Mechanically-adjustable supplemental cooling systems and methods for portable information handling systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external cooling pads for notebook computers provide limited additional 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 manually or using actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional external cooling pads with fixed cooling air outlets are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cooling effectiveness is limited because the outlets do not align with varying inlet openings of different notebook computer designs
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air outlet is made mechanically adjustable, allowing it to be repositioned to different locations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the outlet to align with various inlet opening positions on different notebook computer designs, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed with an adjustable outlet that can serve multiple notebook computer models with different inlet positions. This universal design allows a single cooling pad to effectively cool various laptop designs without requiring custom configurations for each model.
2Reliability
If custom docking stations with fixed cooling air outlets are designed for each notebook computer model, then the cooling effectiveness is optimized for that specific model, but the device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing different fixed outlet configurations for each notebook model, the invention employs a single cooling pad with a mechanically adjustable outlet. This allows the outlet to be positioned to match various inlet locations, achieving model-specific optimization without custom manufacturing for each design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system allows the user to manually adjust the outlet position to match their specific notebook computer model. This self-adjustment capability eliminates the need for manufacturers to create and maintain multiple custom cooling pad designs for different laptop models.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling air outlet is made mechanically adjustable to align with different inlet positions, then the adaptability to various notebook computer designs is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components or actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air outlet is made mechanically adjustable, allowing it to be repositioned to different locations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the outlet to align with various inlet positions on different notebook computer designs, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the cooling air outlet is made variable through mechanical adjustment. By allowing the outlet position to change, the system can adapt to different inlet opening locations on various notebook computer models without requiring complete redesigns.
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 system provides optimal cooling by directing supplemental air into the appropriate inlet openings of various notebook computers, enhancing cooling efficiency and versatility, allowing a single design to accommodate multiple models and brands.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan configured to blow ambient air across a heat sink
Implementation Method 2
blow ambient air across a heat sink coupled to one or more components of the portable information handling system
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.