Disk Array Fan Noise Cancellation via Phase-Inverted Sound Synthesis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk array apparatuses face challenges in reducing fan noise while maintaining cooling performance, as increased cooling air supply for higher heat generation leads to noise issues due to fan operation, and existing noise reduction methods like insulation and absorption materials can compromise cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a noise reduction strategy involving the synthesis of phase-inverted sounds, where noise elements are cancelled by overlapping sound waves with inverted phases on the cooling air flow path, combined with duct structure configurations and fan blade arrangements to reduce noise without compromising cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the amount of air supplied by fans is increased to improve cooling performance, then cooling performance is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies noise cancellation technology by generating sound waves with inverted phases to cancel out fan noise. Speakers are installed to emit anti-phase sound waves that interfere destructively with the original fan noise, effectively reducing noise while maintaining high fan power for adequate cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces speakers as intermediary devices that generate anti-phase sound waves. These speakers act as mediators between the noise source (fan) and the environment, canceling noise through acoustic interference without affecting the fan's cooling function.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If noise insulation materials and noise absorbing materials are used to reduce fan noises, then noise is reduced, but cooling performance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical noise reduction methods (insulation and absorption materials) with an acoustic field-based approach. Instead of using physical barriers that block airflow, the system uses electronically generated anti-phase sound waves to cancel noise, thereby maintaining unobstructed air flow paths for effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physical parameter modification (adding insulating materials) to acoustic parameter manipulation (generating anti-phase sound waves). This allows noise reduction without altering the physical structure that would impede air flow and cooling performance.
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 approach effectively reduces fan noise while maintaining or improving cooling performance, allowing for the use of high-powered fans and enhancing customer satisfaction by minimizing noise and increasing operational capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the phases of noises generated from fans are inverted by acoustic means (mechanical and controlled means corresponding thereto), and the inverted noises are overlapped (synthesized) on original sounds on a cooling air flow path, thereby reducing the noise
Data Source
AI summary
In a disk array apparatus, by taking note of a first sound of a specific frequency which is a noise element of original sounds generated from a fan, a second sound whose phase is inverted to that of the first sound is generated by a structure of a cooling air flow path passing through the fan, and the second sound is synthesized with the first sound on the cooling air flow path, thereby reducing the noise. For example, an exhaust duct is located on a fan unit in an upper part of the apparatus, two flow paths extending to an exhaust port are formed in an internal structure of the exhaust duct, and the two flow paths are designed so that the difference in the flow path length therebetween becomes equivalent to half wavelength of the specific frequency.