Dual-Outlet Blower Geometry for Thin-Device Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face challenges in efficiently cooling electronic components due to increased heat flux and shrinking device thickness, leading to skin temperature limits and mechanical reliability issues with conventional cooling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dual outlet blower fans with a unique geometry that directs airflow through both a primary and secondary outlet, enhancing heat transfer to the chassis surface while maintaining structural integrity and reducing part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional single outlet blower fans are used, then device structure is simple, but cooling efficiency is insufficient and hot spots form near electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The blower fan is segmented into two separate outlets (first air outlet and second air outlet) that direct airflow in different directions. The first outlet directs air parallel to the chassis surface while the second outlet directs air toward the electronic device, allowing simultaneous cooling of both chassis surfaces and electronic components without requiring a complex multi-component cooling system
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the blower fan are assigned different functions through localized outlet configurations. The first outlet is positioned to cool specific chassis surfaces while the second outlet is positioned to cool electronic devices, creating locally optimized cooling zones that address specific thermal problems in different locations
2Length of moving object
If device thickness is reduced, then form factor is improved, but mechanical reliability of cooling fans deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dual outlet configuration merges the cooling function for both chassis surfaces and electronic devices into a single blower fan assembly, eliminating the need for separate cooling fans. This integration maintains effective cooling in thin devices while improving mechanical reliability through a more robust, unified fan structure that can be optimized for both cooling performance and mechanical strength
3Temperature
If high conductivity heat spreaders and auxiliary cooling fans are added, then cooling performance improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blower fan performs multiple cooling functions simultaneously through its dual outlets: it cools both the chassis surfaces and the electronic devices, and can be configured to work with or without heat spreaders. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auxiliary cooling fans and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive 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 design achieves improved chassis surface cooling, increased mechanical reliability, and lower costs by maintaining airflow velocity and directing air efficiently to enhance heat transfer, thus improving device performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The blower fan includes a fan blade disposed in an interior volume of a housing... The first air outlet is configured to predominantly direct air in a direction substantially parallel with a plane of the first cover, while the second air outlet is configured to direct air in a direction forming an obtuse angle with the plane of the first cover
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are blower fans, a computing device having blower fans, and a method for operating a computing device having blower fans. The blower fans described herein include blower fans having one air outlet and blower fans having two (e.g., dual) air outlets. In one example, the blower fan includes at least one outlet that is configured to direct air between an electronic device and a housing of the computing device, thus mitigating hot spots direct adjacent the electronic device.