Equipment for air flow management and cabinet-based device

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for airflow management and a cabinet-based apparatus. An apparatus for air flow management within a static transfer switch (STS) or similar air-cooled cabinet-based device includes a structure for preventing air flow leakage (e.g., secondary air flow) via a redundant fan or a backup fan capable of replacing a faulty primary fan, such as a secondary fan or a secondary fan. However, when the main fan operates, such as provides a main air flow into and through the device for heat transfer, the redundant fan or the backup fan does not operate. The structure attaches to and covers the fan when in the closed form, thereby preventing leakage of a primary airflow directed through the device as a secondary airflow through the fan. When the covered fan operates, the generated primary airflow pressure deploys the structure into an open form, where the primary airflow may be freely directed into or through the cabinet-based device, for example by the activated fan.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421047544, filed on June 20, 2024, pursuant to 35 USC §365. Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421047544 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates generally to thermal management systems, and more specifically to airflow management for static transfer switches (STS) and other cabinet-based devices. Background Technology

[0004] The background information described below is relevant to this disclosure, but it is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Redundant fans are used in electronic and computing environments, especially in critical systems, to enhance reliability and ensure continuous operation. Their primary importance lies in providing backup in the event of a primary fan failure, preventing overheating and potential system failures. This feature is crucial in environments where uptime is extremely critical, such as data centers, servers, and industrial equipment. In mission-critical applications, even short downtime can lead to significant losses. Redundant fans ensure continuous cooling, keeping the system running. Maintaining optimal temperature conditions also helps extend the lifespan of electronic components by reducing thermal stress, resulting in fewer failures and a longer service life.

[0006] Implementing redundant fans involves several strategies. Many systems are designed with hot-swappable fan units, allowing replacement without shutting down the device. This feature is particularly beneficial in servers and network equipment where maintaining uptime is critical. Advanced systems include monitoring mechanisms that detect fan failures and automatically activate redundant fans. Software control can manage fan speed and operation based on temperature readings, thereby optimizing performance and energy efficiency. In some configurations, multiple fans operate simultaneously but share the cooling load. If one fan fails, the remaining fans can accelerate to compensate.

[0007] Redundant fans are standard in several critical applications. In data centers and servers, they prevent overheating of critical IT infrastructure, thus ensuring the reliability and continuity of services essential to cloud computing and online services. Telecommunications equipment typically operates in environments with stringent uptime requirements, and redundant fans help meet these reliability standards. Industrial electronic equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and control panels use redundant fans to ensure continuous operation in harsh environments. High-end consumer electronics such as game consoles and high-performance PCs may also include redundant fans to enhance cooling and performance reliability.

[0008] In summary, using redundant fans in electronic devices, especially in environments where continuous operation is critical, is a key design choice to enhance reliability, maintain uptime, and ensure component lifespan.

[0009] While redundant fans offer significant benefits in enhancing reliability and ensuring continuous operation of electronic systems, they can also present certain problems. One significant issue is that they can create pathways for air to escape from areas that require cooling. This problem can compromise the system's cooling efficiency and effectiveness.

[0010] Redundant fans, especially when not properly sealed or integrated, can create gaps through which cooled air can escape. This leakage reduces overall cooling efficiency because the intended airflow pattern is disrupted. Air escaping through unintended paths can lead to uneven cooling, where some components receive insufficient airflow while others may be overcooled. The presence of multiple fans, if not well coordinated, can cause pressure imbalances within the system. If redundant fans are out of sync, one fan may push air out faster than others, resulting in turbulence and inefficiency. Pressure imbalances can also exacerbate air leakage as areas of higher pressure attempt to balance with areas of lower pressure, pushing air out through any available gaps. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In a first aspect, a device for airflow management in a rack-based device or similar environment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the device includes a structure attachable to a fan configured to direct air into and through the device or environment, for example, to dissipate heat generated therein. When the fan is not operating, the structure remains in a closed or inoperable state, such that airflow through the fan is blocked. When the fan is operating, the structure expands into an open state, allowing airflow through the fan.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fan has an inflow side and an outflow side, such that airflow is directed from the inflow side to the outflow side. A structure is attached to the inflow side of the fan.

[0013] In some embodiments, the structure includes a left rigid portion and a right rigid portion connected by a rigid rear portion perpendicular to the left and right rigid portions, which are attached to a fan. Each of the left and right portions includes a hinged cutout portion attached to its respective rigid portion. For example, the cutout portion is configured to pivot or rotate into a closed form perpendicular to the left and right rigid portions when the fan is not running. Similarly, when the fan is running and the device is in an open form, the cutout portion remains parallel or coplanar with the rigid portions, for example, held in place by air pressure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the structure is a deformable screen that is held in a closed form, such as a folded state, by springs, cams and / or actuators when the fan is not running, and that the springs, cams and / or actuators convert the deformable screen to an open form when the fan is running.

[0015] In some implementations, the structure is a deformable screen that remains in an expanded state when in a closed form (e.g., and when the fan is not running), and contracts into an open form when the fan is running.

[0016] In some embodiments, the device includes a flexible tubular structure attached to the outflow side of a fan, which remains in a closed form when the fan is not running, for example, blocking airflow through the fan, but remains in an open form when the fan is running, allowing airflow through it.

[0017] In another aspect, a rack-based device, such as a static transfer switch (STS) or similar heat-generating device, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the rack-based device includes a fan assembly or array for circulating air into and through the rack-based device, for example, to remove heat generated therein. For example, the fan array includes one or more main fans and one or more redundant or standby fans for use in the event of a main fan failure. At least one fan in the array includes a structure attached thereto having both enclosed and open forms. For example, when the fan is not operating, such as when the standby fan is not in use and airflow directed by the main fan may leak or vent through the standby fan, the enclosed form prevents airflow through the associated fan. Similarly, the open form allows airflow through the fan, for example, when a redundant or standby fan is engaged.

[0018] In some implementations, the rack-based device includes at least one heat sink. For example, airflow through the device is directed to or through the heat sink to aid in the absorption of heat from the air, such that the absorbed heat can be dissipated outside the device.

[0019] In some implementations, the structure is attached to only one or more redundant fans.

[0020] In some implementations, each fan has an inflow side and an outflow side, such that airflow is directed from the inflow side toward the outflow side. For example, each structure may be attached to the inflow side of its associated fan.

[0021] In some embodiments, each structure includes a left rigid portion and a right rigid portion connected by a rigid rear portion perpendicular to the left and right rigid portions, which are attached to a fan. Each of the left and right portions includes a hinged cutout portion attached to its respective rigid portion. For example, the cutout portion is configured to pivot or rotate into a closed form perpendicular to the left and right rigid portions when the fan is not running. Similarly, when the fan is running and the device is in an open form, the cutout portion remains parallel or coplanar with the rigid portions, for example, held in place by air pressure.

[0022] In some implementations, each structure is a deformable screen that is held in a closed form, such as a folded state, by springs, cams and / or actuators when the fan is not running, and that the springs, cams and / or actuators convert the deformable screen to an open form when the fan is running.

[0023] In some implementations, each structure is a deformable screen that remains in an expanded state when in a closed form (e.g., and when the fan is not running), and contracts into an open form when the fan is running.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device includes a flexible tubular structure attached to the outflow side of a fan, which remains in a closed form when the fan is not running, for example, blocking airflow through the fan, but remains in an open form when the fan is running, allowing airflow through it.

[0025] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not necessarily limiting of this disclosure. The subject matter of this disclosure is illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of the application. [Description and appendices] Figure 1 It serves to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0026] Purpose

[0027] At least one embodiment described herein satisfies some of the objectives of this disclosure, as follows:

[0028] Provides an optimized airflow management system for redundant fans;

[0029] Mitigating air recirculation problems caused by redundant fans;

[0030] By reducing air recirculation by preventing air from the running fan from being drawn back into the intake through redundant fan openings, airflow through the radiator assembly is improved.

[0031] Improve energy efficiency by reducing the workload on the running fan;

[0032] Potentially reduces energy consumption and operating costs; and

[0033] It provides cost-effective solutions that can be implemented using simple mechanical principles with minimal additional cost or modification of existing STS components.

[0034] Other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed herein will now be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 It provides isometric wireframe diagrams of a rack-based device including a main fan and redundant fans according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of a rack-based device;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of a rack-based unit; and

[0039] Figure 4A It is based on the inventive concept disclosed herein and is used for Figure 1 A top view of the structure used for self-deploying airflow management of redundant fans in a rack-mounted device, which exists in both open and closed forms. Figure 4B and Figure 4C The open and closed forms are shown in detail respectively;

[0040] Figure 5 It is based on the inventive concept disclosed herein and is used for Figure 1 A top view of the structure used for self-deploying airflow management of redundant fans in a rack-based device;

[0041] Figure 6A and Figure 6C It is based on the inventive concept disclosed herein and is used for Figure 1 A front view of the structure used for self-deploying airflow management of redundant fans in a rack-mounted device, the structure being shown in either a closed or deployed configuration.

[0042] Figure 6B and Figure 6D It is based on the inventive concept disclosed in this article. Figure 6A and Figure 6C The front view of the corresponding structure, which is in an open or unfolded form; and

[0043] Figure 7 It is based on the inventive concept disclosed herein and is used for Figure 1 A side view of the structure used for self-deploying airflow management of redundant fans in a rack-mounted device, the structure being in an open form. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Implementation methods are provided to thoroughly and fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Numerous details relating to particular components and methods are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0046] The terminology used in this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. As used herein, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context explicitly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of the described features, operations, elements, modules, units, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] When a component is referred to as "mounted on another component", "joined to", "connected to", or "attached to another component", the component may be directly on, directly joined to, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other component.

[0048] In this disclosure, terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used to describe the relationships between the different elements depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Overall reference Figures 1 to 3 An optimized airflow management system for the fan can be implemented in a static transfer switch (STS) or any other suitable type of rack-based unit 100 that combines air cooling via fan 102 and heatsink 104. For example, the rack-based unit 100 may contain a processor or other components within it that can generate heat. Heat must be removed from within the rack-based unit 100; otherwise, optimal operation of the processor and / or components may be hindered or delayed due to unforeseen downtime.

[0050] In this implementation, fan 102 circulates air into and through the rack-based device 100. For example, airflow 106 (e.g., main airflow) can be directed from the inflow side outside the rack-based device 100 to the inflow side inside the rack-based device via main fan 102a, passing through or near any heat-generating internal components, and then over or through radiator 104.

[0051] In an implementation, fan 102 may include a main fan 102a and a redundant fan 102b (e.g., a standby fan). For example, the array of fan 102 may include three fans, one, two, or all three of which may operate according to desired or required levels of heat transfer or removal. Thus, one or two fans that are operating normally may be considered the main fan 102a, and any fan that is not operating normally may be considered the redundant fan 102b. In an implementation, the redundant fan 102b may become operational only in the event of a failure of one or more main fans 102a in order to maintain optimal levels of heat transfer.

[0052] In implementations, when the main fan 102a is operating normally, the main airflow 106 may cause venting and / or leakage 108 (e.g., secondary airflow). For example, a portion of the main airflow 106 generated by the main fan 102a within the rack-based unit 100 may circulate toward a dormant redundant fan 102b and may leak or vent as secondary airflow 108 in the opposite direction to the main airflow (e.g., from the outlet side to the inlet side of the redundant fan, and thus outside the rack-based unit 100). This secondary airflow 108 may adversely affect the cooling performance of the rack-based unit 100 because the main airflow 106 may not be optimally directed through the unit and toward the heatsink 104. Furthermore, higher energy consumption may be required to achieve the desired level of cooling performance, as quantified by the internal temperature within the rack-based unit 100.

[0053] Now refer to Figures 4A to 4C A self-activating damper system 200 can be introduced to mitigate air recirculation in the rack-based device 100. In some embodiments, the self-activating damper system 200 may include a structure 202 capable of attaching to one or more fans 102, for example, to redundant fans 102b that are not expected to operate during normal operation of the rack-based device 100. For example, structure 202 may include a left rigid member 202a and a right rigid member 202b made of a rigid material. Structure 202 may also include a rear portion 202c attached to the left rigid member 202a and the right rigid member 202b and oriented perpendicular to the left and right rigid members 202a and 202b. In some embodiments, for example, when structure 202 is substantially cylindrical or other circular, the left rigid member 202a and the right rigid member 202b may correspond to the left half or portion and the right half or portion of the curved surface of structure 202.

[0054] In an embodiment, the left rigid member 202a and the right rigid member 202b may each include one or more cutout portions 204 disposed therein, each cutout portion being made of a material that is similarly rigid but less breathable. For example, when redundant fan 102b (or main fan 102a, see...) Figures 1 to 3 When running, as by Figure 4B As shown, the main airflow 106 generated by the fan can keep the cutout portion 204 in an open form, substantially coplanar or parallel to the left rigid portion 202a and the right rigid portion 202b, thereby allowing the main airflow 106 to pass through the rear portion 202c. In an embodiment, when the redundant fan 102b is not operating (e.g., by...), Figure 4C As shown, the cutout portion 204 can be spring-loaded or otherwise attached to the structure 202, such that the cutout portion 204a can retract from the left rigid portion 202a and the right rigid portion 202b into a closed form. For example, when in the closed form, the retracted cutout portion 204a can block the secondary airflow 108 from passing through the redundant fan 102b (as shown by...). Figure 4C (As shown). This ensures that the main fan 102a (see...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The main airflow 106 generated is always directed onto the heatsink 102, thereby optimizing heat removal. The cutout portion 204 remains closed when the redundant fan 102b is not running, thus ensuring even air distribution across the heatsink (104) by blocking the redundant fan opening. Figure 1 )superior.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 5The diagram shows a cabinet-based device 100 and a self-activating damper system 200.

[0056] In one embodiment, the self-activating damper system 200 may include a deformable screen 500 disposed in front of the redundant fan 102b, for example, disposed on the outflow side of the fan within a rack-based device 100. For example, when the redundant fan 102b is not activated, the deformable screen 500 may be kept closed by means of a cam, spring tensioning device, and / or actuator 502, thereby preventing airflow bypass or leakage 108. In another embodiment, the screen mechanism may incorporate mechanical deformation held in a closed form by a spring tensioning device or actuator, and unfold to an open form when the redundant fan 102b is running. This ensures that no secondary airflow 108 passes through the redundant fan 102b, thereby maintaining optimal primary airflow 106 through the radiator 104 for effective cooling. In yet another embodiment, when the redundant fan 102b is no longer running, the deformable screen 500 returns to a closed form to limit the secondary airflow 108 from the redundant fan 102b, thereby directing all primary airflow 106 toward the radiator assembly 104.

[0057] Now refer to Figures 6A to 6D The self-activated damper systems 200a and 200b are shown in an open state (200a, 200b, ... Figure 6A and Figure 6C ) and closed form (200b, Figure 6B and Figure 6D ).

[0058] In one implementation, the self-activating damper system 200 may include a deformable barrier 600, which is capable of linearly (602; see also) Figure 6A Open form 200a and Figure 6B (closed form 200b) or radially (604; see also) Figure 6C Open form 200 and Figure 6D The deformable barrier 600 expands into an open form 200a to cover the redundant fan 102b when it is not in operation, and retracts back into an open form 200a when the redundant fan is activated. Mechanisms such as cams, spring-loaded elements, or actuators can facilitate the expansion and contraction of the deformable barrier 600. This method utilizes the properties of deformable materials that can change shape under mechanical action, effectively acting as a dynamic barrier for air recirculation.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 7 The self-activated damper system 200 is shown in open form 200a and closed form 200b.

[0060] In one embodiment, the self-activating damper system 200 may include a flexible tubular structure 700 configured for mounting within a rack-based unit 100 along the airflow direction 106 of a redundant fan 102b, for example, on the outflow side of the fan. For example, when in an open configuration 200a (e.g., when the redundant fan 102b (or the main fan 102a, see FIG. 102) is operating), the tubular structure 700 may expand to allow airflow 106 to enter and pass through the rack-based unit 100. Similarly, when the redundant fan 102b is not operating, the tubular structure 700 may also retract into a closed configuration 200b to block airflow through the non-operating redundant fan or prevent leakage 108. In another embodiment, the tubular structure 700 may self-deploy based on the air pressure associated with the main airflow 106 near the redundant fan 102b, for example, in a pressurized duct region directly behind the fan on the outflow side. For example, when the redundant fan 102b is deactivated, the lack of the main airflow 106 may cause the tubular structure 700 to collapse and contract, thereby returning to a closed form and blocking the secondary airflow 108.

[0061] This solution requires no additional mechanical or electronic actuators, instead using inherent pressure dynamics to maintain the integrity of the airflow. The flexibility and positioning of the duct eliminate the need for additional actuation, relying on its natural tendency to control airflow based on the fan's operating state.

[0062] in conclusion

[0063] The present disclosure described above has several technical advantages, including but not limited to implementing an optimized airflow management system for redundant fans, some of which are as follows:

[0064] Provides an optimized airflow management system for redundant fans;

[0065] Mitigating air recirculation problems caused by redundant fans;

[0066] By reducing air recirculation by preventing air from the running fan from being drawn back into the intake due to redundant openings, airflow through the radiator assembly is improved.

[0067] Improve energy efficiency by reducing the workload on the running fan;

[0068] Potentially reduces energy consumption and operating costs; and

[0069] It provides cost-effective solutions that can be implemented using simple mechanical principles with minimal additional cost or modification of existing STS components.

[0070] The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the appended embodiments, which do not limit the scope and limits of this disclosure. The description provided is given by way of example and illustration only.

[0071] In the following description, embodiments described herein, along with their various features and advantageous details, are illustrated with reference to non-limiting embodiments. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments described herein. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate understanding of how the embodiments described herein can be practiced and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0072] The above description of specific embodiments fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments described herein, enabling others to readily modify and / or adapt these specific embodiments for various applications by applying existing knowledge without departing from the general concept. Therefore, such modifications and alterations should and are intended to be understood as being within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not restrictive. Thus, although the embodiments described herein have been based on preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0073] Any discussion of materials, devices, articles of manufacture, etc., already included in this specification is for the purpose of providing background to this disclosure only. Their existence prior to the priority date of this application should not be construed as an admission that any or all of these matters constitute part of the prior art or common general knowledge in the field related to this disclosure.

[0074] Although considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and elements of the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that many embodiments can be made and many changes can be made to the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of this disclosure. These and other variations in the preferred and other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein, and it should be clearly understood that the above description is to be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the prior art has advanced to the point where there is little difference between the hardware and software implementations of various aspects of a system; the use of hardware or software is often (but not always, as the choice between hardware and software may become important in certain contexts) a design choice representing a trade-off between cost and efficiency. Those skilled in the art will understand that various carriers (e.g., hardware, software, and / or firmware) exist that can implement the processes and / or systems and / or other technologies described herein, and the preferred carrier will vary depending on the context of the deployment process and / or system and / or other technology. For example, if the implementer determines that speed and accuracy are of paramount importance, the implementer may primarily choose a hardware and / or firmware carrier; alternatively, if flexibility is of paramount importance, the implementer may primarily choose a software implementation; or, again alternatively, the implementer may choose some combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Therefore, there are several possible carriers through which the processes and / or apparatuses and / or other technologies described herein can be implemented, wherein no one carrier is inherently superior to another, because the choice of any carrier to be utilized depends on the context in which the carrier will be deployed and the specific concerns of the implementer (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability), any of which can vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the optical aspects of the implementation will typically employ optically oriented hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0076] The foregoing detailed description has illustrated various embodiments of the apparatus and / or process using block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. Within the scope of such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples containing one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and / or operation in such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by various hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein can be implemented via application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integration formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented, wholly or partially equivalently, in an integrated circuit as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or virtually as any combination thereof, and that designing circuits and / or writing code for software and / or firmware according to this disclosure will be entirely within the skill of those skilled in the art. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as program products in various forms, and the illustrative embodiments of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the specific type of signal-bearing medium used to actually perform the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, optical discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), digital magnetic tapes, computer memory, etc.; and transmission media, such as digital and / or analog communication media (e.g., fiber optic cables, waveguides, wired communication links, wireless communication links, etc.).

[0077] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the aspects described herein, which can be implemented individually and / or collectively by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, can be considered as consisting of various types of "circuits." Therefore, as used herein, "circuit" includes, but is not limited to, circuits having at least one discrete circuit, circuits having at least one integrated circuit, circuits having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, circuits forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and / or devices described herein), circuits forming a memory device (e.g., in the form of random access memory), and / or circuits forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, communication switch, or optoelectronic device). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein can be implemented in an analog or digital manner, or some combination thereof.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common in the art to describe devices and / or processes in the manner set forth herein, and that such described devices and / or processes are subsequently integrated into data processing systems using engineering practice. That is, at least a portion of the devices and / or processes described herein can be integrated into a data processing system through a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a typical data processing system generally includes one or more of the following: a system unit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile and non-volatile memory, a processor such as a microprocessor and a digital signal processor, a computing entity such as an operating system, drivers, a graphical user interface, and applications, one or more interactive devices such as a touchpad or screen, and / or a control system including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and / or speed; control motors for moving and / or adjusting the number and quantity of components). A typical data processing system can be implemented using any suitable commercially available components, such as those commonly found in data computing / communication and / or network computing / communication systems.

[0079] The topics described herein sometimes illustrate different components contained within or connected to different other components. It should be understood that the architectures depicted are merely exemplary, and many other architectures implementing the same functionality can actually be implemented. Conceptually, any arrangement of components that implement the same functionality is effectively “associated” to achieve the desired function. Therefore, any two components combined herein to achieve a particular function can be considered “associated” with each other to achieve the desired function, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so associated can also be considered “operably connected” or “operably linked” with each other to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be so associated can also be considered “operably linked” with each other to achieve the desired function. Specific examples of components that can be operatedly linked include, but are not limited to, components that can be physically matched and / or physically interact and / or wirelessly interact and / or logically interact and / or logically interact.

[0080] While specific aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made based on the teachings herein without departing from the subject matter and its broader aspects, and therefore, the appended claims include all such changes and modifications within their scope, as well as the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for airflow management, comprising: The structure is capable of being attached to a fan, the fan being capable of at least one of the following: directing main airflow into or through the rack-based device; When the fan is not running, the structure remains in a closed state, which is configured to block secondary airflow from passing through the fan, the secondary airflow being associated with the opposite direction to the primary airflow; and The structure is configured to unfold into an open form when the fan is running, and the open form is configured to allow the main airflow through the fan.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The fan has an inflow side and an outflow side opposite to the inflow side; The main airflow occurs in the direction from the inflow side to the outflow side; and The structure is attached to the outlet side of the fan.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The structure includes a left rigid portion and a right rigid portion connected by a rigid rear portion; The left rigid portion and the right rigid portion are attached to the fan; The rigid rear portion is perpendicular to the left rigid portion and the right rigid portion; Each of the left rigid portion and the right rigid portion includes at least one cutout portion that is hingedly attached to the left rigid portion or the right rigid portion, respectively. When the fan is not running and the structure is in the closed form, the left cutout portion and the right cutout portion are oriented substantially perpendicular to the left rigid portion and the right rigid portion; and When the fan is running and the device is in the open configuration, the left cutout portion and the right cutout portion are oriented to be coplanar with the left rigid portion and the right rigid portion, respectively. The left and right cutout portions are configured to pivot to a coplanar orientation in response to the main airflow when the fan is running and the device is in the open configuration.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The structure includes a deformable screen, which is held in the closed form by at least one of a spring, a cam, or an actuator. and When in the closed form, the deformable screen remains in a folded state.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The structure includes a deformable screen, which is held in the closed form by at least one of a spring, a cam, or an actuator. When the screen is in the enclosed state and the fan is not running, the deformable screen remains in the expanded state. and The deformable screen is configured to retract into the open form when the fan is running.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The structure is a tubular structure made of flexible material, which is attached to the outlet side of the fan; When the fan is not running, the tubular structure remains in its closed state; and When the fan is running, the tubular structure is maintained in the open position by the main airflow.

7. A rack-based device, comprising: Multiple fans, at least partially housed within a server rack, including at least one main fan and at least one redundant fan, the at least one redundant fan configured to operate in response to a failure of the at least one main fan. The plurality of fans are configured to perform at least one of the following: directing the main airflow into or through the cabinet; as well as The structure is attached to at least one of the plurality of fans, each structure being configured to maintain a closed form when the associated fan is not in operation. The enclosed configuration is designed to block secondary airflow from passing through the associated fan, the secondary airflow being in the opposite direction to the primary airflow. and The structure is configured to unfold into an open form when the associated fan is in operation, the open form being configured to allow the main airflow through the associated fan.

8. The rack-based device according to claim 7, further comprising: At least one heat sink; The main airflow entering or passing through the cabinet-based device is capable of at least one of the following: being directed onto or through the heat sink.

9. The rack-based device according to claim 7, wherein, The structure is attached only to the at least one redundant fan.

10. The rack-based device according to claim 7, wherein: Each fan has an inflow side and an outflow side, the outflow side being opposite to the inflow side and associated with the interior of the cabinet; The main airflow flows from the inflow side to the outflow side; and Each structure is attached to the outflow side of the associated fan.

11. The rack-based device according to claim 7, wherein: Each structure includes a left rigid section and a right rigid section connected by a rigid rear section; The left rigid portion and the right rigid portion are attached to the associated fan; The rigid rear portion is perpendicular to the left rigid portion and the right rigid portion; Each of the left rigid portion and the right rigid portion includes at least one cutout portion that is hingedly attached to the left rigid portion or the right rigid portion, respectively. When the associated fan is not running and the structure is in the closed form, the left cutout portion and the right cutout portion are oriented perpendicular to the left rigid portion and the right rigid portion; and When the associated fan is running and the structure is in the open form, the left cutout portion and the right cutout portion are oriented to be coplanar with the left rigid portion and the right rigid portion, respectively. The left and right cutout portions are configured to pivot to a coplanar orientation in response to the main airflow when the associated fan is running and the structure is in the open configuration.

12. The rack-based device according to claim 7, wherein: The structure includes a deformable screen, which is held in the closed form by at least one of a spring, a cam, or an actuator. and When in the closed form, the deformable screen remains in a folded state.

13. The rack-based device according to claim 7, wherein: The structure includes a deformable screen, which is held in the closed form by at least one of a spring, a cam, or an actuator. When in the enclosed state and the associated fan is not running, the deformable screen remains in the extended state; and The deformable screen is configured to retract into the open form when the associated fan is running.

14. The rack-based device according to claim 7, wherein: The structure is a tubular structure made of flexible material, which is attached to the outlet side of the associated fan; When the fan is not running, the tubular structure remains in its closed state; and When the fan is running, the tubular structure is maintained in the open position by the main airflow.

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