Electronic Device Cooling Controller With Dynamic Fan Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems with single temperature-based fan speed control for cooling fans lead to oscillating fan speeds and noise, as well as inadequate cooling for diverse components with different thermal requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a controller that manages multiple system states and corresponding actions for various electromechanical components, allowing for dynamic adjustment of cooling operations based on individual component temperatures and thermal characteristics, reducing oscillation and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single temperature-based fan speed control is used, then the cooling system is simple to operate, but the fan speed oscillates and causes noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling control into multiple independent temperature zones, each monitored by separate temperature sensors positioned at different locations within the electronic device. Each zone has its own control thresholds and fan speed mappings, allowing independent control decisions for each thermal region rather than a single unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic fan speed adjustment by establishing multiple temperature thresholds (first threshold, second threshold, third threshold) that map to different fan speed levels (first speed, second speed, third speed). The fan speed dynamically changes based on real-time temperature readings from multiple sensors, creating a multi-level responsive control system that adapts to varying thermal conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single temperature reading is used to control fan speed, then the control system is simple, but different components with different cooling requirements cannot be adequately cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal monitoring into multiple independent zones by placing temperature sensors at different strategic locations within the device, each sensor monitoring a specific component or region. This allows each component with different cooling requirements to be independently monitored and controlled based on its local thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by assigning different temperature thresholds and fan speed responses to different temperature sensors and their corresponding zones. Each sensor's temperature reading is evaluated against its own set of thresholds, allowing customized cooling strategies for different components based on their specific thermal characteristics and cooling requirements.
3Temperature
If fan speed is increased to cool components, then cooling effectiveness improves, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fan speed control with multiple thresholds that map to multiple fan speed levels. The fan operates at different speeds (first speed, second speed, third speed) depending on the temperature readings, allowing the system to use higher fan speeds only when necessary for effective cooling while maintaining lower speeds during normal operating conditions to reduce noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using multiple temperature thresholds to determine fan speed, where the fan operates at minimum necessary speed to maintain components within safe temperature ranges. The system only increases fan speed to higher levels when temperature thresholds are exceeded, avoiding excessive fan operation and associated noise during normal cooling conditions.
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
Effectively maintains components within a target temperature range, reducing fan speed oscillation and noise, while accommodating the unique cooling needs of different components.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan to cool the components of the computer system
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including electromechanical components, a cooling unit configured for heat removal for the electromechanical components, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a system state of each of the electromechanical components based on temperature data for each of the electromechanical components and a temperature band corresponding to each of the electromechanical components, wherein the temperature data for each of the electromechanical components is sampled at a sample rate corresponding to each of the electromechanical components, determine a system state of the electronic device based on the system states of the electromechanical components, and control an operation of the cooling unit based on the system state of the electronic device.