as
servers, redundant fans may be provided that are operable to
respond when another fan fails, either by initiating operation or
by increasing speed.
[0003] Several different sizes and types of fans may be used in
electronic devices, such as processor-based devices. Unfortunately,
each type of fan typically requires its own unique method of
installation. In addition, the securing methods may involve
numerous parts, such as threaded fasteners. Furthermore, these fans
typically are bulky and may not be disposed in a space-efficient
side-by-side arrangement. Alternatively, fan connectors and finger
guards may be oriented in such a manner that they interfere with
the flow of air through the fan or otherwise add to the difficulty
of installing the fan.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
removable fan module is featured. The removable fan module
comprises a first member securable to a fan. The first member
comprises a portion adapted to engage a corresponding portion of an
electrical device.
[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an
electronic device is featured. The electronic device comprises a
plurality of removable fan modules. At least one of the plurality
of removable fan modules having a first type of fan and at least
one of the plurality of removable fan modules having a second type
of fan. The removable fan module comprises a fan retainer securable
to the first and second type of fan. A portion of the electronic
device and the fan retainer are adapted to enable the fan retainer
to be received by the electronic device.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method of removably securing a plurality of fans within an
electronic device is featured. The method comprises securing a
common fan retainer to at least one of the plurality of fans, the
common fan retainer being operable to secure the at least one of
plurality of fans to the electronic device. The method comprises
disposing the fans and common fan retainers within the electronic
device to secure the plurality of fans to the electronic
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Exemplary embodiments will hereafter be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like elements, and:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a block-diagram of a processor-based
system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a
processor-based system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first removable fan of
FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the chassis of the
processor-based system of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a fan retainer
illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the fan retainer of
FIG. 5;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second removable fan of
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third removable fan of
FIG. 2; and
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth removable fan, in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Referring generally to FIG. 1, a block diagram is
illustrated depicting an exemplary processor-based device,
generally designated by reference numeral 20. The processor-based
device 20 may be any of a variety of different devices, such as a
personal computer or a server.
[0018] The illustrated processor-based device 20 uses a processor
22 to control the operation of device 20. Processor 22 may be a
microprocessor, such as used in a personal computer, or other type
of processor. Processor-based device 22 has a power supply 24 to
supply power to the other components of the system. Various
additional components of system 20 may be coupled to processor 22.
For instance, a user interface 26 may be coupled to processor 22 to
allow an operator to control some or all of the functions of the
device. Examples of user interfaces include a keyboard, a mouse, or
a joystick. A monitor 28 may be coupled to the processor 22 to
allow an operator to view visual information provided by the
device. This information may be displayed on the monitor via a
graphical user interface. A communications port 30 also may be used
to couple processor 22 to peripheral devices 32, such as a modem or
printer.
[0019] Programming instructions are often used to control the
operation of processor 22 and these programming instructions are
typically stored in electronic memory. There are several different
types of electronic memory available for use in processor-based
devices. For example, the processor 22 may be coupled to volatile
memory 34. Volatile memory may include dynamic random access memory
(DRAM) and/or static random access memory (SRAM) packaged, for
example, as a single-inline memory module (SIMM) or as a
dual-inline memory module (DIMM). Processor 22 also may be coupled
to non-volatile memory 36. Non-volatile memory 36 may include a
read only memory (ROM), such as an erasable programmable read-only
memory (EPROM), to be used in conjunction with the volatile memory.
The non-volatile memory 36 may include a high capacity memory such
as a hard disk drive (HDD) or tape drive memory.
[0020] Referring generally to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a
processor-based device 38 is illustrated. In this embodiment,
processor-based device 38 is a server and comprises a chassis 40
and a number of electronic components housed within chassis 40.
Chassis 40 may comprise sheet metal, or other materials may be
used. In this embodiment, chassis 40 comprises a base 42 having
sides 44. A number of ventilation holes 46 are provided in chassis
40. Chassis 40 also has a plurality of dividers 48 secured to base
42 that are used to separate various portions of the chassis and to
secure components to base 42. In the illustrated embodiment,
dividers 40 comprise folded sheet metal. However, other materials
also may be used to construct dividers 40.
[0021] Several removable fans 50 are provided to produce a flow of
air 52 through device 38 to cool the components housed therein. In
this embodiment, three different types of fan are utilized.
However, fans of the same type or fans of other types may be used.
In addition, fans 50 can have a variety of different dimensions.
Ventilation holes 46 are oriented at each end of base 44 and the
cover so that air 52 is drawn in at one end of the device and
exited at the opposite end. However, other orientations of
ventilation holes 46 may be used. Dividers 48 also may be used to
guide the flow of air 52 through device 38.
[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, processor-based-device 38 has
a pair of processors 54. A cover 56 is disposed over processors 54
to guide air 52 over the processors 54. In addition, ducts 58 are
provided to guide air 52 into cover 56. In this embodiment, two fan
modules 60 of the plurality of fans 50 primarily are used to
provide a flow of air 52 to cool processors 54. Several different
operating strategies may be used to operate fan modules 60. In one
strategy, both fan modules are operated at low speed. If one of the
fan modules fails, then the speed of the other fan module is
increased to compensate for the loss of the failed fan.
Alternatively, only one fan module at a time may be operated. If
the operating fan fails, then the non-operating fan is turned on to
maintain the flow of air 52. The flow of air 52 provided by fan
modules 60 may cool other components located within the device 38,
such as power supplies 62 and optical drive 64. In addition, other
fan modules may assist in the cooling of the processors 54.
[0023] In this embodiment, processor-based device 38 also comprises
a plurality of DIMM's 66. However, other memory modules may be
used. Also, a second fan module 68 primarily is utilized to provide
a flow of air 52 to cool the DIMM's.
[0024] Processor-based device 38 may also comprise a PCI cage 70.
PCI cage 70 houses a number of interface cards for connecting
processor-based device 38 to an electronic communication system.
Processor-based device 38 also comprises several HDDs 72. A flow of
air 52 for cooling the components within PCI cage 70 and the HDDs
72 is provided primarily by a third fan module 74. However, third
fan module 74 also may be used to cool other components and other
fan modules may assist in the cooling of the components within PCI
cage 70 and HDDs 72.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, fan modules 60, second fan
module 68, and third fan module 74 are hot-swap fans, i.e., these
fans may be installed and removed without securing power to, or
interrupting operation of, processor-based device 38. Redundant
fans are provided so that if one of the fans fails, operation of
the device may continue until a replacement fan is installed. In
addition, each fan is adapted to be blind-mated to a corresponding
connector within chassis 40 when the fan is installed within device
38. Also, each fan receives power through the connectors, and fan
operation, such as fan speed, may be controlled via signals
transmitted via the connectors.
[0026] The plurality of fans 50 utilize a common methodology for
removably installing the fans within the chassis 40. The common
methodology enables installation and removal without the use of
fasteners or tools. In addition, the common methodology enables
fans of different dimensions to be installed with common
components.
[0027] Referring generally to FIGS. 2-6, the illustrated fan module
60 comprises a fan retainer 76, a first fan 78, and a Fan top piece
80. Fan retainer 76 comprises a pair of mating flanges 82 adapted
to slidingly engage a pair of catching flanges 84 located on a
divider 48 secured to chassis 40 (See FIG. 4). Fan retainer 76 is
utilized with all three types of fans described with respect to the
illustrated embodiment. In this embodiment, fan retainer 76
comprises a plastic material. Fan retainer 76 also comprises a pair
of alignment notches 86 adapted to engage corresponding alignment
tabs 88 located on base 42 of chassis 40 when there is proper
alignment between fan module 60 and chassis 40 (See FIG. 4).
Alignment tabs 88 prevent a fan module from being fully inserted
when there is misalignment between the fan module and chassis 40,
thereby indicating misalignment to an installer. Fan modules are
blocked from removal from chassis 40 by a cover 89.
[0028] Referring generally to FIG. 3, fan module 60 may be adapted
to accommodate a fan 78. Fan 78 comprises a rotatable fan blade 90
driven by an electric motor and a fixed air guide downstream of
rotatable fan blade 90. A finger guard 92 is disposed on each end
of fan module 60 to prevent a finger from contacting fan blade 90.
Fan retainer 76 may have a recess 94 on each corner. Each recess 94
is adapted to receive a portion of a finger guard 92 to secure
finger guard 92 to fan retainer 76. In this embodiment, fan
retainer 76 is secured to fan 78 by a plurality of rivets 98.
However, other fasteners may be used.
[0029] Fan top piece 80 is adapted to electrically couple fan
module 60 to a fan power system within processor-based device 38.
Fan top piece 80 is secured to fan module 60 by a tongue 100 that
engages a slot in fan retainer 76 and by a plurality of rivets 102
secured to fan 78 through the fan top piece 80. However, other
types of fasteners may be used. Fan top piece 80 also has a pair of
finger grips 104 to facilitate gripping of fan module 60. Fan top
piece 80 also has an identifier 106 to indicate that this is a
specific type of fan: in the illustrated embodiment a Type 1
fan.
[0030] Fan module 60 has an inlet side 108 and an outlet side 110.
An arrow 112 is provided on fan top piece 80 to indicate the flow
of air from the inlet side 108 to the outlet side 110. In this
embodiment, fan retainer 76 is disposed on the inlet side 108 of
the fan. Alternatively, fan retainer 76 may be disposed on the
outlet side 110 of the fan.
[0031] The illustrated embodiment of fan top piece 80 has a
connector portion 114 housing a first electrical connector 116.
Connector 116 is coupled by power and control leads 118 to the
motor of fan module 60.
[0032] Connector portion 114 forms a protective tray to protect
power and control leads 118. Where each fan module 60 is to be
installed within chassis 40, catching flanges 84 and a second
electrical connector 120 are oriented within the chassis 40 to
enable the first and second electrical connectors to be blind-mated
when the first fan module 60 is inserted.
[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 2-4, as fan module 60 is guided
into chassis 40 by the mating flanges 82 and catching flanges 84,
first electrical connector 116 is guided into engagement with
second electrical connector 120. In this embodiment, connector
portion 114 of fan top portion 80 is cantilevered to displace first
electrical connector 116 axially and in line with airflow through
fan module 60. This displacement enables two fan modules 60 to be
installed within chassis 40 so that fans 78 are in close,
side-by-side arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In one
embodiment, fans 78 are disposed approximately 1.5 mm from each
other. As discussed above, alignment notches 86 and alignment tabs
88 facilitate the blind-mating of each fan module by preventing the
fan module from being fully inserted when there is a misalignment
between the fan module and chassis 40.
[0034] Referring generally to FIG. 7, second fan module 68 is
illustrated. Second fan module 68 comprises a fan retainer 76, a
fan 122, a fan 124, and a second fan top piece 126. Fan 122 and fan
124 each house a motor and fan blade. Second fan module 68 also may
be used with a single fan having the same depth as fans 122 and 124
when placed together. Several different operating strategies also
may be employed to operate fans 122 and 124. For example, both fans
may be operated at a low speed. If one of the fans fails, then the
speed of the other fan is increased to compensate for the loss of
the failed fan. Alternatively, only one fan at a time may be
operated. If the operating fan fails, then the non-operating fan is
turned on to maintain the flow of air 52.
[0035] Second fan top piece 126 is configured for use with second
fan module 68. Second fan top piece 126 also is adapted with a
connector portion 128. Connector portion 128 houses a first
electrical connector 116 coupled by power and control leads 118 to
the motors within second fans 122 and 124. Connector portion 128 of
second fan top piece 126 displaces first electrical connector 116
to the side of second fan module 68, and transverse to the
direction of airflow therethrough. Catching flanges 84 and second
electrical connector 120 are oriented within the chassis 40 to
connect the first and second electrical connectors when second fan
module 68 is fully inserted into chassis 40. As second fan module
68 is guided into chassis 40 by the mating flanges 82 and catching
flanges 84, first electrical connector 116 is guided into
engagement with second electrical connector 120.
[0036] A plurality of fasteners 130 are employed to secure fan
retainer 76, fan 122, fan 124, and second fan top piece 126
together. Second fan top piece 126 also has tongue 100 adapted to
extend under a portion of fan retainer 76. In this embodiment,
second fan top piece 126 also has an identifier 132 to indicate the
fan module type as a Type 2 fan. Second fan module 68 also has an
inlet side 108 and an outlet side 110. An arrow 112 is provided on
Second fan top piece 126 to indicate the direction of airflow from
the inlet side 108 to the outlet side 110. In this embodiment, fan
retainer 76 is disposed on the inlet side 108 of the second-type
fan module 68. Alternatively, fan retainer 76 may be disposed on
the outlet side 110 of fan module 68.
[0037] Referring generally to FIG. 8, third fan module 74 is
illustrated. Third fan module 74 comprises a fan retainer 76, a fan
134, and a third fan top piece 136. In the illustrated embodiment,
fan 134 has two counter-rotating fan blades. Third fan module 74
also may be used with two fans having half the width of third fan
134, etc.
[0038] Third fan top piece 136 is configured for use with
third-type fan module 74. Third fan top piece 136 has a connector
portion 138 housing a male electrical connector 116 coupled by
power and control leads 118 to the motor within fan housing 134.
Connector portion 138 is adapted to enable first electrical
connector 116 to be blind-mated with a corresponding second
electrical connector 120 located on chassis 40. As third fan module
74 is guided into chassis 40 by the mating flanges 82 and catching
flanges 84, the first electrical connector 116 is guided into
engagement with second electrical connector 120.
[0039] In this embodiment, third fan top piece 136 also has an
identifier 140 to indicate that this is a Type 3 fan. Third fan
module 74 has an inlet side 108 and an outlet side 110. An arrow
112 is provided on fan top portion 136 to indicate the direction of
airflow from the inlet side 108 to the outlet side 110. In this
embodiment, fan retainer 76 is disposed on the outlet side 110 of
the second-type fan module 68. Alternatively, fan retainer 76 may
be disposed on the inlet side 108 of fan module 68.
[0040] Referring generally to FIG. 9, a fourth fan module 142 is
illustrated. In this embodiment, fourth fan module 142 is a non-hot
swap fan module. Fourth fan module 142 comprises a fan retainer 76,
a fourth fan 144, and a separate connector 146 connected by power
and control leads 118 to the motor within fourth fan 144. Fourth
fan module 142 may be used instead of, or to replace, some or all
of the plurality of fan modules 50. For example, fourth fan modules
142 may be used to replace fan modules 60 in processor-based device
38. In addition, fourth fan modules 142 may be used in devices
where non-redundant, i.e. non-hot swap fans are employed. For
example, hot swap fans typically are not required in a workstation.
Thus, the same methodology for securing removable cooling fans may
be used in systems that require hot swap fans and those systems,
such as workstations, that do not. In addition, the above
techniques may be used to secure cooling fans in rack-mounted
systems, such as servers, and desktop systems, such as
workstations.
[0041] While the subject matter may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in
detail herein. However, it should be understood that the subject
matter is not intended to be limited to the particular forms
disclosed. Rather, the subject matter is to cover all
modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the following
appended claims.
* * * * *