Liquid-Tight Air Channel Ribs for Electronic Apparatus Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat dissipation structures in compact electronic devices like notebook PCs face challenges in maintaining liquid tightness and rigidity due to the need for air channels and inlets/outlets, which can compromise the structural integrity and effectiveness of heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus incorporates a heat dissipation structure with a liquid-tight air channel extending from the inlet air vent through the side wall of the main unit case, sealed by plate-shaped ribs to maintain rigidity and ensure effective heat dissipation while preventing water leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an air channel is provided to communicate the heat dissipation chamber with the inlet/outlet, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the rigidity of the main unit case is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air channel is segmented into multiple sub-channels by plate-shaped ribs, which divide the single large air channel into several smaller passages. This segmentation allows the air channel to maintain its heat dissipation function while the ribs themselves provide structural support to preserve the rigidity of the main unit case.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channel structure combines the partition wall material with plate-shaped ribs to create a composite structure that serves dual purposes: maintaining liquid tightness for heat dissipation while providing additional rigidity support to counteract the weakening effect of the air channel opening.
2Productivity
If the lower portions of the heat dissipation chamber are open to form air intake path, then heat dissipation is improved, but liquid tightness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is segmented to include specific inlet and outlet openings while maintaining the rest of the structure liquid-tight. This selective segmentation allows air intake and exhaust functions while preserving liquid tightness in other areas of the heat dissipation chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary structure that selectively allows air flow through designated inlet and outlet openings while blocking liquid penetration. It mediates between the requirement for air circulation and the requirement for liquid tightness in the heat dissipation chamber.
3Productivity
If the case shape is modified to form heat dissipation chamber, then heat dissipation function is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation chamber is formed by adding a partition wall that segments the interior space of the main unit case, rather than redesigning the entire case shape. This segmented approach allows the heat dissipation function to be added while maintaining the original case manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall serves multiple functions: it creates the heat dissipation chamber space, provides structural support with integrated ribs, ensures liquid tightness, and facilitates air flow control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies manufacturing.
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 configuration maintains the rigidity of the main unit case while ensuring liquid tightness and enhancing heat dissipation efficiency by using plate-shaped ribs to divide the air channel into sub-channels, preventing a reduction in structural rigidity caused by the air channel.
Implementation Method 1
when the heat dissipation structure uses an air flow produced by a cooling fan
Implementation Method 2
heat is transferred from a heat generating component located inside the case 31 to the heat dissipation member 34 through the partition 32 via a heat-transfer member
Implementation Method 3
the air flow produced by a cooling fan... heat dissipation fin... have to be optimized
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes the following: a heat dissipation chamber that is formed by liquid tightly separating the inside of a main unit case with a partition, has an inlet air vent and an outlet air vent in the partition, and includes a heat dissipation portion; a cooling fan that is located in the heat dissipation chamber; an inlet that is provided in the main unit case to introduce outside air into the heat dissipation chamber through the inlet air vent; and an outlet that is provided in the main unit case to exhaust an air flow sent from the cooling fan to the outside through the outlet air vent. An air channel that extends from the inlet air vent through a side wall of the main unit case to communicate the heat dissipation chamber with the inlet is liquid tightly sealed from the internal space of the main unit case with a sealing wall. A plurality of plate-shaped ribs are provided in the air channel so as to extend in a flow path direction and arranged in a lateral direction of the inlet air vent. The rigidity of the main unit case can be ensured sufficiently while maintaining the liquid tightness between the inside of the main unit case and the heat dissipation chamber.