Chassis Cover Flap System for Airflow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computer systems, maintaining consistent airflow during sub-component removal (hot-swapping) is challenging due to air being pulled from voids by fans, leading to airflow 'short-circuits' that starve other components, and existing solutions require significant space for airflow control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A chassis cover with a side-by-side drop-down flap system using thin stainless steel flaps and U-shaped hinges that pivot through 180 degrees, activated by gravity, to maintain airflow while minimizing space and allowing for large sub-component removal and reinstallation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional doors are used to block openings when sub-components are removed, then airflow consistency is maintained, but significant space is required for the door mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow consistencyVSAvoidspace for airflow control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, pivoting between a horizontal position (blocking the opening) and a vertical position (allowing access). This dynamic mechanism maintains airflow consistency when sub-components are removed while requiring minimal space compared to traditional fixed doors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a thin flap structure instead of a rigid door. The flap's thin profile allows it to pivot within a compact space while still effectively blocking openings to maintain airflow paths when sub-components are present or removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Volume of moving object

If thin stainless steel flaps are used, then space is minimized and flexibility is improved, but the mechanism requires precise pivot points and camming surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for flap mechanismVSAvoidpivot point alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot points are integrated directly into the chassis cover structure rather than being separate components. The U-shaped hinges are formed as part of the cover, merging the mounting structure with the pivot mechanism. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Camming surfaces are introduced as intermediary features on the U-shaped hinges that guide and control the flap's rotation. These camming surfaces mediate between the flap's pivot points and the chassis cover, ensuring proper alignment and movement without requiring high-precision direct mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flap pivots through 180 degrees, then large sub-components can be removed and reinstalled, but the flap mechanism requires more complex hinge design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent removal capabilityVSAvoidhinge design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is segmented into U-shaped hinges with distinct arms that attach to different components. This segmentation allows the hinge to accommodate 180-degree rotation while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple simple attachment points rather than requiring a complex single-piece hinge.

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 solution ensures consistent airflow and maximizes space within the system by allowing large sub-components to be removed and reinstalled while maintaining airflow integrity, addressing the issue of airflow 'short-circuits' and space constraints.

Implementation Method 1

a side-by-side drop-down flap system (gravity activation) is provided which uses minimal space to implement and swings through 180 degrees of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

surfaces of the U-shaped hinges providing a camming surface to pivot the flap between a horizontal position parallel to the planar surface portions of the cover and a vertical position perpendicular to the planar surface portions of the cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7307832B1Chassis cover with air flow control flaps

Publication Date: 2007.12.11 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A chassis having a cover, comprising: planar surface portions; a pair of spaced U-shaped hinges perpendicular to the planar surface portions of the cover and having arms of such hinges terminating at the planar surface portions; and a flap having handles at ends thereof, the handles being pivotally disposed in the U-shaped hinges, surfaces of the U-shaped hinges providing a camming surface to pivot the flap between a horizontal position parallel to the planar surface portions of the cover and a vertical position perpendicular to the planar surface portions of the cover.