Sorbent filter assembly for electronic enclosure

Abstract

A filter assembly is provided having a body defining a cavity and having a first side edge surface, a second side edge surface, a top edge surface, and a bottom edge surface forming a peripheral surface around the cavity.SOLUTION: In the filter assembly 100 disposed in a filter receiving portion of an electronics enclosure, the porous flow face 110 extends across the cavity, is coupled to the peripheral face 124, and arcs between the first side edge face 126 and the second side edge face 127. An adsorbent 130 is disposed between the porous flow face 110 and the body 120 to adsorb chemical contaminants from the cavity 122.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 000705, filed March 27, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 027420, filed May 20, 2020, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a sorbent filter assembly, and more particularly to a sorbent filter assembly for an electronics enclosure. [Background technology]

[0003] Various situations require conditions that allow for the ability to control the amount of moisture in the air. For example, applications within electronic enclosures, such as disk drives, that house sensitive electronic components and devices often require maintaining and regulating moisture levels within the enclosure to ensure consistent operation. Improper moisture levels can interfere with the mechanical and electrical operation of the components and devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It may also be desirable to remove contaminant chemicals within the enclosed environment, such as hydrocarbons, siloxanes, silanes, organic acids, etc. Chemical contaminants can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of components within the electronics enclosure. Such contaminants can enter the enclosure from external sources or can be generated within the enclosure during manufacture or use. In the case of disk drives, contaminants can gradually damage the drive, resulting in degradation of drive performance and even complete failure of the drive. Therefore, disk drives typically have one or more filters, e.g., sorbent filters, capable of removing moisture and contaminant chemicals from the air within the electronics enclosure.

[0005] Sorbent filters can be used within the enclosure to remove moisture and contaminating chemicals from the air inside the enclosure. Sorbent filters can contain various types of adsorbent materials, such as silica gel, activated carbon, molecular sieves, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed herein relates to sorbent filter assemblies configured to have improved adsorption of moisture and contaminant chemicals such as siloxanes, silanes, and organic acids. In some embodiments, the technology disclosed herein improves adsorption kinetics inside electronics enclosures to increase adsorption while reducing the generation of turbulence inside the enclosure. The improved adsorption kinetics can reduce the effects of contaminants on critical drive components, for example, contaminants that have reactive chemistry with critical drive components.

[0007] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a body defining a cavity. The body has a first side edge surface, a second side edge surface, a top edge surface, and a bottom edge surface that form a perimeter around the cavity. A porous flow surface extends throughout the cavity and is connected to the perimeter surface. The porous flow surface arcs between the first side edge surface and the second side edge surface. The porous flow surface has a height from the bottom edge to the top edge that is greater than 14 mm. An adsorbent is disposed within the cavity.

[0008] In some such embodiments, the sorbent comprises activated alumina. Additionally or alternatively, the sorbent comprises carbon. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface comprises a microporous membrane. Additionally or alternatively, the body is impermeable. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface defines both the inlet and outlet of the filter assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface defines a radius of 47 mm to 51 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly is adhesive-free. Additionally or alternatively, the body is rigid. Additionally or alternatively, the body is made of plastic. Additionally or alternatively, the filter assembly has an adhesive layer bonded to the outer surface of the body. Additionally or alternatively, the height of the porous flow surface is configured to extend at least 75% of the depth of a corresponding disk drive enclosure.

[0009] Some embodiments relate to an electronics enclosure. The housing has a base plate, a cover, a filter receptacle, and a sidewall extending from the base plate to the cover to define an enclosure having a depth. A filter assembly is disposed in the filter receptacle. The filter assembly has a body defining a cavity and a circumferential surface around the cavity. A porous flow surface extends throughout the cavity. The porous flow surface is bonded to the circumferential surface. A sorbent is encapsulated between the body and the porous flow surface. The porous flow surface has a height that is at least 60% of the depth of the enclosure. The porous flow surface has a height that is at least 80% of the height of the body.

[0010] In some such embodiments, the porous flow surface defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface across the filter receiver. Additionally or alternatively, the top edge of the filter assembly abuts the cover and the bottom edge of the filter assembly abuts the base plate. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface defines a plane. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface arcs between the first and second side edges of the filter assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface is concentric with the disk. Additionally or alternatively, the adsorbent includes activated alumina and activated carbon.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface defines an inlet and an outlet for the filter assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the sorbent has a height that spans at least 75% of the housing depth. Additionally or alternatively, the electronics housing has a gasket disposed in a filter receptacle between the filter assembly and the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface has a height that spans at least 80% of the housing depth. Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall defines an inner cylindrical surface. Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall defines a filter receptacle. Additionally or alternatively, the filter receptacle is recessed from the inner cylindrical surface. Additionally or alternatively, the body is impermeable.

[0012] The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation. Rather, illustrative embodiments will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary sorbent filter assembly consistent with various embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary exploded perspective view consistent with the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a simplified top view of an electronics housing consistent with various embodiments. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view consistent with the top view of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is another simplified top view of an electronics housing consistent with various embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is yet another simplified top view of an electronics housing consistent with various embodiments. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph of exemplary test results. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present technology may be more fully understood and appreciated in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] The figures are shown primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale. Additionally, various structures / components, including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wiring, cables, etc.), etc., may be shown schematically or removed in part or entirely from the figures to better illustrate aspects of the illustrated embodiment, or the inclusion of such structures / components is not necessary for an understanding of the various exemplary embodiments described herein. However, the absence of illustration / description of such structures / components in a particular figure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the various embodiments in any way.

[0016] Filter assemblies consistent with the technology disclosed herein can have a variety of different configurations. FIG. 1 shows one exemplary perspective view of an exemplary filter assembly 100, and FIG. 2 shows an exploded view consistent with the filter assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The filter assembly 100 is configured to be disposed in a filter receptacle of an electronics housing. The filter assembly 100 is generally configured to remove moisture and other contaminant chemicals from the electronics housing. The filter assembly 100 has a porous flow surface 110, a body 120, and a sorbent 130 enclosed between the porous flow surface 110 and the body 120. The "flow surface" accepts airflow and diffusion therethrough and has a thickness of at least 10 mm. 2 "Porous" is defined as having multiple voids through which air can diffuse.

[0017] The filter assembly 100 includes a body 120 coupled to the porous flow surface 110. The body 120 is generally configured to receive a sorbent. The body 120 defines a cavity 122. The body 120 is generally not configured for use in filtration. Thus, in some embodiments, the body 120 is impermeable to airflow therethrough. "Impermeable to airflow" means that the body substantially resists airflow therethrough. More specifically, "impermeable to airflow" refers to a component having a Fraser air permeability of less than 0.05 feet per minute at a 0.5-inch pressure drop of water. In some other embodiments, the body 120 is permeable to fluid flow, such as airflow. In some such embodiments, the system to which the body 120 is attached prevents fluid flow through the body 120.

[0018] Body 120 can have a variety of configurations while remaining consistent with the technology disclosed herein. In the present exemplary embodiment, body 120 defines a portion of an elliptical cylinder that defines cavity 122. However, in some other embodiments, body 120 can define alternative shapes.

[0019] Body 120 can be made from a variety of materials and combinations of materials consistent with the technology disclosed herein. In some embodiments, body 120 is rigid. A rigid configuration can advantageously facilitate placement of filter assembly 100 in an environment in which it will be used, such as a disk drive. A rigid configuration can advantageously facilitate the addition of sorbent 130 to the cavities during manufacture of filter assembly 100. In some embodiments, for example, body 120 is made from plastic or metal. In some embodiments, body 120 is made from molded plastic. Body 120 can be polycarbonate. Body 120 can be nylon. In some other embodiments in which body 120 is made from a permeable material, for example, body 120 can be made from a microporous membrane or sintered plastic.

[0020] The body 120 has a perimeter surface 124 around the cavity 122. The perimeter surface 124 is generally configured to be coupled to the porous flow surface 110, such that the porous flow surface 110 extends throughout the cavity 122. The perimeter surface 124 may be an outward-facing surface that surrounds the cavity 122. In this example, the perimeter surface 124 has a first side edge surface 126, a second side edge surface 127, a bottom edge surface 125, and a top edge surface 128 (visible in FIG. 2 ). In the current example, the bottom edge surface 125 and the top edge surface 128 each arc inward relative to the body 120. The first side edge surface 126 and the second side edge surface 127 are generally flat. In some embodiments, the body 120 does not define more than one opening for admitting airflow between the external environment (e.g., a disk drive enclosure) and the cavity.

[0021] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 110 defines no more than one porous flow surface for accepting fluid communication (airflow and / or diffusion) between the external environment and the cavity 122. In some embodiments, the body 120 can also define a breather port 121 ( FIG. 2 only) for accepting airflow between the external environment and the cavity 122. The breather port 121 is not a porous flow surface. In various embodiments, the breather port 121 is not porous. In embodiments, the breather port 121 can include a diffusion channel extending into the cavity 122. In some examples, the breather port is sealed to the housing defining the enclosure (e.g., a disk drive enclosure, described in more detail below) by a gasket or adhesive label around the housing opening such that the breather port is in diffusion communication with the environment outside the enclosure. The breather port typically has a maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., maximum diagonal or diameter measurement) of 3 mm or less. The porous flow surface 110 is typical and has a cross-sectional dimension greater than 10 mm, 15 mm, or 20 mm. The porous flow surface 110 may have a maximum cross-sectional dimension limited by the size of the environment in which the filter assembly 110 is to be used, for example, a disk drive enclosure.

[0022] The body 120 generally has a height h of the filter assembly 100. e The height of the body 120 defines a height h e is the height h of the top surface 128 t and the height h of the bottom edge surface 125 b and the height h of cavity 122 c The body 120 (and therefore the filter assembly 100) has a height h of 10 mm to 90 mm. e The body 120 may have a height h of 25 mm, or 50-51 mm, or 12-13 mm. e The body 120 may have a height h of at least 12 mm or 15 mm. e The body 120 may have a height h of 90 mm or less. eIn some embodiments, the body 120 may have a height h between 17 mm and 24 mm. e In some exemplary embodiments, the filter assembly 100 is configured to mount to a disk drive and has a height h configured to span the depth of an enclosure defined by the disk drive, which is described in more detail below. e It has.

[0023] In some embodiments, the height h of the top surface 128 t and the height h of the bottom edge surface 125 b may each be equal to the thickness of the body 120. The thickness of the body 120 may be at least 0.5 mm. The thickness of the body 120 may be 1.2 mm or less. In various embodiments, the thickness of the body 120 may be 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the height h of the top edge surface 128 of the body 120 may be t and the height h of the bottom edge surface 125 b In some embodiments, the height h of the top edge surface 128 of the body 120 is t and the height h of the bottom edge surface 125 b can be set to 0.5 mm to 1 mm, respectively.

[0024] The body 120 and the porous flow surface 110 mutually define a cavity 122 therebetween. The porous flow surface 110 abuts the cavity 122, allowing airflow between the cavity 122 and an environment external to the filter assembly 100. The porous flow surface 110 is generally bonded to the body 120. In particular, the porous material 114 defining the porous flow surface 110 has a peripheral region 112 that is bonded to a peripheral surface 124 of the body 120. The thickness of the peripheral region 112 can be approximately equal to the thickness of the body 120. In particular, in this example, the first side edge surface 126, the second side edge surface 127, the top edge surface 128, and the bottom edge surface 125 of the body 120 are bonded to the peripheral region 112 of the porous material 114 that forms the porous flow surface 110. The porous material 114 and the peripheral surface 124 can be bonded, for example, by adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, or thermal bonding. In some embodiments, the body 120 and the porous material 114 are bonded together through an overmolding process.

[0025] The filter assembly 100 has a first side edge 102, a second side edge 104, a top edge 106, and a bottom edge 108 (FIG. 1). The body 120 and the porous flow surface 110 are bonded along the first side edge 102, the second side edge 104, the top edge 106, and the bottom edge 108. The body 120 and the porous flow surface 110 can be bonded through various approaches known in the art, such as adhesives, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, etc.

[0026] The porous flow surface 110 is configured to accept airflow therethrough, including water vapor and contaminant chemicals. The porous flow surface 110 can be made from a variety of different materials and combinations of materials. The porous flow surface 110 can be water vapor permeable to allow the vapor to enter the filter assembly 100. Because the porous flow surface 110 accepts airflow therethrough and the body 120 is not configured to filter the airflow therethrough, the porous flow surface 110 defines both an inlet and an outlet for the filter assembly 100. In various embodiments, the filter assembly 100 defines a single inlet and a single outlet.

[0027] The porous flow surface 110 can be made of a variety of different materials and combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 110 is a fibrous filter material, with or without a supporting scrim layer. For example, the fibrous filter material can be, for example, an electrostatic filtration medium. The porous flow surface 110 can be configured to impede the flow of liquid water therethrough. In some, but not all, embodiments, the porous flow surface 110 is substantially impermeable to liquid water. The porous flow surface 110 can be a microporous material, where the term "microporous" is intended to mean that the material defines pores having an average pore size between 0.001 and 5.0 microns. The porous flow surface 110 can define pore sizes between 0.05 and 5.0 microns, between 0.2 and 4.0 microns, or between 0.5 and 3.0 microns. In one example, the porous flow surface 110 has an average pore size of 1.5 microns. In one example, the porous flow surface 110 has a maximum pore size of 3.0 microns.

[0028] In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 110 can have a solidity of less than 50% and a porosity of more than 50%. The porous flow surface 110 can have a plurality of nodes interconnected by fibrils. In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 110 is an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. Additionally or alternatively, the porous flow surface 110 can be made from polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic, polyethersulfone, and / or polyethylene, to name a few.

[0029] The porous flow surface 110 can be a laminate or composite including a breathable membrane, such as a PTFE layer, laminated to a woven or nonwoven support layer. In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 110 can have a PTFE layer bonded to a scrim layer. In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 110 can have three layers, such as a PTFE layer positioned between two scrim layers. In some other embodiments, the porous flow surface 110 can have three layers, with a single scrim layer laminated between two PTFE layers. The scrim layer is generally configured to increase the strength and / or stiffness of the membrane. In one embodiment, the scrim layer is polyester. The scrim layer can also be other materials and combinations of materials, such as, for example, PE, PET, and polypropylene.

[0030] The porous flow surface 110 defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface. The porous flow surface 110 arcs between a first side edge surface 126 and a second side edge surface 127 of the body 120. Furthermore, the top edge 106 and the bottom edge 108 of the filter assembly 100 form concentric arcs between the first side edge surface 126 and the second side edge surface 127 of the body 120. In some alternative embodiments, the porous flow surface forms a flat, planar surface, as described below with respect to FIG. 6 .

[0031] In various embodiments, the peripheral region 112 of the porous material 114 forming the porous flow surface 110 does not receive airflow therethrough by being directly bonded to the body 120. Thus, the porous flow surface 110 is considered to be the region of the porous material 114 that is not directly bonded to the body 120. Similarly, the height h of the porous flow surface 110 p extends between the top edge surface 128 and the bottom edge surface 125 of the body 120. In other words, the height h of the porous flow surface 110 of the filter assembly 100 p is within the peripheral region 112 of the porous material 114, which is at a height h p The height h of the porous flow surface 110 is p is generally greater than 6 mm. The height h of the porous flow surface 110p In some embodiments, the height h of the porous flow surface 110 may be at least 10 mm. p In some embodiments, the height h of the porous flow surface 110 may be 89 mm or less. p is at least 14 mm, 16 mm, 19 mm, or 22 mm. In some embodiments, the height h of the porous flow surface 110 p , 25 mm, 35 mm, 45 mm, or 49 mm or less. In some embodiments, the height h of the porous flow surface 110 p is 15mm to 50mm.

[0032] Height h of the porous flow surface 110 p is generally the height h of the main body 120 e In some embodiments, the height h of the porous flow surface 110 is at least 80% of the p is generally the height h of the main body 120 e In some embodiments, the height h of the porous flow surface 110 is 90% or more. p is the height h of the main body 120 e It can be 85% to 95%, or 90% to 97% of the above.

[0033] The length of the porous flow surface 110 is defined by the inner boundary of the peripheral region 112 of the porous material 114 between the first side edge surface 126 and the second side edge surface 127. The length of the porous flow surface 110 can be between 10 mm and 39 mm, although in various embodiments, the length of the porous flow surface 110 is not particularly limited. The length of the filter assembly 100 extends between the first side edge 102 and the second side edge 104 of the filter assembly 100. In some embodiments, the length of the filter assembly 100 can be between 12 mm and 52 mm. In some other embodiments, the length of the filter assembly 100 is not particularly limited.

[0034] The cavity 122 is configured to receive the sorbent 130. The porous flow surface 110 is coupled to the body 120 across the cavity 122 to isolate the cavity, and therefore the sorbent 130, from the environment outside the filter assembly 100. The porous flow surface 110 defines an inlet and an outlet for the filter assembly 100.

[0035] The sorbent 130 is disposed between the porous flow surface 110 and the body 120. The sorbent 130 is generally configured to adsorb contaminant chemicals from the cavities 122. The sorbent 130 can be a physisorptive or chemisorptive material, such as a desiccant (i.e., a material that adsorbs moisture or water vapor), or a material that adsorbs or reacts with volatile organic compounds, acid gases, or both. Suitable sorbents include, for example, activated carbon, activated alumina, molecular sieves, silica gel, potassium permanganate, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, calcium sulfate, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, activated alumina is mixed with activated carbon.

[0036] The sorbent 130 can have a variety of configurations, including but not limited to beads, particles, tablets, etc. The sorbent 130 can have a substantially unbonded composition, or the composition can be bonded with a binder to itself or to another material, such as a support scrim. In embodiments in which the sorbent is bonded to a support scrim, the support scrim can be substantially coextensive with the filter material, or the support scrim can be encapsulated by the filter material. In various embodiments, the length and height of the sorbent 130 will be equal to or less than the length and height of the porous flow surface 110. The length and height of the sorbent 130 will be equal to or less than the length and height of the cavities 122.

[0037] In various embodiments, the filter assembly 100 is adhesive-free. The sorbent 130 may not be bonded to both the body 120 and the porous material 114. The filter assembly 100 may be free of adhesive between the sorbent 130 and the porous material 114. The filter assembly 100 may be free of adhesive between the sorbent 130 and the body 120. Omitting adhesive from the cavity 122 may advantageously allow the cavity 122 to accommodate more sorbent compared to instances in which adhesive is disposed within the cavity 122. However, in some embodiments, adhesive may be used to attach the filter assembly 100 to the environment in which it is used, as described below.

[0038] Figure 3 is a simplified top view of an exemplary electronics enclosure 200 consistent with various embodiments. Figure 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the electronics enclosure 200 of Figure 3, and Figure 5 is a detailed view of Figure 4. In the present example, the electronics enclosure 200 is a disk drive having a disk 210. The electronics enclosure 200 has a housing 220 defining an enclosure 222 configured to receive the disk 210. The filter assembly 300 is disposed within the enclosure 222.

[0039] Disk 210 is configured to be rotatably mounted within housing 222. In particular, the disk is mounted on axle 230 for rotation within housing 222. In various embodiments, the rotation of disk 210 within the disk drive induces airflow within housing 222. Disk 210 is generally circular and has a central axis x that is collinear with axle 230. Disk 210 has a radius r that can be between 37 and 115 mm. disk In some embodiments, the radius of the disk r disk is 47.5 mm. Typically, a disk drive has additional components such as circuitry 212 and read / write heads 214.

[0040] The housing 220 is generally configured to house the components of the electronics enclosure 200. The housing 220 has a base plate 224 and a cover 226, where the cover is omitted from FIG. 3 to allow for viewing of the components but is visible in FIGS. 4 and 5. The housing 220 has a sidewall 228. The sidewall 228 extends from the base plate 224 to the cover 226. The sidewall 228 defines an inner surface 229, a portion of which is an inner cylindrical surface 229-1 that defines the inner cylindrical boundary of the housing 222. In various embodiments, the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 is concentric with the disk 210. In various embodiments, the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 is defined about the central axis x. While the current example shows the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 as a single peripheral segment centered about the central axis x, in various embodiments, the inner cylindrical surface defines two or more separate peripheral segments around the disk 210.

[0041] Sidewall 228 has an outer housing surface 227. Outer housing surface 227 is generally not limited to a particular shape. In the current embodiment, outer housing surface 227 has a rectangular profile ( FIG. 2 ), however, in some embodiments, outer housing surface 227 can have a profile that is a different shape, for example, square, circular, oval, etc. Sidewall 228 extends outward from inner cylindrical surface 229-1 to outer housing surface 227.

[0042] Sidewall 228 defines filter receptacle 240. Filter receptacle 240 is generally configured to receive filter assembly 300. Filter receptacle 240 is cumulatively defined within inner surface 229 by sidewall 228, base plate 224, and cover 226. However, filter receptacle 240 can have a variety of different configurations.

[0043] The filter assembly 300 is disposed within the filter receptacle 240. The filter assembly 300 is generally configured to remove moisture and other chemical contaminants from the housing 222. The filter assembly 300 has a porous flow surface 310. The porous flow surface 310 is configured to receive airflow therethrough, including water vapor and chemical contaminants.

[0044] The filter assembly 300 has a body 312 coupled to a porous flow surface 310. The body 312 can be impermeable to fluid flow therethrough. In some embodiments, the body 312 can be made of a permeable material. In some such embodiments, the sidewall 228 can be configured to abut the body 312 to prevent fluid flow therethrough. The filter assembly 300 has a periphery having a first side edge 302, a second side edge 304, a top edge 306, and a bottom edge 308. The body 312 and the porous flow surface 310 are coupled along the periphery. The body 312 and the porous flow surface 310 can mutually define a cavity 314 therebetween. The porous flow surface 310 abuts the cavity 314 to allow airflow between the cavity 314 and an environment external to the filter assembly 300.

[0045] The filter assembly 300 includes a sorbent 316 disposed between the porous flow surface 310 and the body 312. The sorbent 316 is generally configured to adsorb contaminant chemicals from the housing 222. The sorbent 316 can be made of various types of materials and combinations of materials, which were discussed above with reference to FIGS.

[0046] The porous material 318 defining the porous flow surface 310 may be water vapor permeable to allow vapor to enter the filter assembly 300. Because the porous flow surface 310 accepts diffusion of recirculating airflow through the porous flow surface 310 and the body 312 is impermeable to airflow, the porous flow surface 310 defines both the inlet and outlet of the filter assembly 300. In particular, the porous flow surface 310 defines both the inlet and outlet of the filter assembly 300 for recirculating airflow within the housing 222.

[0047] The porous flow surface 310 is generally configured to allow passage of contaminant chemicals from the housing 222 to the sorbent 316. The porous flow surface 310 can be a variety of different materials and combinations of materials, which were described above with reference to FIGS. 1-2. The porous flow surface 310 arcs between the first side edge 302 and the second side edge 304 of the filter assembly 300. In various embodiments, the porous flow surface 310 defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface. The porous flow surface 310 can define a portion of the inner cylindrical surface across the filter receptacle 240. In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 310 can extend the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 of the inner surface 229 across the filter receptacle 240. In some embodiments, the curvature of the porous flow surface 310 can match the curvature of the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 of the sidewall 228 of the housing 220. In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 310 and the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 are concentric.

[0048] The porous flow surface 310 can have a radius r1 about the central axis x. The radius r1 of the inner cylindrical surface of the porous flow surface 310 can be between 44 mm and 100 mm. The radius r1 of the inner cylindrical surface of the porous flow surface 310 can be between 47 mm and 51 mm. In some embodiments, the radius r1 of the inner cylindrical surface of the porous flow surface 310 is between 48 mm and 50 mm. The porous flow surface 310 can have a radius r1 about the central axis x that is equal to the radius r2 of the portion of the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 defined by the sidewall 228 about the central axis x. In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 310 can have a radius r1 about the central axis x that is not equal to the radius r2 of the portion of the inner cylindrical surface 229-1. In some alternative embodiments, the porous flow surface does not define a portion of the inner cylindrical surface, which will be described in more detail below.

[0049] 3-5, during use in electronics assembly 200, disk 210 rotates within housing 222, generating airflow about housing 222. In various embodiments of the current technology, housing 222 is configured to promote a laminar airflow of recirculating air. In some embodiments, housing 222 is filled with a gas, such as helium, to promote a laminar airflow about housing 222. The inner cylindrical surface 229-1 of housing 220 and the rotation of the disk direct the airflow in a generally annular flow path 201 around disk 210 (as can be seen in FIG. 3). It has been found that during laminar airflow, contaminants may circulate around flow path 201 in a particular plane spanning depth d of housing 222, such that flow path 201 can be said to define multiple laminar flow planes spanning depth d of housing 222 (as can be seen in FIG. 4).

[0050] The porous flow surface 310 generally extends across a depth d of the housing 222. The porous flow surface 310 may be configured to extend across multiple laminar flow planes within the housing 222. The fact that the porous flow surface 310 defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface and has a radius r1 may advantageously limit the disruption of laminar airflow around the housing 222. In particular, such a configuration may limit the generation of turbulent airflow within the housing 222.

[0051] In various embodiments, first and second side edges 302, 304 of filter assembly 300 are configured to be flush with first and second edges 242, 244, respectively, of filter receptacle 240. Flushness of first and second side edges 302, 304 with first and second edges 242, 244 of filter receptacle 240 can limit turbulent airflow within the enclosure. "Flush" means that the associated side edge of filter assembly 300 abuts the respective edge of filter receptacle 240 and is circumferentially aligned with the respective edge of filter receptacle 240 relative to central axis x.

[0052] During use of electronics enclosure 200, airflow typically occurs about enclosure 222 along the length and width of the enclosure (FIG. 3) and also along the entire depth d (FIG. 4) of the enclosure. In various embodiments, enclosure depth d can be greater than 20.0 mm. In some embodiments, enclosure depth d can be greater than 25.4 mm (1 inch). Enclosure depth d can be between 18 mm and 90 mm. In some embodiments, enclosure depth d is 21.9 mm (0.86 inch).

[0053] In various embodiments, filter assembly 300 extends between base plate 224 and cover 226 of housing 220. In some embodiments, top edge 306 of filter assembly 300 abuts cover 226 and bottom edge 308 of filter assembly 300 abuts base plate 224. In some embodiments, porous flow surface 310 has a height h that can accommodate fastening mechanisms above and / or below porous flow surface 310 to secure filter assembly 300 to housing 220. p For example, a first gasket, adhesive, or other fastening mechanism 322 may be disposed between the top of the filter assembly 300 (e.g., adjacent the top edge 306 of the porous flow surface 310) and the cover 226. In some embodiments, a second gasket, adhesive, or other fastening mechanism 320 may be disposed between the bottom of the filter assembly 300 (e.g., adjacent the bottom edge 308 of the porous flow surface 310) and the base plate 224. The first fastening mechanism 320 and / or the second fastening mechanism 322 may be components of the filter assembly 300 in some examples. For example, the adhesive layer 320 or 322 may be bonded to an outer surface of the body 312, e.g., the top surface of the body (also designated 306). The adhesive layer may be bonded to the bottom surface of the body 312.

[0054] The porous flow surface 310 generally has a height h in the x direction extending between the bottom edge 308 and the top edge 306 of the body 312. p The height h of the porous flow surface 310 p is generally perpendicular to the disk 210. In embodiments where the filter assembly 300 extends from the cover 226 to the base plate 224, the porous flow surface 310 has a height h equal to the depth d of the housing minus the height of the top and bottom edge surfaces of the body 312 (which are bonded to the peripheral region 317 of the porous material 318). p It has.

[0055] It has been found that a porous flow surface 310 that extends a minimum distance relative to the depth d of the enclosure 222 improves collection efficiency. pis generally greater than 30% of the depth d of the corresponding housing 222. A "corresponding housing" is a housing into which the filter assembly 300 is configured to be mounted. In various embodiments, the height h of the porous flow surface 310 p is greater than 50% of the depth d of the corresponding housing 222. The height h of the porous flow surface 310 p The height h of the porous flow surface 310 can be 75% to 98%, 80% to 95%, or 90% to 98% of the corresponding housing depth d. p can be 80% to 99% of the corresponding housing depth d.

[0056] Similarly, it has been found that sorbent 316 extending the majority of the depth d of enclosure 222 provides improved collection efficiency. In various embodiments, sorbent 316 extends to a height h that is less than or equal to the height of porous flow surface 310. a The height h of the adsorbent 316 a is generally perpendicular to the disk 210. The height h of the adsorbent 316 a is generally greater than 30% of the depth d of the enclosure 222. In various embodiments, the height h of the adsorbent 316 a is greater than 50% of the depth d of the housing 222. The height h of the adsorbent 316 a The height h of the adsorbent 316 can be 75% to 98%, 80% to 95%, or 90% to 98% of the depth d of the housing. a can be set to 80% to 99% of the depth d of the housing.

[0057] Height h of adsorbent 316 a is generally greater than 6 mm. In various embodiments, the height h of the adsorbent 316 a The height h of the adsorbent 316 may be at least 10 mm. a The height h of the adsorbent 316 can be 89 mm or less. a In some embodiments, the height h of the adsorbent 316 can be between 15 mm and 89 mm. a is at least 14 mm, 16 mm, 19 mm, or 22 mm. In some embodiments, the height h of the adsorbent 316a In some embodiments, the height h of the adsorbent 316 is equal to or less than 25 mm, 35 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm. a is 15mm to 50mm.

[0058] Various approaches can be employed to secure the filter assembly 300 to the housing 220. As described above, one or more gaskets 320, 322 can be disposed between the housing 220 and the filter assembly 300 in the filter receiver 240. The gaskets can limit movement of the filter assembly 300 in the housing 220. The gaskets can maintain an interference fit between the filter assembly 300 and the housing to limit movement of the filter assembly 300. In some embodiments, adhesive can be disposed between the body 312 in the filter receiver 240 and the housing 220 to secure the filter assembly 300 to the housing 220. In some embodiments, a pin can extend between the housing 220 and the filter assembly 300 to secure the filter assembly 300 to the housing 220. In some embodiments, the housing 220 can define a slide channel configured to slidably receive a portion of the filter assembly 300.

[0059] In various embodiments, a portion of the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 defined by the sidewall 228 of the housing 220 is configured to be concentric with the disk 210 within the housing 222. In various embodiments, a portion of the inner cylindrical surface defined by the porous flow surface 310 is configured to be concentric with the disk 210 within the housing 222. Thus, the inner cylindrical surface 229-1 and the disk 210 may share a central axis x.

[0060] It has been found that the distance between the porous flow surface 310 and the disk 210 can affect filtration efficiency. In some embodiments, the radius r of the porous flow surface is greater than the radius r of the disk by at least 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm. disk In some embodiments, the radius r1 of the porous flow surface is greater than the radius r of the disk by 1 to 7 mm, 1 to 5 mm, or 1 to 4 mm. disk In some embodiments, the radius r1 of the porous flow surface is 2-3 mm larger than the radius r of the disk. disk The distance between the porous flow surface 310 and the disk 210 can be at least 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the porous flow surface 310 and the disk 210 can be 1-7 mm, 1-5 mm, or 1-4 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the porous flow surface 310 and the disk 210 can be 2-3 mm.

[0061] As mentioned above in the discussion of Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the body 320 can define an optional breather port 121 (Figure 2 only) configured to accept diffusive airflow between the cavity 314 and the external environment. In such embodiments, the breather port can include a diffusion channel extending from the breather port to the cavity 314. In such examples, the diffusion channel typically forms a relatively small opening (e.g., less than 3 mm in diameter) that is insufficient to filter the airflow within the housing 222 and, therefore, is not an inlet or outlet for recirculating the airflow within the housing 222. In various embodiments, the optional breather port 121 can be used for a period of time during manufacture and / or use of the disk drive, and then sealed with an adhesive or other sealing component that renders the entire area of ​​the breather port 121 impermeable to airflow.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, the porous flow surface does not define a portion of the inner cylindrical surface. FIG. 6 illustrates one exemplary implementation of an electronics enclosure 400 consistent with various embodiments. The electronics enclosure 400 generally conforms to the above description associated with FIGS. 3-5 , except where contradictory. In the present example, the electronics enclosure 400 is a disk drive having a disk 410 rotatably mounted therein. The electronics enclosure 400 includes a housing 420 defining a housing 422 configured to receive the disk 410. The housing 420 includes a sidewall 428 defining an inner surface 429 having an inner cylindrical surface 429-1, a base plate 424, and a cover (not visible here). The filter assembly 500 is disposed in a filter receptacle 440 defined by the sidewall 428 of the housing 422.

[0063] The filter assembly 500 has a porous flow surface 510 coupled to a body 512. The porous flow surface 510 and the body 512 mutually define a cavity configured to receive a sorbent (not shown here, but similar to the discussion above in FIGS. 1-2 ). The porous flow surface 510 defines a filter inlet and a filter outlet of the filter assembly 500. In the present example, the porous flow surface 510 defines a plane. The porous flow surface 510 may define a plane. The plane may extend from the first edge 442 of the filter receptacle 440 to the second edge 444 of the filter receptacle 440. The porous flow surface 510 is perpendicular to the disk 410. In some embodiments, the porous flow surface 510 may be parallel to a tangent 411 of the disk 410 at a location on the disk 410 closest to the porous flow surface 510. However, the porous flow surface 510 can generally be at an angle of up to 45 degrees relative to the tangent of the disk 410 closest to the porous flow surface 510. Other configurations are possible.

[0064] Here, the central region 511 of the porous flow surface 510 is configured, in some embodiments, to be circumferentially aligned with the inner cylindrical surface 429-1. Thus, the radial distance r between the central axis x and the central region 511 of the porous flow surface 510 is h may be equal to the radius r of the inner cylindrical surface 429-1. However, in some embodiments, the radial distance r between the central axis x and the central region 511 of the porous flow surface 510 h may not be equal to the radius r2 of the inner cylindrical surface 429-1.

[0065] The distance d between the porous flow surface 510 and the disk 410 d may be at least 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance d between the porous flow surface 510 and the disk 410 d is 1 to 7 mm, 1 to 5 mm, or 1 to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the distance d between the porous flow surface 510 and the disk 410 is d In some embodiments, the distance d between the porous flow surface 510 and the disk 410 is 2 to 3 mm. d is 1 mm.

[0066] In various embodiments, the first and second side edge surfaces 502, 504 of the filter assembly 500 are configured to be flush with the first and second edges 442, 444, respectively, of the filter receptacle 440. Having the first and second side edge surfaces 502, 504 flush with the first and second edges 442, 444 of the filter receptacle 440 can advantageously limit the generation of turbulent airflow within the housing 422.

[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an electronics enclosure 600 consistent with various embodiments. The electronics enclosure 600 is generally consistent with the description above, except where contradictory. In the present example, the electronics enclosure 600 is a disk drive having a disk 610 rotatably mounted therein. The electronics enclosure 600 has a housing 620 defining an enclosure 622 configured to receive the disk 610. The housing 620 has a sidewall 628 defining an inner surface 629 having an inner cylindrical surface 629-1, a base plate 624, and a cover, not visible here. The filter assembly 700 is disposed in the filter receptacle 640 of the housing 620.

[0068] The filter assembly 700 has a porous flow surface 710 coupled to a body 712. The porous flow surface 710 and the body 712 mutually define a cavity configured to receive a sorbent (not shown here, but similar to the discussion above in FIGS. 1-2 ). The porous flow surface 710 defines a filter inlet and a filter outlet of the filter assembly 700. In the current example, the porous flow surface 710 defines a plane, although in some other embodiments, the porous flow surface 710 can define an inner cylindrical surface. The porous flow surface 710 defines a plane extending from the first edge 642 of the filter receptacle 640 to the second edge 644 of the filter receptacle 640. In the current example, unlike the previously shown examples, the body 712 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0069] In this example, the porous flow surface 710 is not circumferentially aligned with the inner cylindrical surface 629-1. In this example, the porous flow surface 710 is not concentric with the disk 610. The radial distance r between the central axis x of the disk 610 and the central region 711 of the porous flow surface 710 is h is greater than the radius r2 of the inner cylindrical surface 629-1. The distance d between the porous flow surface 710 and the disk 610 d can be reconciled with the above discussion regarding FIG.

[0070] In various embodiments, first side 702 and second side 704 of filter assembly 700 are configured to be flush with first edge 642 and second edge 644, respectively, of filter receiver 640. Having first side 702 flush with first edge 642 of filter receiver 640 and second side 704 flush with second edge 644 of filter receiver 640 can advantageously limit the generation of turbulent airflow within housing 622.

[0071] As with the above example, the height of filter assembly 700 generally extends in a direction perpendicular to disk 610. Filter assembly 700 can have a height consistent with the exemplary filter assemblies discussed above. The height of porous flow surface 710 generally extends in a direction perpendicular to disk 610. Porous flow surface 710 can have a height consistent with the exemplary porous flow surfaces discussed above. Similarly, the height of the adsorbent (not shown here) generally extends in a direction perpendicular to disk 610. The adsorbent can have a height consistent with the exemplary adsorbents discussed above.

[0072] Experimental data Tests were conducted to determine the effect that the orientation of the porous flow surface relative to the laminar airflow plane has on chemical purification within a disk drive. Two identical filters were tested. Each filter was an adsorbent web material formed from carbon and adhesive (the filters did not have a porous flow surface or body). Each filter was 100.5 mm thick. 2The adsorbent flow surface had an area of ​​1.5 mm, a width of 6.7 mm, and a length of 15 mm. The adsorbent flow surface was flat. In the first test, the first filter was bonded to the cover within the housing, with the adsorbent flow surface oriented parallel to the disk and parallel to the laminar flow plane defined by the airflow within the disk drive. In the second test, the second filter was bonded to the housing within the housing, with an orientation perpendicular to the plane defined by the disk, and the length of the adsorbent flow surface (15 mm) spanned the depth of the disk drive. The disk drive had a depth of 25.1 mm.

[0073] A 30 ml / min flow of nitrogen with 139 PPM trimethylpentane (TMP) was injected into the drive through an injection port in the disk drive cover. Air samples were drawn from the drive through a 3 mm sampling port in the drive cover on the outer diameter of the disk, 5 mm upstream of the filter. "Upstream" of the recirculation filter is considered to be in the direction opposite the direction of disk rotation (as rotating disks is the primary driver of airflow within the drive). The injection port was positioned opposite the sampling port with respect to the disk drive housing.

[0074] The test was conducted with the disk drive powered on and the disk rotating at full speed. Air samples from the sampling port were directed to a flame ionization detector (FID) to measure the TMP concentration at specific time intervals. The time required to reduce the TMP concentration to 90% of the initial TMP concentration was calculated and is referred to as the T90 clearing time. The first filter had a flow face parallel to the laminar flow plane and had a T90 clearing time of 141.0 seconds. The second filter had a flow face length of 15 mm spanning the depth of the disk drive and had a T90 clearing time of 100.7 seconds.

[0075] The same test was performed on additional filters with two different adsorbent flow surface areas: (1) 190.2 mm and (2) 285.2 mm. Each of these additional filters had a length of 15 mm. The filter with the 190.2 mm adsorbent surface area was tested in a position bonded to the housing cover such that the adsorbent flow surface was parallel to the plane defined by the disk and parallel to the laminar flow plane defined by the airflow within the disk drive. The filter with the 285.2 mm adsorbent surface area was tested (1) in a position bonded to the housing cover such that the adsorbent flow surface was parallel to the plane defined by the disk and parallel to the laminar flow plane defined by the airflow within the disk drive, and (2) in an orientation such that the adsorbent flow surface was oriented perpendicular to the plane defined by the disk, so that its length (15 mm) extended the depth of the disk drive. The results are shown in Figure 8.

[0076] This data appears to demonstrate the benefits associated with orienting the filter flow face to extend across the depth of an electronics enclosure, which are believed to be particularly pronounced in laminar flow environments, where the airflow path is relatively flat around the enclosure, such that circulating contaminants may remain at a particular depth (in a particular flow plane) for a longer period of time.

[0077] Restatement of Embodiments Embodiment 1. A body defining a cavity and having a first side edge surface, a second side edge surface, a top edge surface, and a bottom edge surface forming a perimeter around the cavity; a porous flow surface extending throughout the cavity and coupled to the perimeter surface, the porous flow surface arcing between the first side edge surface and the second side edge surface and having a height from the bottom edge to the top edge greater than 14 mm; an adsorbent disposed within the cavity; A filter assembly comprising:

[0078] Embodiment 2. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1 or 3-13, wherein the adsorbent comprises activated alumina.

[0079] Embodiment 3. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1-2 or 4-13, wherein the adsorbent comprises carbon.

[0080] Embodiment 4. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1-3 or 5-13, wherein the porous flow surface defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface.

[0081] Embodiment 5. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1-4 or 6-13, wherein the porous flow surface comprises a microporous membrane.

[0082] Embodiment 6. A filter assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 or 7 to 13, wherein the body is impermeable.

[0083] Embodiment 7. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1-6 or 8-13, wherein the porous flow surface defines both an inlet and an outlet of the filter assembly.

[0084] Embodiment 8. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1-7 or 9-13, wherein the porous flow surface defines a radius of 47 mm to 51 mm.

[0085] Embodiment 9. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1-8 or 10-13, wherein the filter assembly is free of adhesive.

[0086] Embodiment 10. A filter assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-9 or 11-13, wherein the body is rigid.

[0087] Embodiment 11. A filter assembly described in any one of embodiments 1 to 10 or 12 to 13, wherein the body is made of plastic.

[0088] Embodiment 12. A filter assembly described in any one of embodiments 1 to 11 or 13, further comprising an adhesive layer bonded to the outer surface of the body.

[0089] Embodiment 13. The filter assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the height of the porous flow surface is configured to extend at least 75% of the depth of the corresponding disk drive enclosure.

[0090] Embodiment 14. A housing including a base plate, a cover, a filter receptacle, and a sidewall extending from the base plate to the cover to define an enclosure having a depth; A filter assembly disposed in the filter receiving portion, a body defining a cavity and a periphery around said cavity; a porous flow surface extending throughout the cavity and coupled to the periphery; and a sorbent material enclosed between the body and the porous flow surface; a filter assembly comprising: wherein the porous flow surface has a height that is at least 60% of the depth of the housing, and wherein the porous flow surface has a height that is at least 80% of the height of the body.

[0091] Embodiment 15. An electronic device housing as described in any one of embodiments 14 or 16 to 28, wherein the porous flow surface defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface across the filter receiving portion.

[0092] Embodiment 16: An electronic device housing described in any one of embodiments 14 to 15 or 17 to 28, wherein the top edge of the filter assembly abuts against the cover and the bottom edge of the filter assembly abuts against the base plate.

[0093] Embodiment 17. An electronic device enclosure as described in any one of embodiments 14-16 or 18-28, wherein the porous flow surface defines a plane.

[0094] Embodiment 18: An electronic device enclosure described in any one of embodiments 14 to 17 or 19 to 28, wherein the porous flow surface forms an arc between the first and second side edges of the filter assembly.

[0095] Embodiment 19. An electronic device enclosure described in any one of embodiments 14 to 18 or 20 to 28, wherein the porous flow surface is concentric with the disk.

[0096] Embodiment 20. The electronic device enclosure of any one of embodiments 14-19 or 21-28, wherein the adsorbent comprises activated alumina and activated carbon.

[0097] Embodiment 21. An electronic device enclosure as described in any one of embodiments 14 to 20 or 22 to 28, wherein the porous flow surface defines an inlet and an outlet of the filter assembly.

[0098] Embodiment 22: An electronic device housing described in any one of embodiments 14 to 21 or 23 to 28, wherein the adsorbent has a height that spans at least 75% of the housing depth.

[0099] Embodiment 23: An electronic device enclosure described in any one of embodiments 14 to 22 or 24 to 28, further comprising a gasket disposed in the filter receiving portion between the filter assembly and the housing.

[0100] Embodiment 24: An electronic device housing described in any one of embodiments 14 to 23 or 25 to 28, wherein the porous flow surface has a height that spans at least 80% of the housing depth.

[0101] Embodiment 25. An electronic device housing described in any one of embodiments 14 to 24 or 26 to 28, wherein the side wall defines an inner cylindrical surface.

[0102] Embodiment 26: An electronic device housing described in any one of embodiments 14 to 25 or 27 to 28, wherein the side wall defines the filter receiving portion.

[0103] Embodiment 27: An electronic device housing described in any one of embodiments 14 to 26 or 28, wherein the filter receiving portion is concave from the inner cylindrical surface.

[0104] Embodiment 28. An electronic device housing described in any one of embodiments 14 to 27, wherein the main body is impermeable.

[0105] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "configured to" describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is made to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration. The term "configured to" can be used interchangeably with similar terms such as "disposed on," "created," and "manufactured."

[0106] All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which this technology pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. If there is a conflict between the disclosure of this application and the disclosure of any document incorporated by reference herein, the disclosure of this application shall control.

[0107] This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. The above description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting, and it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and any intermediate ranges therein that may or may not be specifically recited herein. Therefore, in this context, values ​​recited herein encompass a deviation of ±3 percent. Within this context, recited values ​​may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error of measurement for the property they modify.

Claims

1. a body defining a cavity and having a first side edge surface, a second side edge surface, a top edge surface, and a bottom edge surface forming a perimeter around the cavity; a porous flow surface extending throughout the cavity and coupled to the perimeter surface, the porous flow surface arcing between the first side edge surface and the second side edge surface and having a height from the bottom edge to the top edge greater than 14 mm; an adsorbent disposed within the cavity; Equipped with Filter assembly.

2. the adsorbent comprises activated alumina; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 13.

3. the adsorbent comprises carbon; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 13.

4. the porous flow surface defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 13.

5. the porous flow surface comprises a microporous membrane; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 6 to 13.

6. the body is impermeable; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 7 to 13.

7. the porous flow surface defines both an inlet and an outlet of the filter assembly; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 8 to 13.

8. the porous flow surface defines a radius of between 47 mm and 51 mm; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or 9 to 13.

9. the filter assembly is free of adhesive; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 10 to 13.

10. the body is rigid; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 11 to 13.

11. The body is made from plastic. A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or 12 to 13.

12. further comprising an adhesive layer bonded to the exterior surface of the body; A filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or 13.

13. The height of the porous flow surface is configured to extend at least 75% of the depth of the corresponding disk drive enclosure. A filter assembly according to any preceding claim.

14. a housing including a base plate, a cover, a filter receptacle, and a sidewall extending from the base plate to the cover to define an enclosure having a depth; A filter assembly disposed in the filter receiving portion, a body defining a cavity and a periphery around said cavity; a porous flow surface extending throughout the cavity and coupled to the periphery; and a filter assembly comprising a sorbent material enclosed between the body and the porous flow surface; Equipped with the porous flow surface has a height that is at least 60% of the depth of the housing; the porous flow surface having a height that is at least 80% of the height of the body; Electronic equipment enclosure.

15. the porous flow surface defines a portion of an inner cylindrical surface across the filter receiver; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 and 16 to 28.

16. a top edge of the filter assembly abutting the cover; a bottom edge of the filter assembly abutting the base plate; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 15 or 17 to 28.

17. the porous flow surface defines a plane; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 16 or 18 to 28.

18. the porous flow surface arcs between first and second side edges of the filter assembly; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 17 or 19 to 28.

19. the porous flow surface is concentric with the disk; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 18 or 20 to 28.

20. The adsorbent comprises activated alumina and activated carbon. The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 19 or 21 to 28.

21. the porous flow surface defines an inlet and an outlet of the filter assembly; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 20 or 22 to 28.

22. the adsorbent has a height that spans at least 75% of the enclosure depth; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 21 or 23 to 28.

23. a gasket disposed in the filter receiving portion between the filter assembly and the housing; Further provided with The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 22 or 24 to 28.

24. the porous flow surface has a height that spans at least 80% of the housing depth; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 23 or 25 to 28.

25. the sidewall defines an inner cylindrical surface; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 24 or 26 to 28.

26. the sidewall defines the filter receptacle; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 25 or 27 to 28.

27. the filter receiving portion is recessed from the inner cylindrical surface; The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 26 or 28.

28. The electronic device housing according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the main body is impermeable.

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