Computer System Unit Fan Speed Control via Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer system units require multiple temperature sensors to prevent hot spots, but using a single sensor to set high fan speed for cooling results in increased power and noise levels, even in favorable positions.
Innovation Solution
A system unit with a temperature sensor and a position sensor that adjusts fan speed based on installation position and temperature, using pulse width modulation to optimize airflow and reduce power consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple temperature sensors are used to prevent hot spots, then cooling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the installation position of the system unit before operating the fan. The position sensor detects whether the unit is installed horizontally or vertically, and this information is used to pre-select the appropriate fan speed from stored values in memory, avoiding the need for multiple temperature sensors to detect hot spots during operation.
2Reliability
If a single temperature sensor is used with high fan speed to ensure adequate cooling, then cooling reliability is improved, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fan speed adjustable based on installation position. Instead of running the fan at constantly high speed, the control unit dynamically selects from multiple stored speed values corresponding to different positions (horizontal/vertical). This ensures adequate cooling reliability while reducing power consumption and noise when the unit is in a thermally favorable position.
3Reliability
If high fan speed is maintained for all positions, then cooling reliability is improved, but service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends service life by dynamically adjusting fan speed based on installation position. The control unit stores multiple fan speed values and selects the appropriate one based on position sensor input. This prevents unnecessary operation at high speeds in thermally favorable positions, reducing wear and extending the service life of the fan and system unit while maintaining cooling reliability.
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 ensures adequate cooling without over-powering the fan, reducing energy consumption and noise, and extends the service life of the system unit by adjusting fan speed according to the specific installation position.
Implementation Method 1
An airflow generated by a fan is provided for cooling the plug-in cards or their components
Implementation Method 2
a controller for setting the fan speed depending on a signal from a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
with a position sensor for detecting an installation position of the system unit
Implementation Method 4
using pulse width modulation to optimize airflow and reduce power consumption and noise
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The system unit (1) comprises a plug-in card (2) provided with components and with a ventilator (7) for cooling the components. A controller (11) is provided for adjusting the number of revolutions of the ventilator as a function of a signal of a temperature sensor (9). The controller adjusts the number of revolutions of the ventilator corresponding to the signal of a position sensor (10) of the system unit.