Mechanically-adjustable supplemental cooling systems and methods for portable information handling systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external cooling pads for notebook computers provide limited cooling due to fixed cooling air outlet configurations that do not align with varying inlet openings across different notebook computer designs, necessitating custom solutions for each model.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically-adjustable supplemental cooling system with movable cooling air supply outlets that can be positioned and repositioned to align with different cooling air inlet locations, allowing a single cooling system to effectively cool multiple notebook computer designs by adjusting the outlet positions to match specific inlet configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional external cooling pads with fixed cooling air outlets are used, then the device structure is simple, but the cooling effectiveness is limited due to misalignment with varying inlet openings
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air outlet is made mechanically adjustable, allowing it to be repositioned between multiple discrete locations or continuously along a track. This dynamic positioning capability enables the outlet to align with different inlet opening locations across various notebook computer designs, significantly improving cooling effectiveness without requiring a completely different cooling pad for each device model.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling pad is designed with a universal adjustable outlet mechanism that can serve multiple notebook computer models with different inlet configurations. By incorporating an actuator-driven positioning system, a single cooling pad design can adapt to various device geometries, eliminating the need for custom cooling solutions for each notebook model while maintaining reliable cooling performance.
2Reliability
If custom docking stations with fixed cooling air outlets are designed for each notebook computer model, then the cooling effectiveness is maximized, but the device complexity and variety of models increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air outlet incorporates a mechanical adjustment mechanism with an actuator that enables repositioning between multiple discrete locations or continuous movement along a track. This dynamic adaptability allows a single cooling pad design to accommodate various notebook computer inlet configurations, achieving both effective cooling and broad compatibility without requiring custom designs for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling outlet position is made variable through mechanical adjustment, allowing the spatial parameter of the outlet location to be changed to match different notebook computer inlet positions. This parameter variability enables one cooling pad design to work effectively with multiple notebook models, resolving the contradiction between optimization for specific models and versatility across designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling air outlet is made mechanically adjustable with multiple positions, then the adaptability to different notebook designs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical adjustment mechanism is driven by an actuator that can be controlled automatically or manually. This substitution of simple manual adjustment with an actuated system provides a more elegant solution that reduces the perceived complexity by enabling automated positioning and simplifying the user interface, while still achieving the goal of adapting to different notebook designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed with discrete positioning locations or segmented tracking positions, allowing the outlet to be positioned at specific intervals rather than requiring continuous adjustment. This segmentation simplifies the mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability to different notebook configurations, as the outlet can be positioned at key locations corresponding to common inlet openings.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable cooling system enhances cooling efficiency by directing supplemental air into the appropriate inlet openings, providing effective cooling for various notebook computer designs without the need for custom configurations, and can be adjusted by users or actuators to optimize airflow.
Implementation Method 1
A portable information handling system may include a processor, a heat sink thermally coupled to the processor, and a cooling fan configured to blow ambient air onto the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink thermally coupled to the processor
Implementation Method 3
a cooling fan configured to blow ambient air onto the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that may be implemented to provide supplemental cooling air for a portable information handling system from one or more mechanically-adjustable cooling air supply outlets that may be positioned and/or repositioned at multiple different locations relative to a portable information handling system, such as notebook computer or laptop computer. In one example, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to have one or more mechanically-adjustable cooling air supply outlets that may be positioned and/or repositioned to align with differing geometries of cooling air inlet opening locations that correspond to different portable information handling system sizes and/or designs.