Flexure back-flow stopper
US9938990B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K7/20736
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A compact back-flow stopper using an elastic flexure mechanism for a cooling fan is shown and described. The backflow stopper assembly comprises a frame configured to structurally support a fin array when coupled to a fan. The fin array comprises a plurality of flexural deformation elements and associated fin elements arrayed in a radial arrangement to establish a pathway for airflow, each of the flexural deformation elements configured to move an attached fin element responsive to airflow impacting the attached fin element. Flex limiter elements are coupled to the frame and configured to limit flexure of the fin elements beyond a predetermined flexure in relation to the frame to stop backflow of air through the fin array. A fan assembly with a backflow stopper is shown and described. Also, a data storage assembly using fan assemblies with backflow stoppers is also shown and described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.