Enclosure Cooling Panel With Integrated Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional enclosures for housing and temperature control of contents, such as electronics, are large and heavy due to separate components for protection and cooling, posing challenges for designers aiming for lightweight and compact systems, especially in mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight enclosure design featuring a box structure with panels composed of two outer sheets and an inner layer forming fluid flow channels, where heat is transferred from a heat-producing component to the outer sheets and then to flowing fluid, using fans or natural convection, and incorporating thermally conductive materials and heat pipes for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for housing and cooling, then protection and temperature control functions are achieved, but the enclosure becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the enclosure structure and cooling system into a single integrated panel assembly. The panel includes outer sheets that form part of the enclosure walls while simultaneously containing fluid flow channels for cooling, eliminating the need for separate housing and cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural enclosure walls, contains cooling fluid channels, acts as a heat exchanger surface, and maintains sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and overall system weight.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for housing and cooling, then protection and temperature control functions are achieved, but the enclosure structure becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure wall and cooling system are merged into a single panel structure, eliminating the space required for separate cooling components and reducing the overall enclosure footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fluid channels are nested within the panel structure itself, with the fluid flow passages embedded in the panel thickness. This nesting approach utilizes the existing enclosure wall space for cooling functionality without increasing external dimensions.
3Weight of stationary object
If integrated panel with fluid channels is used, then weight is reduced and cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is constructed as a composite structure with outer sheets and an inner layer forming the fluid channels. This composite construction allows the integration of multiple functions (structural support, sealing, and cooling) while maintaining manufacturability through layered assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is divided into manufacturable sections with the fluid channel network segmented into manageable segments. The outer sheets and inner layer can be manufactured separately and then assembled, reducing the complexity of forming the complete integrated structure in a single operation.
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 effectively combines structural integrity and cooling functions, reducing weight while maintaining efficient heat transfer, thus addressing the need for compact and lightweight temperature control systems.
Implementation Method 1
Heat generated by the heat producing component is transferred to at least one of the outer sheets which transfers the heat to fluid flowing through the fluid flow channels
Implementation Method 2
the enclosure includes a fan within the enclosure to blow air within the sealed chamber... operating a fan within the sealed chamber to blow a fluid through the fluid flow channels to transfer heat from the at least one of the outer sheets to the fluid flowing through the fluid flow channels
Implementation Method 3
allowing natural convection to force fluid flow through the fluid flow channels using buoyancy forces
Implementation Method 4
heat pipes coupling the heat producing component to the panel to transfer heat generated by the heat producing component to the fluid flowing through the fluid flow channels
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure that includes a box structure that includes a plurality of sides defining a sealed chamber for containing a heat producing component. At least one of the sides of the box structure includes a panel. The panel includes two outer sheets and an inner layer of material sandwiched between the two outer sheets. The two outer sheets and the inner layer of material collectively define a plurality of fluid flow channels extending from a first end of the two outer sheets to a second end of the two outer sheets. Heat generated by the heat producing component is transferred to at least one of the outer sheets which transfers the heat to fluid flowing through the fluid flow channels. The panel can be the main load bearing path of the box structure.