Dynamic air direction control

Abstract

Dynamic air direction control is disclosed. An apparatus comprising: a fan; a directional airflow switcher configured to direct air from a fan within the device in a first direction or a second direction; and a controller configured to dynamically control the directional airflow switcher to direct air from the fan in the first direction or the second direction based on the operational data.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to international application PCT / CN2024 / 131213, filed on November 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices may include one or more heat-generating elements, such as processors, memory, etc. In many configurations, implementing one or more cooling technologies is desirable, or even necessary, to facilitate the cooling of some or all of the heat-generating elements. Many electronic devices include one or more fans that can generate airflow that is directed through a chamber located within one or more heat-generating devices. The one or more fans may start together, stop together, increase or decrease their speed.

[0003] Traditional heat capacity may only meet 22W of thermal design power (TDP), while a higher TDP may be necessary. For example, many current consumer applications require a TDP of 25W. Therefore, there is a need to create cooling systems capable of supporting higher power demands. Attached Figure Description

[0004] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. These drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather focus on illustrating exemplary principles of the disclosed subject matter. In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This shows the standard system configuration; Figure 2 A directional airflow switch for controlling fan airflow is described; Figure 3 The first scene is depicted; Figure 4 The second scene is depicted; Figure 5 The third scene is depicted; Figure 6 The design of a spring for limiting the position of a directional airflow switch is depicted; and Figure 7 The results of the thermal tests were described; Figure 8 The cost assessment of the equipment disclosed in this article is described; and Figure 9 The equipment is described. Detailed Implementation

[0005] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary details and aspects of the embodiments in which they may be practiced by way of illustration.

[0006] The term "exemplary" is used in this application to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

[0007] Throughout the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

[0008] The phrases “at least one” and “one or more” can be understood to include a quantity greater than or equal to one (e.g., one, two, three, four, [...] etc.). The phrase “at least one of…” relating to a group of elements can be used herein to mean at least one element from a group of elements. For example, the phrase “at least one of…” relating to a group of elements can be used herein to mean a selection of: one of the listed elements, one of the listed elements, multiple individual listed elements, or multiple individual listed elements.

[0009] The terms “plural” and “multiple” in the specification and claims explicitly refer to a quantity greater than one. Therefore, any phrase that explicitly invokes the above terms to refer to a certain number of elements (e.g., “plural [elements]”, “multiple [elements]”) explicitly refers to more than one of the stated elements. For example, the phrase “aplurality” can be understood to include a quantity greater than or equal to two (e.g., two, three, four, five, [...] etc.).

[0010] The phrases “(...) group,” “(...) set,” “(...) collection,” “(...) series,” “(...) sequence,” “(...) grouping,” etc. (if present) in the specification and claims refer to a quantity equal to or greater than one, i.e., one or more. The terms “proper subset,” “reduced subset,” and “smaller subset” refer to a subset of a set that is not equal to that set; illustratively, they refer to a subset of a set that contains fewer elements than that set.

[0011] As used herein, the term "data" can be understood to include information provided in any suitable analog or digital form, such as as a file, a portion of a file, a collection of files, a signal or stream, a portion of a signal or stream, a collection of signals or streams, and so on. Furthermore, the term "data" can also be used to refer to information, for example, in the form of a pointer. However, the term "data" is not limited to the examples above and can take various forms and represent any information as understood in the art.

[0012] For example, the terms "processor" or "controller" as used herein can be understood as any kind of technical entity that allows the disposal of data. Data can be disposed of according to one or more specific functions performed by the processor or controller. Further, as used herein, a processor or controller can be understood as any kind of circuit, such as any kind of analog or digital circuit. A processor or controller can therefore be or may include analog circuits, digital circuits, mixed-signal circuits, logic circuits, processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., or any combination thereof. Any other kind of implementation of the corresponding functions, which will be described in further detail below, can also be understood as a processor, controller, or logic circuit. It should be understood that any two (or more) processors, controllers, or logic circuits detailed herein may be implemented as a single entity with equivalent functionality, etc., and conversely, any single processor, controller, or logic circuit detailed herein may be implemented as two (or more) separate entities with equivalent functionality, etc.

[0013] As used herein, “memory” is understood to mean a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) in which data or information can be stored and retrieved. The reference to “memory” as used herein is therefore understood to refer to volatile or non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state storage, magnetic tape, hard disk drive, optical drive, 3DXPoint, etc. TMetc., or any combination thereof. In this document, registers, shift registers, processor registers, data buffers, etc., may also be included by the term "memory". The term "software" refers to any type of executable instructions, including firmware.

[0014] Figure 1 A conventional system is depicted, in which one or two fans are present in the device for cooling multiple components, such as a CPU and memory, although any heat-generating device is conceivable. The system may include one or more fans (two fans are depicted here) 102 and 104. The fans may be placed near multiple components. Illustratively, random access memory (RAM) 106, a central processing unit (CPU) 108, and solid-state drive (SSD) memory 110 are depicted herein, although any multiple heat-generating and / or heat-sensitive components are conceivable. One or more devices may be present to change the fan speed. No mechanism is available to change or aim airflow direction based on sensor data. That is, the conventional approach is to turn all of one or more fans on or off together, or in other words, to change the speed of all present fans, whether to zero speed, maximum speed, or some speed in between. Furthermore, the cooling mechanism generally does not permit changes in airflow direction (e.g., it is constructed without a means of changing airflow direction).

[0015] Below, an airflow guiding structure is described that provides reduced energy offset and can support a TDP of 25W or higher. Components may be, for example, SSDs and processors (e.g., CPUs), although the concepts disclosed herein apply to any heat-generating component. When the load on a first component (e.g., illustratively, an SSD) is sufficiently high, the first component may reach temperatures exceeding its permissible or expected maximum values ​​(e.g., exceeding its specifications) (e.g., skin temperature, surface temperature). Alternatively or additionally, depending on its load, a second component (e.g., illustratively, a CPU) may exceed its maximum permissible temperature.

[0016] In all user scenarios, a single thermal solution may not be sufficient to meet the thermal requirements of all thermal components (e.g., thermal components in all components, thermal components in the first component, and thermal components in the second component). Therefore, the principles and methods disclosed herein focus on how to provide a thermal solution that can be dynamically adjusted to selectively target one or more of multiple heat sources in different usage scenarios.

[0017] Conventionally, increasing fan speed is known to improve system cooling capacity. It is also known to increase the amount of heat-diffusing material (e.g., copper foil and / or graphite sheets) at hot spots. However, these methods can be disadvantageous because increasing fan speed increases acoustic levels (which may reduce utility or otherwise violate consumer specifications or expectations), and the addition of heat-diffusing material increases overall cost.

[0018] The basic concept of the principles and methods disclosed in this paper lies in designing a directional airflow switch (also referred to as a spring or device in this paper) to dynamically adjust the airflow direction of a fan. Figure 2 A directional airflow switch for controlling fan airflow is depicted. In this figure, a fan 202 is depicted within a housing. The directional airflow switch 204 is mounted on a rotating shaft, giving it at least two positions. The directional airflow switch can be made of any material suitable for its purpose; as a non-limiting example, it may include stainless steel or steel. The directional airflow switch 204 can be manufactured by cutting, laser cutting, stamping, or other methods. The directional airflow switch 204 may include a magnet 206 (e.g., a permanent magnet). The housing may include an electromagnet 208. The electromagnet can be manufactured inexpensively using any known technology.

[0019] The polarity can be selected such that when the electromagnet 208 is off, the permanent magnet 206 attracts the housing and / or a portion of the electromagnet 208. If the electromagnet 208 is on, the resulting polarity of the electromagnet 208 can be the same as that of a portion of the permanent magnet 206 (e.g., the portion in contact with the electromagnet), such that the electromagnet 208 repels the permanent magnet 206. Otherwise, when the electromagnet 208 is off, the directional airflow switch 204 can be in a first position (e.g., connected to the electromagnet), and when the electromagnet 208 is on, the directional airflow switch 204 can be in a second position (e.g., repelled away from the electromagnet). In this way, and using the combination of the electromagnet 208 and the permanent magnet assembly 206, the position of the directional airflow switch 204 (e.g., one magnet for each spring; one magnet for each directional airflow switch) can be controlled.

[0020] When the electromagnet is de-energized, the permanent magnet on the spring attracts the electromagnet's core, pulling the directional airflow switch back to position A. When the electromagnet is energized, a repulsive force may be generated, pushing the directional airflow switch away to position B. When the directional airflow switch is in position A instead of position B, the fan may produce different airflow directions.

[0021] It is explicitly stated that the above configuration is merely one of many possible configurations. For example, although it is disclosed above that the electromagnet 206 is located within the housing and that the permanent magnet is located on the directional airflow switch, these positions can optionally be configured in the opposite direction, such that the electromagnet is on the directional airflow switch and the permanent magnet is on the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the directional airflow switch can be configured to include a mechanical force, such as a spring, to hold the directional airflow switch in one position (e.g., position A or position B), wherein activating the electromagnet creates a force sufficient to overcome the mechanical force, thereby moving the directional airflow switch to the opposite position.

[0022] There are at least three scenarios for controlling electromagnets.

[0023] Figure 3 A first scenario is depicted where a first component 304 (e.g., a CPU) is loaded. In this figure, a thermal sensor 302 (e.g., a thermometer, any device capable of generating sensor data to represent temperature) is placed next to the first component 304 or a second component 306 (e.g., an SSD or other device) (or placed in such a way that it generates sensor data representing the temperature of the first or second component). If the first component 304 is heavily loaded, its temperature will increase. If the DTT and BIOS determine that the thermal sensor temperature exceeds a set value (e.g., if the temperature is outside a predetermined range), the controller can trigger an electromagnet to turn on, which moves a directional airflow switch from position A to position B, thereby directing airflow toward the first component 304.

[0024] Figure 4 A second scenario is depicted, in which the device includes a first component 404 (e.g., CPU) and a second component 406 (e.g., SSD), wherein the second component 406 is loaded. A thermal sensor 402 is placed next to, adjacent to, the second component 406. If the second component is heavily loaded, its temperature will increase. If the DTT and BIOS determine that the thermal sensor temperature exceeds a set value (e.g., the temperature is outside a predetermined range), the controller will trigger an electromagnet to shut off, thereby changing the spring to position A, and thus directing the fan airflow (e.g., air moved by the fan) toward the second component.

[0025] Figure 5 A third scenario is depicted where both the first component 504 (e.g., CPU) and the second component 506 (e.g., SSD) are loaded. It is worth noting that the previous examples were given with the use of a combined sensor (e.g., a thermal sensor for two or more components). It should be noted that similar to referring to... Figure 5 The described configuration of multiple sensors can optionally be used for reference. Figure 3 or Figure 4 The configuration is described. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The device may include a first thermal sensor 502 and a second thermal sensor 503. In some configurations, it may be desirable for the first sensor 502 to be positioned such that it can detect the temperature of the first component 504, and for the second sensor 503 to be positioned such that it can detect the temperature of the second component 506. If both the first component 504 and the second component 506 are loaded, the temperatures of the first component 504 and the second component 506 (e.g., measured by the first thermal sensor 502 and the second thermal sensor 503, respectively) will increase.

[0026] The DTT and BIOS can monitor thermal sensor data to determine whether the temperature of the first component 504 is outside a first range and / or whether the temperature of the second component 506 is outside a second range. If the DTT and BIOS determine that the temperature of the thermal sensor 502 exceeds a set value (e.g., if both temperatures are outside a predetermined range, or if the first temperature is outside a first predetermined range and the other temperature is outside a second predetermined range), the controller can trigger each of the left electromagnet (e.g., one electromagnet) and the right electromagnet (e.g., another electromagnet). In this way, the left spring will be in position A, and the right spring will be in position B. As described herein, position A may correspond to airflow directed to both the first and second components, while position B may correspond only to airflow directed to the first component. Thus, air from the left fan and air from the second fan will both be directed to the second component 506.

[0027] It is explicitly stated that various configurations are possible. These diverse configurations will depend at least on the physical configuration of the directional airflow switch, the positions of the first and second components, the expected heat generation of the first component relative to the second component, and the maximum acceptable temperature of the first and / or second components. For clarity, at least the following configurations will now be explicitly disclosed. As can be seen, many configurations are possible.

[0028] Different fans may be pointed at different heat sources. For example, returning Figure 2 The device can be configured to select one of two positions of the directional airflow switch 204 (e.g., again using the naming convention of position A and position B). Figure 2 As shown, position A is fixed when the electromagnet is de-energized and the permanent magnet on the directional airflow switch attracts the electromagnet core. In position B, the electromagnet is engaged, and the directional airflow switch is repelled by the electromagnet.

[0029] Figure 6 A portion of a directional airflow switcher using a position delimiter is depicted. The directional airflow switcher can be designed to limit a stop to control the spring position, preventing the spring from striking the fan blades. In this exemplary configuration, the directional airflow switcher 204 is repelled to position B by an electromagnet. To have a consistent anchor point for position B, the device may include a stop 602. In this case, the stop 602 is an extension around a fulcrum of the directional airflow switcher 204, which, when in position B, is abutted against the fan frame and prevents further movement in the rotational direction. It is explicitly stated that the use of a fulcrum is merely one embodiment of a position delimiter that can be used for the purposes disclosed herein, and those skilled in the art may choose any other configuration for this purpose.

[0030] The device disclosed herein meets a TDP of 25W, while conventional designs can only support a TDP of 22W (e.g., the designs disclosed herein may include a TDP of at least 3W). The device disclosed herein can selectively direct airflow to one or more devices that have exceeded permissible temperatures or otherwise require cooling.

[0031] Figure 7 Thermal testing results are depicted, demonstrating the effectiveness of the device disclosed herein relative to CPU load. As shown in the figure, the design improved the C-cover temperature by 2.84°C and the KB (keyboard) cover temperature by 2.13°C. These temperature reductions likely meet customer and internal specifications. The device disclosed herein supports a 25W TDP, representing a significant improvement in thermal management compared to conventional solutions.

[0032] Furthermore, the device disclosed herein may be cheaper than known cooling solutions that alternatively utilize additional materials such as graphite and copper foil to control temperature. Figure 8 A cost assessment of the device disclosed herein is described compared to a standard configuration. Figure 8 As can be seen, the device disclosed in this paper can be approximately $1.10 cheaper than conventional devices for temperature control that use copper and graphite and require thermal shielding and thermal pads.

[0033] Due to dynamic control, the ideal airflow direction may vary for each of the various heat sources. This can reduce the temperature of the D-cover graphite and / or copper foil and / or SSD thermal shielding and padding.

[0034] Figure 9An apparatus including a fan 902 is depicted, which can generate airflow for cooling one or more components. The apparatus may include a directional airflow switch 904 configured to selectively direct airflow from the fan within the apparatus in a first or second direction. The apparatus may include a controller 906 configured to dynamically control the directional airflow switch based on operational data to direct airflow from the fan in the first or second direction. In this manner, the operational data may include sensor data. The sensor data may be or include data from a first thermal sensor 908 and / or a second thermal sensor 910. The first sensor data may represent the temperature of a first electronic component 912, and the second sensor data may represent the temperature of a second electronic component 914. The controller 906 may be configured to: dynamically control the directional airflow switch 904 to direct airflow from the fan 902 in the first direction when the temperature of the first electronic component 912 is within a range; and to control the directional airflow switch to direct airflow from the fan in the second direction when the temperature of the first electronic component is outside a range. As stated above, there is considerable flexibility in the configuration of the device, and it is explicitly noted that the first thermal sensor 908 is depicted as being close to or attached to the first component 912, but it can be positioned elsewhere, or even positioned adjacent to the second component 914, for the purpose of primarily measuring the temperature of the second component 914 rather than the first component 912, or even for measuring the combined temperature of the first component 912 and the second component 914.

[0035] In this manner, the operating data may be or include sensor data from one or more thermal sensors (e.g., 908 and / or 910) representing the temperature of the first electronic component and / or the second electronic component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is outside a range.

[0036] In an alternative configuration, the operational data may be or include data indicating the workflow of the first or second device. In this configuration, the workflow data is a proxy for the temperature of the first or second device (e.g., the higher the processing demand, the higher the temperature). In this way, the workflow data can be used in place of thermal sensor data, or in combination with thermal sensor data. In this way, the controller can be configured to: dynamically control a directional airflow switch to direct airflow from a fan in a first direction when the workflow of the first device meets predetermined criteria; and wherein the controller is configured to: dynamically control a directional airflow switch to direct airflow from a fan in a second direction when the workflow of the second device meets predetermined criteria.

[0037] As described above, EC BIOS DTT and similar mechanisms have been disclosed for operating or controlling the positioning of dynamic airflow switchers, such as by engaging or disengaging one or more electromagnets. This function can typically be performed by a controller. That is, the controller can be configured to receive sensor data from one or more thermal sensors, and based on this sensor data, it can selectively operate the electromagnets to change the position of the directional airflow switcher as described above. The controller can be any processor, microprocessor, integrated circuit, system-on-a-chip, etc., capable of receiving or evaluating sensor data and activating or deactivating the electromagnets.

[0038] Although the use of permanent magnets and electromagnets has been described above regarding the change of position of the directional airflow switch, any other suitable mechanism can be used to switch the position to change the location. For example, one or more directional airflow switches can alternatively be connected to one or more motors, and the controller can selectively operate one or more motors in a first direction or a second direction based on thermal sensor data, causing the directional airflow switch to change from a first position to a second position, or from a second position to a first position.

[0039] While the above description and related figures depict the components as individual elements, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various possibilities of combining or integrating discrete elements into a single component. Such possibilities may include: combining two or more circuits to form a single circuit; mounting two or more circuits onto a common chip or substrate to form an integrated component; executing discrete software components on a common processor core, and so on. Conversely, those skilled in the art will recognize that a single component can be divided into two or more discrete components, such as breaking down a single circuit into two or more separate circuits, dividing a chip or substrate into discrete components initially disposed thereon, dividing a software component into two or more parts and executing each part on a separate processor core, and so on.

[0040] The following sections will present additional aspects as examples:

[0041] In Example 1, an apparatus includes: a fan; a directional airflow switch configured to direct air from the fan within the apparatus in a first direction or a second direction; and a controller configured to dynamically control the directional airflow switch based on operational data to direct air from the fan in the first direction or the second direction.

[0042] In Example 2, as in the device of Example 1, the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of a first electronic component, and the controller is configured to: dynamically control a directional airflow switch to direct air from a fan in a first direction when the temperature of the first electronic component is within a range; and to: control the directional airflow switch to direct air from a fan in a second direction when the temperature of the first electronic component is outside a range.

[0043] In Example 3, the device is similar to that in Example 1 or 2, wherein the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the second electronic component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is outside a range.

[0044] In Example 4, the device is similar to that in Example 1, wherein the operating data includes data indicating the workflow of the first device or the second device, and wherein the controller is configured to: dynamically control a directional airflow switch to direct air from a fan in a first direction when the workflow of the first device meets a predetermined criterion; and wherein the controller is configured to: dynamically control a directional airflow switch to direct air from a fan in a second direction when the workflow of the second device meets a predetermined criterion.

[0045] In Example 5, the device is similar to that in Example 4, where the first device is a processor and the second device is memory.

[0046] In Example 6, a device includes: a fan; a directional airflow switcher including: a first portion including a permanent magnet; a second portion; a fulcrum located between the first portion and the second portion; an electromagnet; and a controller configured to control the electromagnet to alternate between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on operating data.

[0047] In Example 7, the device is similar to that in Example 6, wherein the permanent magnet is configured to be at a first distance from the electromagnet in a first operating mode; wherein the permanent magnet is configured to be at a second distance from the electromagnet in a second operating mode; and wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

[0048] In Example 8, the device is similar to that in Example 7, wherein the controller is configured to turn off the electromagnet in a first operating mode, and wherein the permanent magnet is configured to attract the electromagnet in the first operating mode.

[0049] In Example 9, the device is similar to that in Example 7 or 8, wherein the second part is configured to be at a third distance from the fan in a first operating mode; wherein the second part is configured to be at a fourth distance from the fan in a second operating mode; and wherein the third distance is greater than the fourth distance.

[0050] In Example 10, the device is similar to that in Example 7, where the electromagnet is configured to repel the permanent magnet in a second operating mode.

[0051] In Example 11, the device is similar to that in Example 7 or 8, wherein the second part is configured to be at a third distance from the fan in a first operating mode; wherein the second part is configured to be at a fourth distance from the fan in a second operating mode; and wherein the third distance is greater than the fourth distance.

[0052] In Example 12, the device is as described in any of Examples 6 to 11, wherein the electromagnet is positioned between the fan and the permanent magnet.

[0053] In Example 13, the device, as in any of Examples 6 to 12, further includes: a first electronic component; and a second electronic component; wherein, when the electromagnet is in a first operating mode, the directional airflow switch is configured to direct more airflow from the fan to the first electronic component than to the second electronic component; and wherein, when the electromagnet is in a second operating mode, the directional airflow switch is configured to direct less airflow from the fan to the first electronic component than to the second electronic component.

[0054] In Example 14, the device is similar to that in Example 13, wherein the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the first electronic component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the first electronic component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the first electronic component is outside a range.

[0055] In Example 15, the device is similar to that in Example 13, wherein the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the second electronic component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is outside a range.

[0056] In Example 16, the device is as described in any of Examples 6 to 15, wherein the fulcrum includes a limiting structure that defines a first position of the directional airflow switch corresponding to a first operating mode or a second position of the directional airflow switch corresponding to a second operating mode.

[0057] In Example 17, the device is as described in any of Examples 6 to 16; wherein the fan is a first fan; the directional airflow switcher is a first directional airflow switcher; the fulcrum is a first fulcrum; and the electromagnet is a first electromagnet; the device further includes: a second fan; a second directional airflow switcher including: a third portion including a ferromagnetic portion; a fourth portion; a fulcrum located between the third portion and the fourth portion; and a second electromagnet; and wherein the controller is configured to control the first electromagnet to alternate between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on operating data, and to control the second electromagnet to alternate between the first operating mode and the second operating mode based on operating data.

[0058] In Example 18, the device is similar to that in Example 17, wherein the operating data includes first sensor data representing the temperature of a first component and second sensor data representing the temperature of a second component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the first electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the first component is within a range; and control the first electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the first component is outside a range.

[0059] In Example 19, as in the device of Example 18, the controller is configured to: control the second electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the second component is within a range; and control the second electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second component is outside a range.

[0060] In Example 20, as in the device of Example 18, the controller is configured to: control the first electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the first component is within a first range; and to: control the second electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second component is within a second range.

[0061] In Example 21, an apparatus includes: a fan; a directional airflow switch for switching the direction of airflow from the fan to a first component or a second component, the directional airflow switch including: a first portion including a permanent magnet; a second portion; a fulcrum located between the first portion and the second portion; an electromagnet; and a controller configured to control the electromagnet to alternate between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on operating data.

[0062] In Example 22, the device is similar to that of Example 21, wherein a permanent magnet is used to be at a first distance from an electromagnet in a first operating mode and at a second distance from an electromagnet in a second operating mode; and wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

[0063] In Example 23, the device is similar to that of Example 22, wherein an electromagnet is used to attract the ferromagnetic portion in a first operating mode.

[0064] In Example 24, the device is similar to that in Example 22 or 23, wherein the second part is used to be at a third distance from the fan in a first operating mode and at a fourth distance from the fan in a second operating mode; and wherein the third distance is greater than the fourth distance.

[0065] In Example 25, the device is similar to that in Example 22, where an electromagnet is used to repel ferromagnetic portions in a second operating mode.

[0066] In Example 26, as in the device of Example 22 or 23, the second part is used to be at a third distance from the fan in the first operating mode; the second part is used to be at a fourth distance from the fan in the second operating mode; and the third distance is greater than the fourth distance.

[0067] In Example 27, the device is as described in any of Examples 21 to 26, wherein the electromagnet is located between the fan and the ferromagnetic portion.

[0068] In Example 28, the device, as in any of Examples 21 to 27, further includes: a first electronic component; and a second electronic component; wherein, when the electromagnet is in a first operating mode, a directional airflow switch is used to direct more airflow from the fan to the first electronic component than to the second electronic component; and wherein, when the electromagnet is in a second operating mode, the directional airflow switch is used to direct less airflow from the fan to the first electronic component than to the second electronic component.

[0069] In Example 29, the device is similar to that in Example 28, wherein the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the first component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the first component is within a range; and to: control the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the first component is outside a range.

[0070] In Example 30, the device is similar to that of Example 28, wherein the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the second component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the second component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second component is outside the range.

[0071] In Example 31, the device is as described in any of Examples 21 to 30, wherein the fulcrum includes a limiting structure that defines a first position of the directional airflow switch corresponding to a first operating mode or a second position of the directional airflow switch corresponding to a second operating mode.

[0072] In Example 32, the device is as described in any of Examples 21 to 31; wherein the fan is a first fan; the directional airflow switcher is a first directional airflow switcher; the fulcrum is a first fulcrum; and the electromagnet is a first electromagnet; the device further includes: a second fan; a second directional airflow switcher including: a third portion including a ferromagnetic portion; a fourth portion; a fulcrum located between the third portion and the fourth portion; and a second electromagnet; and wherein the controller is configured to control the first electromagnet to alternate between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on operating data, and to control the second electromagnet to alternate between the first operating mode and the second operating mode based on operating data.

[0073] In Example 33, as in the device of Example 32, the operating data includes first sensor data representing the temperature of a first component and second sensor data representing the temperature of a second component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the first electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the first component is within a range; and to: control the first electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the first component is outside a range.

[0074] In Example 34, the device is similar to that in Example 33, wherein the controller is configured to: control the second electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the second component is within a range; and to: control the second electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second component is outside a range.

[0075] In Example 35, as in the device of Example 33, the controller is configured to: control the first electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the first component is within a first range; and to: control the second electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second component is within a second range.

[0076] In Example 36, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, if executed by a controller, cause the controller to: control an electromagnet to alternate between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on operating data; and wherein the first operating mode includes a first position of a directional airflow switch relative to a fan, and the second operating mode includes a second position of the directional airflow switch relative to a fan.

[0077] In Example 37, a non-transitory computer-readable medium as in Example 36, an electromagnet is configured to attract a permanent magnet in a first operating mode.

[0078] In Example 38, a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as in Examples 36 or 37, an electromagnet is configured to repel a permanent magnet in a second operating mode.

[0079] In Example 39, a non-transitory computer-readable medium as in Example 36, the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the first component, and the instructions are configured to cause the controller to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the first component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the first component is outside a range.

[0080] In Example 40, a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as in Example 38, the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the second component, and the instructions are configured to cause the controller to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the second component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second component is outside a range.

[0081] In Example 41, a method includes: directing air from a fan within a device in a first or second direction; and dynamically controlling a directional airflow switch based on operational data to direct air from the fan in the first or second direction.

[0082] In Example 42, the method of Example 41 includes, wherein the operational data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the first electronic component; and the method further includes: dynamically controlling a directional airflow switch to direct air from a fan in a first direction when the temperature of the first electronic component is within a range; and controlling the directional airflow switch to direct air from a fan in a second direction when the temperature of the first electronic component is outside a range.

[0083] In Example 43, as in the method of Example 41 or 42, the operating data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the second electronic component; and the method further includes: controlling the electromagnet to operate in a first operating mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is within a range; and controlling the electromagnet to operate in a second operating mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is outside the range.

[0084] In Example 44, the method is as described in Example 41, wherein the operational data includes data indicating the workflow of the first device or the second device; and the method further includes: dynamically controlling a directional airflow switch to direct air from a fan in a first direction when the workflow of the first device meets a predetermined criterion; and dynamically controlling a directional airflow switch to direct air from a fan in a second direction when the workflow of the second device meets a predetermined criterion.

[0085] In Example 45, the method is similar to that in Example 44, where the first device is a processor and the second device is memory.

[0086] It should be understood that the implementations of the methods detailed herein are illustrative in nature and are therefore to be understood as being implementable in the corresponding devices. Similarly, it should be understood that the device implementations detailed herein are to be understood as being implementable as the corresponding methods. Therefore, it should be understood that the device corresponding to the methods detailed herein may include one or more components configured to perform each aspect of the relevant methods.

[0087] All acronyms defined in the above description are additionally included in all claims contained herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: fan; A directional airflow switch is configured to direct air from the fan within the device in a first or second direction; as well as The controller is configured to dynamically control the directional airflow switch based on operational data to direct the airflow from the fan in either the first or second direction.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The operational data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the first electronic component, and wherein the controller is configured to: dynamically control the directional airflow switch to direct the air from the fan in the first direction when the temperature of the first electronic component is within a range; and to: control the directional airflow switch to direct the air from the fan in the second direction when the temperature of the first electronic component is outside a range.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The operational data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the second electronic component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operational mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operational mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is outside a range.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The operational data includes data indicating the workflow of the first device or the second device, and wherein the controller is configured to: dynamically control the directional airflow switch to direct the air from the fan in the first direction when the workflow of the first device meets a predetermined criterion; and wherein the controller is configured to: dynamically control the directional airflow switch to direct the air from the fan in the second direction when the workflow of the second device meets a predetermined criterion.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The first device is a processor, and the second device is a memory.

6. An apparatus, said apparatus comprising: fan; Directional airflow switch, including: The first part includes permanent magnets; Part Two; The fulcrum is located between the first part and the second part; Electromagnets; and The controller is configured to control the electromagnet to alternate between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on operating data.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The permanent magnet is configured to be at a first distance from the electromagnet in the first operating mode; wherein the permanent magnet is configured to be at a second distance from the electromagnet in the second operating mode; and wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is configured to shut off the electromagnet in the first operating mode, and the permanent magnet is configured to attract the electromagnet in the first operating mode.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The second portion is configured to be at a third distance from the fan in the first operating mode; wherein the second portion is configured to be at a fourth distance from the fan in the second operating mode; and wherein the third distance is greater than the fourth distance.

10. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The electromagnet is configured to repel the permanent magnet in the second operating mode.

11. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, The electromagnet is located between the fan and the permanent magnet.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising: First electronic component; as well as Second electronic component; as well as Wherein, when the electromagnet is in the first operating mode, the directional airflow switch is configured to direct more airflow from the fan to the first electronic component than to the second electronic component; and wherein, when the electromagnet is in the second operating mode, the directional airflow switch is configured to direct less airflow from the fan to the first electronic component than to the second electronic component.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The operational data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the first electronic component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in a first operational mode when the temperature of the first electronic component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in a second operational mode when the temperature of the first electronic component is outside a range.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The operational data includes sensor data representing the temperature of the second electronic component, and wherein the controller is configured to: control the electromagnet to operate in the first operational mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is within a range; and control the electromagnet to operate in the second operational mode when the temperature of the second electronic component is outside a range.

15. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, The fulcrum includes a limiting structure that defines a first position of the directional airflow switch corresponding to the first operating mode or a second position of the directional airflow switch corresponding to the second operating mode.

16. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, in, The fan is a first fan; the directional airflow switcher is a first directional airflow switcher; The fulcrum is the first fulcrum; Furthermore, the electromagnet is a first electromagnet; The device further includes: Second fan; The second directional airflow switch includes: The third part includes the ferromagnetic component; Part Four; The fulcrum is located between the third and fourth parts; and Second electromagnet; and The controller is configured to control the first electromagnet to alternate between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on operating data, and to control the second electromagnet to alternate between the first operating mode and the second operating mode based on operating data.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The operational data includes first sensor data representing the temperature of the first component and second sensor data representing the temperature of the second component, wherein the controller is configured to: control the first electromagnet to operate in the first operational mode when the temperature of the first component is within a range; and to: control the first electromagnet to operate in the second operational mode when the temperature of the first component is outside a range.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein, The controller is configured to: control the second electromagnet to operate in the first operating mode when the temperature of the second component is within the range; and control the second electromagnet to operate in the second operating mode when the temperature of the second component is outside the range.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein, The controller is configured to: control the first electromagnet to operate in the first operating mode when the temperature of the first component is within a first range; and to: control the second electromagnet to operate in the second operating mode when the temperature of the second component is within a second range.

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