Tool-less Cooling Fan Mounting for Heat Exchanger Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for mounting cooling fan blowers in information handling systems result in a gap between the blower outlet and the heat exchanger inlet, leading to recirculation of hot air and reduced airflow velocity, which decreases the thermal handling capability and increases component temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less apparatus and method that aligns and secures the cooling fan blower outlet with the heat exchanger inlet using tool-less chassis and fan mounting features, eliminating the gap and enhancing airflow and heat transfer without additional sealing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw mounting methods are used to affix the cooling fan blower to the chassis enclosure, then the cooling fan blower can be securely mounted in a fixed position, but a gap exists between the blower outlet and heat exchanger inlet due to mechanical tolerance limitations
Solution Approach 1:
A separate sealing material (such as sponge or Mylar) is introduced as an intermediary component between the cooling fan blower outlet and the heat exchanger inlet to fill the gap created by mechanical tolerance limitations in screw mounting, thereby sealing the airflow path without requiring higher manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sealing material (such as sponge or Mylar) is applied to seal the gap between the cooling fan blower outlet and the heat exchanger inlet, accommodating mechanical tolerances while maintaining airflow sealing
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate sealing material is applied to seal the gap between the cooling fan blower outlet and the heat exchanger inlet, then airflow sealing is improved, but additional cost and complexity are added to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the cooling fan blower housing itself by forming an integrated sealing flange or sealing surface directly on the blower housing that mates with the heat exchanger inlet, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fan blower housing is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support for the blower, defining the airflow path, and sealing the interface with the heat exchanger inlet through an integrated sealing feature, thereby eliminating the need for separate sealing components
3Reliability
If screws are used to mount the cooling fan blower, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation and removal process requires tools and time
Solution Approach 1:
Screws and other tool-based fastening mechanisms are removed from the mounting system, replacing them with a tool-less snap-fit or clip-based mounting mechanism that allows secure attachment and detachment of the cooling fan blower without requiring tools, thereby improving installation convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing, where the cooling fan blower automatically aligns with the heat exchanger inlet and secures itself through elastic deformation of mounting clips or snap-fit features, eliminating the need for tools and manual adjustment during installation
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 increases the heat transfer coefficient and thermal handling capability, allowing heat-generating components to operate at lower temperatures with reduced fan speed and provides a quicker, more convenient installation process.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling fan blower is used to blow cooling air through thermally-conductive cooling fins of a heat exchanger that are thermally coupled by a heat pipe to heat-generating component/s
Implementation Method 2
Heat is transferred by the heat pipe from the heat-generating component/s across the heat exchanger cooling fins, where the cooling air from the cooling fan blower draws out the heat from the cooling fins
Implementation Method 3
Heat is transferred by the heat pipe from the heat-generating component/s across the heat exchanger cooling fins, where the cooling air from the cooling fan blower draws out the heat from the cooling fins
Data Source
AI summary
Tool-less apparatus and methods are provided for sealing flow of cooling air from the outlet of a cooling fan blower to the inlet of a heat exchanger within a chassis enclosure of an information handling system. The disclosed apparatus and methods may be implemented in a tool-less manner by employing tool-less chassis mounting features that mate with tool-less cooling fan mounting features to mechanically align and secure an air outlet of a cooling fan blower in sealing relationship with an air inlet of a heat exchanger within a chassis enclosure of an information handling system by properly aligning the axes of a cooling fan in relation to the inlet of the heat exchanger so that in on embodiment no gap exists between the cooling air outlet of the cooling fan and the cooing air inlet of the heat exchanger.