Adjustable Laptop Cooling Outlets for Inlet Alignment

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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 openings, allowing a single cooling system to effectively cool multiple notebook computer designs by adjusting the location of the cooling air supply outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional external cooling pads with fixed cooling air outlet configurations are used, then the device structure is simple, but the cooling effectiveness is limited because the outlets do not align with varying inlet openings across different notebook computer designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different notebook computer designsVSAvoidcooling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling air outlet is made mechanically adjustable, allowing it to be repositioned to different locations. This dynamic configuration enables the outlet to align with various inlet opening positions on different notebook computer designs, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single cooling system design with adjustable outlets can serve multiple notebook computer models and designs. The mechanical adjustability allows one universal device to adapt to different inlet opening locations, eliminating the need for custom cooling stations for each notebook design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If custom docking stations with fixed cooling air outlet apertures are provided for each notebook computer design, then the cooling effectiveness is maximized for that specific model, but the device complexity and variety of models required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidcompatibility across multiple notebook computer models

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical adjustability of the cooling air outlet enables a single docking station to achieve model-specific alignment. By allowing the outlet to be repositioned, the system can adapt to different inlet opening locations while maintaining optimal cooling performance for each notebook computer design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling outlet is divided into multiple adjustable positions or segments. This segmentation allows the outlet to be configured for different notebook computer models, providing both versatility and optimized cooling performance without requiring entirely different docking station designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 cooling air into the appropriate inlet openings of various notebook computer designs, providing effective cooling for multiple models and sizes without the need for custom configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling fan coupled to a chassis and configured to move ambient air to a heat sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a heat sink coupled to the processing device and configured to receive the ambient air from the cooling fan and cool the processing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a cooling fan coupled to a chassis and configured to move ambient air to a heat sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11347285B2Mechanically-adjustable supplemental cooling systems and methods for portable information handling systems

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 DELL PROD LP

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.