Field Customizable Airflow System for Communications Box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communications boxes lack a customizable airflow system to accommodate varying airflow needs of different electronic components, leading to potential equipment failure, improper operation, or damage from moisture and debris, and require flexibility to adapt to changes in equipment configuration or upgrades.

Innovation Solution

A field customizable airflow system utilizing convection aperture plates with adjustable apertures within the communications box to direct airflow to specific electronic components, allowing for tailored airflow pathways and easy modification as equipment is added, removed, or upgraded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed airflow system is used in the communications box, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate varying airflow needs of different electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow customizationVSAvoidairflow system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow system is segmented into multiple convection aperture plates, each with specific aperture patterns. These plates can be individually selected and installed based on the airflow requirements of different electronic component configurations, allowing the system to be divided into functional modules that can be independently optimized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The convection aperture plates are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support within the communications box, define airflow pathways, and control the distribution of cooling air to different components. A single plate design can accommodate various electronic component arrangements through different aperture patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If airflow is directed to all electronic components, then cooling is maximized, but components that do not require cooling or are sensitive to moisture and debris may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent coolingVSAvoidmoisture and debris exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the convection aperture plates have different aperture densities and patterns tailored to the specific cooling needs of electronic components in those locations. Components requiring high cooling have areas with higher aperture density, while sensitive components have areas with lower aperture density or protective configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The convection aperture plates act as intermediary structures between the cooling airflow source and the electronic components. They mediate the airflow distribution, allowing selective delivery of cooling air to components that need it while protecting components that are sensitive to moisture and debris through controlled aperture design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the airflow system is customized for specific equipment configurations, then optimal cooling is achieved, but the system cannot adapt when equipment is upgraded or changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment operation reliabilityVSAvoidequipment configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow system is designed with dynamic adaptability through interchangeable convection aperture plates. When electronic equipment is upgraded or reconfigured, different aperture plate patterns can be installed to match the new component arrangement and cooling requirements, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to changing configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple convection aperture plate designs are prepared in advance for different anticipated equipment configurations and cooling scenarios. This preliminary preparation allows rapid adaptation when equipment changes occur, as the appropriate pre-designed plate can be quickly installed without extensive redesign or customization work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures optimal airflow and cooling for diverse electronic components, preventing equipment failure and damage, while allowing for flexible adaptation to changing configurations and upgrades, ensuring reliable operation and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

One or more convection aperture plates may be provided within the communications box. Each of the convection aperture plates may comprise one or more apertures. The apertures may be provided adjacent to planned or actual locations of at least certain ones of the electronic components to force air to pass by at least certain ones of the electronic components.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12052850B2Field customizable airflow system for a communications box

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A field customizable airflow system, method, and communications box are provided. A communications box is located above an electronic display subassembly and includes one or more electronic components. The communications box includes one or more fans which cause a flow of ambient air to be accepted at an intake portion, forced through each of one or more apertures in a plate within the communications box, and be exhausted through said exhaust portion.