Adjustable Guide Vanes for Blower Airflow Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blowers used in computer systems often deliver airflow non-uniformly, leading to reduced thermal performance and efficiency of heat sinks and hardware components due to insufficient flow development length and recirculation, which can result in decreased performance and potential damage from excessive heat.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of adjustable guide vanes affixed to the blower at pivot points in the outlet, which adjust based on the rotational speed of the impeller to optimize airflow distribution, using mechanisms such as actuators and magnetic forces to position the vanes for uniform airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the blower outlet velocity profile is preferenced to one side of the outlet area, then the airflow delivery capability is improved, but the airflow distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow delivery capabilityVSAvoidairflow distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The guide vanes are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to be dynamically positioned based on operating conditions. The vanes can rotate about pivot points in the outlet to change airflow direction and distribution patterns, transforming the static airflow profile into a dynamically adjustable one that can optimize both delivery capability and uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the outlet are treated differently by positioning guide vanes at specific locations and orientations. By locally adjusting the vanes in different areas of the outlet, the airflow distribution is optimized to achieve uniform flow across the entire outlet area while maintaining high delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Length of moving object

If the flow development length is reduced, then the blower size is reduced, but the airflow distribution quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblower sizeVSAvoidairflow distribution quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide vanes are positioned in advance within the outlet to pre-condition the airflow before it exits the blower. By strategically placing the vanes to create uniform flow patterns from the outset, the system achieves high airflow distribution quality without requiring extended flow development length downstream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide vanes act as intermediary elements between the impeller and the outlet, mediating the airflow transformation. These vanes modify the raw airflow from the impeller to create a uniform distribution pattern, effectively compensating for the limited flow development length available in compact blowers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the blower operates at high speed, then the airflow volume is improved, but the recirculation and back flow increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow volumeVSAvoidrecirculation and back flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide vanes are positioned and oriented to convert the potentially harmful recirculation and back flow generated at high speeds into beneficial directed airflow. By strategically angle the vanes, the system transforms what would be harmful recirculation into controlled flow paths that maintain high airflow volume while preventing harmful recirculation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This solution enhances airflow uniformity and thermal performance by dynamically adjusting the guide vanes in response to impeller speed, reducing recirculation and improving the distribution of airflow to heat sinks and hardware components, thus maintaining system efficiency and preventing damage from heat-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

adjustable guide vanes that are affixed to the blower at one or more pivot points located in an outlet of the blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

determining a rotational speed of an impeller in the blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion: Impeller

Data Source

PatentUS8641361B2Airflow from a blower with one or more adjustable guide vanes that are affixed to the blower at one or more pivot points located in an outlet of the blower

Publication Date: 2014.02.04 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for improving the airflow exiting a blower that has one or more adjustable guide vanes that are affixed to the blower at one or more pivot points located in an outlet of the blower that include: determining a rotational speed of an impeller in the blower and adjusting a position of at least one of the adjustable guide vanes in dependence upon the rotational speed of the impeller.