Conductive Fan Blades with Ground Path for Static Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face thermal-related failures due to inadequate cooling, which leads to processor overheating and performance degradation, primarily caused by the degradation of cooling solutions over time, including the accumulation of dust and electrically charged particles on fan blades.
Innovation Solution
A static resistant fan apparatus with a conductive shaft, conductive fan blades, and a conductive ground path to prevent the accumulation of electrically charged particles, ensuring efficient cooling and reducing acoustic noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fan apparatus is used for cooling, then cooling function is provided initially, but cooling capacity degrades over time due to accumulation of dust and electrically charged particles on fan blades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrostatic discharge principles to convert the harmful accumulation of charged particles into a beneficial self-cleaning mechanism. By making fan blades conductive and providing an electrical ground path, the system allows accumulated charged particles to discharge through the conductive blades, preventing future accumulation and maintaining cooling capacity throughout the service life.
2Productivity
If fan blades are made conductive to prevent particle accumulation, then cooling efficiency is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional ground path components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground path connection with existing fan assembly components. The conductive shaft and support structure, which are already part of the fan assembly, are utilized as integral parts of the ground path, eliminating the need for separate ground wiring and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive shaft and support structure serve dual functions: mechanically supporting the fan blades and providing the electrical ground path for electrostatic discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall design.
3Reliability
If conductive materials are used for fan blades and shaft, then electrostatic discharge path is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of select components (shaft and support structure) rather than the entire fan assembly. This selective parameter change provides the necessary electrostatic discharge path while minimizing the amount of conductive material required, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
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 static resistant fan apparatus improves cooling efficiency and reduces noise by providing a path to ground for charged particles, thereby minimizing their accumulation and maintaining optimal processor performance.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive shaft, the conductive support structure, and the conductive ground pass provide a path to ground for the first conductive and the second conductive fan blades
Data Source
AI summary
A static resistant fan apparatus, comprising: a conductive shaft; a first conductive fan blade connected to the conductive shaft and extending away from the conductive shaft; a second conductive fan blade connected to the conductive shaft and extending away from the conductive shaft opposite to the first conductive fan blade; a conductive support structure surrounding the conductive shaft, wherein an inner edge of the support structure is spaced apart from the conductive shaft a distance; and a conductive ground pass coupled between the conductive shaft and the support structure and spanning the distance, wherein the conductive shaft, the conductive support structure, and the conductive ground pass provide a path to ground for the first conductive and the second conductive fan blades.