Acoustic noise reduction apparatus for personal computers and electronics

Abstract

An acoustic noise reduction accessory apparatus attachable or made integral to a personal computer or other electronics equipment. The apparatus reduces acoustic noise emitted from the rear of the computer and in particular reduces the acoustic noise from circulating fans. The apparatus comprises an acoustic barrier or shielding member. The barrier is shaped in various forms externally of the computer or integrally extending from the back of the computer around one or more fans of the computer; the acoustic barrier member allows for minimum airflow reduction. Acoustic absorbing material is layered upon the acoustic barrier and may be combined with vibration absorbing material. The barrier may be shaped from solid or flexible members to accommodate different sized electronics and formed to include baffles and structures to direct airflow while absorbing noise; and may be made adjustable by one or more slidable members. The apparatus is easily assembled and collapsible for storage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 60 / 650,431, filed Feb. 4, 2005, and 60 / 723,796, filed Oct. 5, 2005, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUD OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention is related to acoustic noise reduction of electronic equipment. In particular, the present invention is related to acoustic noise reduction of fan noise emitted from personal computers and other electronic equipment with negligible air flow reduction from the fans. [0004] 2. Background Art [0005] Computers and other electronic equipment which utilize air circulating or cooling fans and other devices are known to generate noise. The noise, in general, emitted from the rear of a personal computer and from such fans can be an annoying feature, bringing about a desire to minimize such noise. Previous solutions have attempted to create lower noise generating...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is accordingly a principle object of one aspect of the present invention to reduce acoustic noise generated by fans associated with personal computers, PCs, and other electronic devices. A further object of the present invention is to provide for minimal to negligible airflow reduction along with reducing the temperature behind the electronic device. Another object of other aspects of the invention is to provide an acoustic reduction or silencer accessory apparatus that is attached to electronic equipment very quickly and easily, for instance in about 90 seconds or less; that attaches externally of the equipment in a very short amount of time without the need to power off or disassemble anything on the electronic equipment.

[0008] Other objects of other aspects of the present invention is to provide for an adjustable fitting apparatus to accommodate different widths and sizes of computers; to provide for a reusable apparatus that can accommodate different and upgraded PCs to avoid purchase of any new devices when a new PC is purchased; to provide for a apparatus that installs without other pieces or tools; to provide for a apparatus that is easily transported, and can be recyclable and environment friendly.

[0009] Still further objects will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an acoustic noise reduction accessory apparatus which is attachable or made integral to a personal computer or other electronic equipment. The apparatus can be attached along with a low acoustic noise fan, as the apparatus will further reduce the acoustic noise emitted from the fan. The apparatus reduces acoustic noise emitted from the rear of the computer in general and in particular reduces the acoustic noise from the circulating fans.

[0011] The apparatus allows for the airflow rate to be maintained, avoiding a 90-degree turn of airflow and therefore providing for virtually no reduced airflow rate. For some embodiments of the invention there are provided configurations of the apparatus where the airflow will need to be either turned or restricted to some minimal amount but resulting in only minimal airflow reduction. The apparatus installs in short amount of time, for example 90 seconds or less, without tools, bolts or screws and is adjustable to different sizes.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises an acoustic barrier or shield member. The barrier is shaped in various forms externally of the computer or integrally extending from the back portion of the computer around the one or more fans of the computer; the acoustic barrier member allows for minimum to negligible airflow reduction by leaving air pathways from the fans. In addition, in the present embodiment, there is acoustic absorbing material layered upon the acoustic barrier and may be combined with vibration absorbing material in various forms and shapes. The barrier may be shaped to accommodate different sized electronics and formed to include baffles and structures to direct airflow while absorbing noise. Temperatures in the back of the PC can also be reduced using baffles.

Problems solved by technology

Computers and other electronic equipment which utilize air circulating or cooling fans and other devices are known to generate noise.

However, such lower noise replacement fans are inconvenient to attach, requiring tools and extra pieces such as screws or bolts.

Once installed, it would be inconvenient to remove as it requires further time and tools for removal.

However, such a system requires too much of a reduction in airflow rate and air pressure of the fans.

In addition, such external devices require tools and do not lend themselves easily to disassembly or adaptability to different sized electronic equipment.

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