EMR Absorbing Server Vent with Porous Polymer Composite

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vents for electronic devices, such as computer servers, fail to effectively absorb electromagnetic radiation, leading to interference with nearby devices, and often compromise thermal management by allowing heat to escape.

Innovation Solution

A vent with a porous polymeric body containing a radiation-absorbing filler and a flame retardant additive, which maintains structural rigidity and absorbs electromagnetic radiation across a wide frequency range (1 GHz to 110 GHz), while allowing air flow for thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If metallic vents are used to provide openings for air flow, then thermal management is improved, but electromagnetic radiation can penetrate through and cause interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal managementVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation interference
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vent is constructed from a composite material consisting of a polymer matrix combined with conductive filler particles (such as carbon black, carbon fibers, or metal particles). This composite structure provides both the porosity needed for thermal management and the electromagnetic shielding properties to block radiation penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The vent employs a porous polymeric body that allows air flow through its structure for thermal management while the porous structure is infused with conductive filler materials that provide electromagnetic radiation absorption and shielding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If radiation-absorbing filler is added to the polymeric body, then electromagnetic radiation absorption is improved, but structural rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic radiation absorptionVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration, size, and distribution parameters of the radiation-absorbing filler within the polymeric matrix to achieve effective electromagnetic shielding while maintaining adequate structural rigidity. Specific fillers like carbon black at controlled concentrations provide shielding without excessive weight or structural degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive filler is distributed throughout the polymeric body to create localized shielding zones that collectively provide overall electromagnetic protection while preserving the structural integrity of the vent framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 vent provides significant absorption of electromagnetic radiation and maintains structural integrity, minimizing interference and ensuring effective thermal management by absorbing radiation and facilitating heat removal.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation-absorbing filler distributed within the thermoplastic polymer for absorbing electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

allowing air flow for thermal management

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3335531B1EMR absorbing server vent
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 ARC TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3335531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3335531B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3335531B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one aspect, a vent for use in an electronic device for absorbing electromagnetic radiation is disclosed, which includes a body comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and a radiation-absorbing filler distributed within said thermoplastic polymer for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, said body further comprising a plurality of openings. The body is adapted for coupling to a frame of an electronic device to absorb electromagnetic radiation and to allow heat transfer via air flow through said openings between an interior of the frame and an external environment.