Method and apparatus that isolates a computer system from vibrations generated by internal fans

An apparatus that isolates a computer system from vibrations generated by two or more fans inside the computer system, the apparatus comprising:

• a fan deck upon which the two or more fans are mounted inside the computer system, wherein all fans in the computer system are mounted on the fan deck;
• three spring assemblies, wherein each spring assembly includes:
• a pin, wherein the pin extends through a clearance hole in the fan deck, and wherein a first end of the pin is rigidly coupled to the computer system;
• a lower spring, wherein the lower spring is preloaded between a first side of the fan deck and a lower spring mount coupled to the pin, and wherein the lower spring is a metal helical coil spring;
• and
• an upper spring, wherein the upper spring is preloaded between a second side of the fan deck and an upper spring mount coupled to the pin, and wherein the upper spring is a metal helical coil spring.

A method for isolating a computer system from vibrations generated by two or more fans inside the computer system, the method comprising:

• mounting the two or more fans on a fan deck inside the computer system;
• generating three pairs of restoring forces, wherein each pair of restoring forces includes:
• a first restoring force on a first side of the fan deck;
• a second restoring force on a second side of the fan deck;
• and
• wherein a ratio of a fundamental vibration frequency generated by the two or more fans during operation of the computer system to a resonant vibration frequency of the fan deck is greater than the square root of 2.