Modular Portable Cooling Fan with Interchangeable Connector System

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/733,986, filed Dec. 14, 2024, and entitled “Modular Portable Cooling Fan with Interchangeable Connector System.” The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/733,986 is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable cooling devices, and more specifically to a modular portable cooling fan system that incorporates an interchangeable connector system. The invention enables tool-free connectivity between a cooling fan unit and various types of power sources, enhancing the versatility, usability, and adaptability of personal and portable cooling systems.

Description of the Related Art

Portable cooling fans have become essential devices in various settings, including personal use during outdoor activities, office spaces, travel environments, and electronic device cooling. These devices typically consist of a small electric fan powered by a built-in or external power source, such as batteries or USB connections. While they offer a degree of convenience, traditional designs suffer from notable limitations in flexibility, repairability, and adaptability.

In most conventional portable fan systems, the fan unit is hardwired to the power source or includes a sealed rechargeable battery. These rigid configurations limit the user's ability to upgrade, repair, or replace components independently. For instance, if the fan motor malfunctions, the user often has no option but to replace the entire unit, even if the power source remains functional. Similarly, if the battery wears out or fails, the fan cannot be easily repurposed for use with an alternative power source. This lack of modularity results in higher costs for users, increased electronic waste, and limited versatility.

Some existing products do incorporate USB ports to allow fans to operate with power banks or wall chargers. However, these solutions still lack a truly modular design. The fan and power source are not typically designed to be independently swappable without specialized connectors or tools. Furthermore, once the electrical wiring is damaged, users often need technical assistance or have to discard the entire unit.

Additionally, many portable fans lack built-in control interfaces that are both durable and user-friendly. For instance, some systems rely on buttons embedded directly on the fan housing, which may be difficult to access when mounted or used in compact environments. Others use app-controlled systems or remote controls that add complexity and cost. There remains a need for a simple, inline solution that allows users to toggle the fan on or off or adjust settings with minimal effort and without altering the structural integrity of the device.

The absence of a standardized, tool-free connector system in portable fan systems restricts users from customizing their cooling experience based on available power sources or preferred fan models. Moreover, the inability to easily swap between battery-powered or USB-powered configurations limits the fan's applicability across various use cases.

The present invention addresses all of these deficiencies by introducing a modular portable cooling fan system equipped with an interchangeable connector segment. This connector segment allows the fan unit to be quickly and securely attached or detached from a variety of power sources without the use of tools or additional parts or technical expertise.

In contrast to that LED-based system, the present invention applies such a connector architecture to a portable cooling fan environment and provides fan-specific operational and system-level advantages, including tool-free swapping of fan heads or motors, optional expansion to multi-fan arrangements using splitter or hub cables, and improved serviceability, customization, and modular portable cooling for users. By building on principles found in prior modular systems and adapting them specifically to portable fan technology, this invention introduces a novel and highly practical advancement in the field of personal cooling devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular portable cooling fan system designed to address limitations of conventional fan designs by introducing a fan-specific modular architecture that enables tool-free assembly, disassembly, component swapping, and expansion. The system may include a fan module and a power source module that are selectively coupled via a connector interface configured to establish both electrical and mechanical coupling without requiring tools, soldering, or permanent modification of wires. In certain embodiments, the connector interface comprises complementary connector components disposed on respective modules.

The modular architecture enables users to detach and replace the fan module, the power source module, and/or an intermediate controller module independently, offering advantages in flexibility, maintenance, repair, and customization. For example, a user may swap among different fan modules that have different airflow characteristics, noise profiles, blade geometries, sizes, or motor types, or may interchange power source modules that provide battery power, USB power, or other portable power formats. In this manner, the system supports both single-fan and multi-fan configurations while preserving a consistent tool-free user experience.

In some embodiments, the system includes a branch-type splitter or hub configured to distribute power from a single power source module to two or more fan modules simultaneously. The splitter or hub may include a single input coupled to the power source module and a plurality of output connector ports. Each output may define a respective limb that terminates in a fan module. The number of limbs may be selected to power two, three, four, or other number of fan modules concurrently. Limb lengths may be substantially equal or intentionally varied to accommodate different mounting geometries, user placements, or targeted airflow patterns.

The splitter or hub may include internal current distribution circuitry, overcurrent protection, thermal cutoff protection, and strain-relief features to maintain reliable electrical and mechanical connections during repeated connection cycles and during fan operation. In certain embodiments, the splitter or hub is configured to distribute power in parallel to connected fan modules such that any individual fan module can be added to or removed from an available output without affecting operation of other connected fan modules.

The system may further include a controller module configured to adjust power supplied to one or more fan modules to control fan speed. The controller module may be positioned between the power source module and the splitter or hub, between the power source module and a single fan module, incorporated into the splitter or hub, integrated into a fan module housing, or implemented as a discrete inline module. Control interfaces may include, by way of example, a three-button interface configured for increase, decrease, and power functions, a stepped multi-level switch, a rotary dial, a linear sliding control, and/or a digital PWM controller.

In some embodiments, the controller module includes a wireless receiver or transceiver enabling remote control of fan power and/or fan speed without physically interacting with the system. Wireless control may be configured to control one fan module independently or to control multiple fan modules concurrently when used with a branch-type splitter or hub.

Each fan module may comprise an integrated unit including a motor, fan blades, and a housing. The fan module may include vibration-tolerant mounts, low-noise blades, detachable grilles, and/or mounting structures for handheld use, placement on a support surface, surface mounting, clip attachment, magnetic attachment, or integration into wearable, prop, or enclosed environments. The connector interface may be configured for repeated tool-free connection and disconnection and to withstand operational vibration and handling.

Power source modules may optionally include current-limiting, low-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, charging circuitry, and status indicators. The overall system may further include quick-disconnect connector features and modular field-serviceability allowing replacement of individual components, including fan modules, controller modules, battery packs, and splitter or hub assemblies.

The modular portable cooling fan system may be configured for distributed airflow in portable personal cooling, costume or prop airflow, electronics cooling, display environments, and enclosed spaces where multi-directional airflow is beneficial. The system is thus capable of providing a flexible, user-friendly, and serviceable cooling solution that can be expanded from a single-fan arrangement to a multi-fan arrangement without tools or permanent wiring changes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments and components of the modular portable cooling fan system. These drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the modular portable cooling fan system, showing a cooling fan unit (100) including a fan housing (102), fan blades (104), and a motor hub (106). A fan-side wire (108) is connected to a male connector plug (110), which is configured to engage with a female connector housing (114) attached to a power-side wire (116). The power-side wire leads to a power source housing (118), which includes a power input port (120) for recharging or connecting external power.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the fan-side male connector plug (110) fully inserted and secured within the female connector housing (114), illustrating the locked and connected state of the system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate configuration of the power source, wherein an inline switch module (126) is integrated into the power-side cable. The system in this embodiment is powered through a USB connector plug (128), enabling connection to external USB power sources such as laptops, wall adapters, or power banks.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the male connector plug (110) and female connector housing (114) shown in a disconnected state, highlighting the modular and tool-free nature of the connector segment. The view emphasizes how the components can be separated and reconnected easily.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the connector segment in a connected state, with the male connector plug (110) inserted into the female connector housing (114), demonstrating the secure mechanical and electrical interface between the components.

REFERENCE NUMBERS OF THE DRAWINGS

• • 100—Portable cooling fan system
  • 102—Fan housing
  • 104—Fan blades
  • 106—Motor hub
  • 108—Fan-side wire
  • 110—Male connector plug
  • 114—Female connector housing
  • 116—Power-side wire
  • 118—Power source housing
  • 120—Power input port
  • 126—Inline switch module
  • 128—USB connector plug

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein relate to a modular portable cooling fan system that enables a cooling fan unit to be powered by different types of power sources through an interchangeable connector system. The components of the system are identified in the drawings by reference numerals that are consistent across all figures. Although specific embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, it should be understood that these embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the connector system may employ a connector architecture of the same general type used in modular LED systems, while being configured and adapted specifically for use with portable cooling fan units and optional multi-fan configurations.

Throughout this description, like reference numerals refer to like elements. For clarity, the primary components of the system include a portable cooling fan system 100, a fan housing 102 enclosing fan blades 104 and a motor hub 106, a fan-side wire 108, a male connector plug 110, a female connector housing 114, a power-side wire 116, a power source housing 118, a power input port 120, an inline switch module 126, and a USB connector plug 128. As used herein, “module” may refer to a discrete functional unit that is user-separable from other units of the system. In various embodiments, the modules include one or more fan modules, one or more power source modules, one or more controller modules, and one or more splitter or hub modules. The modules are configured to be interchangeable and reconfigurable in a tool-free manner via compatible connector components that provide both electrical and mechanical coupling. The ability to interchange modules may include replacing a first module with a second module of a different type that provides different performance characteristics, such as different airflow output, noise output, or power format.

General System Overview (FIG. 1)

Referring first to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a portable cooling fan system 100 is shown. The portable cooling fan system 100 includes a fan housing 102 that supports and encloses fan blades 104 and a motor hub 106. The fan housing 102 may be generally rectangular or square in shape, and may be provided with openings, grilles, or vents to allow airflow generated by the fan blades 104 to pass through. The fan housing 102 may be made from plastic, metal, composite material, or any other suitable material, and may optionally include mounting features or holes for attaching the fan to a surface or bracket.

The fan blades 104 are mounted to and driven by the motor hub 106. The motor hub 106 is configured to convert electrical energy into rotational motion to rotate the fan blades 104 and generate airflow. The motor hub 106 may be implemented using a DC motor, brushless motor, or any other suitable electric motor type. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor hub 106 is centrally located within the fan housing 102, although other locations or orientations may be used.

Electrical power is supplied to the motor hub 106 via a fan-side wire 108. The fan-side wire 108 extends from the fan housing 102 to a male connector plug 110. The fan-side wire 108 may include two or more conductors, such as positive and negative power lines, and may be insulated using a flexible jacket. The male connector plug 110 is electrically connected to the conductors of the fan-side wire 108 and provides a standardized interface that may be connected to different power sources. In some embodiments, multiple fan housings 102, each with its own fan-side wire 108 and male connector plug 110, may be provided as interchangeable fan units having different airflow characteristics or motor types.

The male connector plug 110 is designed to mate with a female connector housing 114, which is shown in FIG. 1 as being attached to a power-side wire 116. The male connector plug 110 may include one or more exposed or partially enclosed pins, terminals, or contact elements configured to engage with corresponding contact elements within the female connector housing 114. The geometry of the male connector plug 110 and the female connector housing 114 may be keyed, shaped, or polarized to ensure proper alignment and to prevent incorrect insertion.

The female connector housing 114 acts as a receptacle for the male connector plug 110 and may include an outer housing and internal terminals or sockets. The internal terminals are connected to the conductors of the power-side wire 116. The engagement between the male connector plug 110 and the female connector housing 114 may be secured by friction fit, snap-fit features, locking tabs, detents, or any other suitable mechanical retention structure integrated into the male connector plug 110, the female connector housing 114, or both. The connector assembly is configured for repeated tool-free connection and disconnection so that fan units and power assemblies may be swapped without degrading the electrical conductors.

The power-side wire 116 extends from the female connector housing 114 to a power source housing 118. The power source housing 118 may contain one or more batteries, such as rechargeable lithium-ion cells, alkaline cells, or other battery types. In some embodiments, the power source housing 118 may also include charging circuitry, voltage regulation circuitry, protection circuits, or other electronics. The power source housing 118 further includes a power input port 120, which may be, for example, a USB-C port, a micro-USB port, a barrel jack, or another standard or proprietary connector type. The power input port 120 may allow the battery within the power source housing 118 to be recharged, or may allow the portable cooling fan system 100 to be powered directly from an external power adapter. In certain embodiments, the power source housing is configured as a user-removable power source module that is interchangeable with at least one other power source module having a compatible connector component.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the portable cooling fan system 100 therefore comprises a modular arrangement where the fan housing 102 and the power source housing 118 are connected through the combination of the fan-side wire 108, male connector plug 110, female connector housing 114, and power-side wire 116. This arrangement allows the fan housing 102 and the power source housing 118 to be separated and reconnected without cutting wires or using tools. In some embodiments, the same connector architecture is used to connect multiple fan housings 102 to one or more power-source assemblies through intermediate splitter or hub cables, thereby supporting both single-fan and multi-fan system configurations.

Connector Engagement (FIG. 2)

Turning now to FIG. 2, the connection between the male connector plug 110 and the female connector housing 114 is shown in a connected or engaged state. In this view, the male connector plug 110 is fully inserted into the female connector housing 114, establishing both electrical and mechanical connection.

The male connector plug 110 may include a body portion that slides into a corresponding recess or cavity of the female connector housing 114. Inside the female connector housing 114, electrical terminals or sockets are positioned to receive corresponding pins, blades, or conductive portions of the male connector plug 110. When the male connector plug 110 is fully inserted, the electrical path from the power source housing 118, through the power-side wire 116, the female connector housing 114, the male connector plug 110, and the fan-side wire 108, to the motor hub 106 is completed.

In some embodiments, a locking feature may be integrated into the connector assembly, such as a flexible latch, snap feature, or detent. For example, the male connector plug 110 may include a resilient tab that engages a notch in the female connector housing 114 when fully inserted, thereby preventing unintentional disconnection during normal use. The connector may be released by pressing the tab or otherwise disengaging the locking feature, which allows the male connector plug 110 to be withdrawn from the female connector housing 114.

The connector system formed by the male connector plug 110 and female connector housing 114 enables the interchangeable use of different fan units or different power sources, as the fan-side assembly and power-side assembly may be separated and reattached repeatedly without degrading the electrical conductors. A user may connect one fan housing 102 to a first power configuration, such as a battery-powered assembly, and later disconnect the male connector plug 110 and reconnect it to a different power configuration, such as a USB-powered assembly, without cutting wires or using tools. Likewise, the same power assembly may be used with different fan housings 102 equipped with corresponding male connector plugs 110, allowing tool-free swapping of fan heads or motors.

Alternate Power Configuration With Inline Switch (FIG. 3)

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the power-side configuration in which an inline switch module 126 and a USB connector plug 128 are utilized instead of, or in addition to, the battery-containing power source housing 118 of FIG. 1.

In this embodiment, the female connector housing 114 is again coupled to the male connector plug 110 in the same manner described above, thereby maintaining compatibility with the fan housing 102 and fan-side wire 108. However, the power-side wire 116, or another power cable segment, incorporates the inline switch module 126. The inline switch module 126 is positioned along the cable to allow a user to conveniently control the operation of the portable cooling fan system 100.

The inline switch module 126 may include a simple on/off switch, a multi-position selector, a pushbutton, a rocker switch, or other user-actuated device. In some embodiments, the inline switch module 126 may also provide additional control functions, such as multiple speed settings or modes. The switch contacts of the inline switch module 126 are electrically connected in series with the conductors that deliver power from the USB connector plug 128 to the female connector housing 114 and, ultimately, to the motor hub 106.

At the distal end of the cable, the USB connector plug 128 is provided. The USB connector plug 128 may be a USB-A plug, a USB-C plug, or any suitable standardized or proprietary connector configured to mate with a corresponding USB port of an external power source. Such external power sources may include a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a wall adapter, a vehicle adapter, or a portable power bank. In this configuration, the portable cooling fan system 100 can be operated directly from a USB power source, allowing the user to forego an internal battery pack if desired.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 demonstrates that the same connector architecture—namely, the male connector plug 110 and female connector housing 114—can be reused with different power-delivery options, thereby increasing the modularity and flexibility of the overall system. In some embodiments, the USB-powered cable that includes the inline switch module 126 and USB connector plug 128 may be connected to a splitter or hub cable that branches into multiple power-side wires 116, each terminating in a female connector housing 114. In such arrangements, a single USB power source can drive multiple fan housings 102, each connected through its own male connector plug 110, while still allowing the user to control power via the inline switch module 126 or other control circuitry.

Connector Segment in Disconnected and Connected States (FIGS. 4 and 5)

FIG. 4 illustrates the male connector plug 110 and the female connector housing 114 in a disconnected state, apart from the other components of the portable cooling fan system 100. This view emphasizes the modular nature of the connector segment. The male connector plug 110 may be attached to the fan-side wire 108, and the female connector housing 114 may be attached to the power-side wire 116, as previously described. In certain embodiments, multiple female connector housings 114 may be provided on a common splitter or hub assembly, allowing more than one male connector plug 110 and associated fan housing 102 to be connected to a shared power source.

In the disconnected state shown in FIG. 4, the user may freely separate the fan housing 102 and the power source assembly for storage, transport, or replacement. For example, the user may disconnect the male connector plug 110 from the female connector housing 114 in order to swap the existing fan housing 102 with an alternative fan housing having different characteristics (e.g., a larger or smaller fan, different blade geometry, or different airflow pattern). Similarly, the user may connect the fan housing 102 to a different power source assembly that includes a different type of battery, different cable length, or a different power input arrangement. In a multi-fan configuration, the user may also add or remove fan housings 102 from the splitter or hub assembly simply by connecting or disconnecting their respective male connector plugs 110 from the available female connector housings 114.

FIG. 5 shows the connector segment in a connected state, with the male connector plug 110 fully inserted into the female connector housing 114. This figure illustrates the mated condition in isolation, without the other components, so that the mechanical interface and profile of the connector segment can be more clearly understood. In this state, the connector segment forms a stable mechanical joint and an electrical connection suitable for delivering power from the selected power source to the fan housing 102.

The combination of FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates that the connector segment is a reusable interface that allows interchangeability and modularity of the portable cooling fan system 100 without requiring permanent wiring changes, soldering, or specialized tools. The same reusable connector segment may be used in one-to-one connections between a fan housing 102 and a single power source, or as part of a multi-port splitter or hub arrangement that distributes power to multiple fan housings 102 from a common power source.

Operation of the System

In operation, a user may assemble the portable cooling fan system 100 by first selecting a fan housing 102 and a compatible power configuration. In a battery-powered configuration, the user may employ the power source housing 118 containing an internal battery and a power input port 120. In a USB-powered configuration, the user may instead use the cable assembly incorporating the inline switch module 126 and USB connector plug 128, as shown in FIG. 3. In certain embodiments, a splitter or hub cable having multiple female connector housings 114 may be positioned between the power source and the fan housings 102 so that multiple fan units can be powered from the same power source.

To connect the fan housing 102 to the selected power assembly, the user aligns the male connector plug 110 with the female connector housing 114 and inserts the male connector plug 110 into the female connector housing 114 until any locking feature engages and the connectors are fully seated. Once the connectors are mated, power can be supplied from the selected power source through the power-side wire 116, the connector segment, and the fan-side wire 108 to the motor hub 106. In multi-fan embodiments, this process may be repeated for each fan housing 102 that is to be connected to the splitter or hub assembly, thereby forming a modular multi-fan system powered from a common source.

The user may then actuate the inline switch module 126 (if present) to turn the fan on or off or to select a desired operating mode or speed. In embodiments where the power source housing 118 includes its own controls, the fan may be turned on or off using a switch or button on the power source housing 118 instead of, or in addition to, the inline switch module 126. In multi-fan configurations, the inline switch module 126 may control power delivered to all connected fans simultaneously, while additional switches or control modules may be provided in individual fan branches if more granular control is desired.

If the user wishes to change the power configuration—for example, from battery-powered to USB-powered—the user can disconnect the male connector plug 110 from the female connector housing 114, remove the existing power assembly, and connect a different power assembly that includes a compatible female connector housing 114. Similarly, if the fan housing 102 becomes damaged or the user wishes to use a different fan type, the user can disconnect the fan-side male connector plug 110 and connect a different fan unit equipped with a corresponding male connector plug 110. In multi-fan arrangements, the user can also add, remove, or rearrange fan housings 102 connected to a splitter or hub without cutting wires or using tools, simply by plugging or unplugging the corresponding male connector plugs 110.

Variations and Alternative Embodiments

Although specific embodiments are described herein, the invention is not limited to any particular shapes, sizes, or configurations. The fan housing may be circular, rectangular, or another shape. The fan blades may have more or fewer blades, different curvature, different blade profiles, or low-noise geometries. The motor may be implemented using a DC motor, brushless motor, or other suitable motor technologies and may operate at different voltages or power levels.

In certain embodiments, the system includes a branch-type splitter or hub configured to distribute power from a single power source module to a plurality of fan modules. The splitter or hub may include a single input connector and a plurality of output connectors or ports, each output defining a respective limb that terminates at a fan module. The splitter or hub may be configured to support two, three, or four fan modules concurrently. Limb lengths may be substantially equal or may be varied to accommodate different physical layouts, mounting locations, or airflow targets.

The splitter or hub may include internal current distribution circuitry and may further include overcurrent protection, thermal cutoff protection, and strain-relief structures. In some implementations, the splitter or hub distributes power in parallel to the connected fan modules. The splitter or hub may therefore allow a user to add, remove, or replace individual fan modules independently without requiring tools and without affecting operation of other connected fan modules.

The connector interface between modules may employ different connector styles or standards. In some embodiments, the connector interface is a proprietary design; in other embodiments, it may incorporate aspects of standardized connectors used in consumer electronics or other industries. The mechanical retention features may include one or more latches, snap-fit features, locking tabs, detents, bayonet-style interfaces, magnetic retention elements, or combinations thereof. The connector interface may be configured for repeated tool-free connection and disconnection and to maintain secure electrical and mechanical coupling under vibration and handling conditions associated with fan operation.

The system may include a controller module configured to regulate power supplied to one or more fan modules to control fan speed. The controller module may be positioned between a power source module and a splitter or hub, between a power source module and a single fan module, incorporated into a splitter or hub, integrated into a fan module housing, or implemented as a discrete inline module. The controller module may include control interfaces such as a three-button interface configured for increase, decrease, and power functions, a stepped multi-level switch, a rotary dial, a linear sliding control, and/or a digital PWM controller.

In some embodiments, the controller module includes a wireless receiver or transceiver enabling remote control of fan power and/or fan speed. Wireless control may be used to control a single fan module or to control multiple fan modules concurrently in multi-fan configurations.

Power source modules may be interchangeable and may include battery packs, USB-powered sources, mains-powered adapters, or other portable power modules. The power source modules may include charging circuitry, current-limiting, low-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, and one or more status indicators. In certain embodiments, the power source modules are configured to be swapped without soldering or permanent modification of wiring.

The fan modules may be provided in multiple types having different airflow characteristics, noise profiles, blade geometries, sizes, or motor types. The fan modules may further include vibration-tolerant mounts, detachable grilles, and mounting features for handheld use, placement on a support surface, clip attachment, magnetic attachment, or integration into wearable, prop, or enclosed environments.

The system may include quick-disconnect features and modular field-serviceability that allows replacement of individual components, including fan modules, controller modules, power source modules, and splitter or hub assemblies. The system may be configured for portable personal cooling, costume or prop airflow, electronics cooling, display environments, and enclosed spaces where distributed, multi-directional airflow is beneficial.

CONCLUSION

The modular portable cooling fan system described herein provides a flexible and user-friendly approach to powering and controlling a portable fan. By separating the fan housing 102 and the power source assembly via a reusable connector segment that includes the male connector plug 110 and female connector housing 114, the system enables tool-free interchangeability of fan units and power configurations. The optional inline switch module 126 and USB connector plug 128 further expand the versatility of the system by allowing operation from a variety of power sources and convenient user control over fan operation. In addition, the same connector architecture may be implemented in splitter or hub cables that support multi-fan arrangements powered from a common source, thereby enabling modular expansion from a single-fan kit to a multi-fan cooling system without cutting wires or using tools.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein. Various modifications, changes, and alternatives may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. The use of singular terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” is not intended to be limiting and should be interpreted to include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the recitation of particular features or elements in connection with one embodiment is not intended to exclude the use of such features or elements in other embodiments.