Dual Shell Housing with Fan for Heat Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double shell housings for electronic devices in outdoor environments face inefficiencies in heat transportation due to exposure of fans and electronics to harsh environments, leading to damage and ineffective temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
A housing design featuring a first shell with openings for gaseous fluid flow, a second shell enclosing the first, and at least one fan to enhance heat transport between shells, with temperature sensors and control units to manage fan operation and minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fans are provided between inner and outer shell to improve heat transport, then heat transportation efficiency is improved, but fans and electronics are exposed to outside environment causing damage in cold and damp conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate shells: an inner shell that remains hermetically sealed to protect electronics, and an outer shell that interfaces with the environment. The fan is positioned in the sealed inner shell, segmented from the external environment, thus maintaining reliability while enabling heat transport function.
Solution Approach 2:
A hermetically sealed inner shell acts as an intermediary barrier between the fan/electronics and the external environment. This intermediary structure allows the fan to operate in a protected environment while still achieving heat transport to the outer shell, resolving the contradiction between functionality and protection.
2Reliability
If a single sealed shell is used to protect electronic devices, then protection from environment is improved, but heat generated by electronic device conducts through shell causing overheating in hot environments
Solution Approach 1:
The single sealed shell is segmented into two shells: an inner sealed shell for device protection and an outer shell for environmental interaction. This segmentation allows the inner shell to maintain protection while the outer shell provides heat dissipation pathways through convection and radiation, solving both protection and temperature control requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from one-dimensional protection (single shell) to two-dimensional thermal management (inner shell for protection, outer shell for heat dissipation). The outer shell provides additional thermal management dimensions through natural convection and solar reflectivity, enabling temperature control without compromising inner shell sealing.
3Temperature
If air between shells is used for insulation in cold environments, then heat retention is improved, but natural convection is ineffective when internal temperature is not higher than external temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts between two modes: passive insulation mode where stationary air provides thermal resistance, and active convection mode where the fan drives air circulation. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize for heat retention when needed and effective heat transport when internal temperature exceeds external temperature, resolving the contradiction between insulation and productivity.
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
The design optimizes temperature control in both cold and hot environments by improving heat transport and insulation, reducing power consumption, and extending fan lifespan through controlled operation and a single electrical connection for power and communication.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first fan is arranged such that it is capable of providing a flow of the gaseous fluid through the at least one opening in the first shell to the second shell and thereby provide heat transport from the electronic device to the second shell
Implementation Method 2
the gaseous fluid between the shells functions as a heat insulator. When the surrounding environment is cold, and the fan is off, a layer of gaseous fluid is kept between the shells to keep the heat inside the first shell
Implementation Method 3
a heating element arranged between the first and second shell. The heating element is configured to heat the gaseous fluid between the first and second shell when the fan is not running
Data Source
AI summary
A housing for an electronic device. The housing includes a first shell at least partly enclosing the electronic device, a second shell, and at least a first fan. The first shell is arranged to allow a gaseous fluid to surround the electronic device. The second shell at least partly encloses the first shell, and is arranged in relation to the first shell such that the gaseous fluid may be present between the shells. The at least first fan is arranged in an opening of the first shell such that it is capable of providing a flow of the gaseous fluid through the opening in the first shell of the gaseous fluid to the second shell and thereby provide heat transport from the electronic device to the second shell.