Extruded Heat Transfer Holes for Stiffer Sheet Metal Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sheet metal enclosures with heat dissipation holes suffer from reduced structural stiffness, necessitating additional thickness or stiffening features that increase cost and space usage.
Innovation Solution
The use of extruded heat transfer holes in sheet metal enclosures, which are configured as apertures extruded normal to the plane and have a defined height, enhancing stiffness while maintaining heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If holes are added to sheet metal enclosures for heat dissipation, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but structural stiffness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms conventional 2D surface holes into 3D extruded holes that extend through the sheet metal thickness. This dimensional transformation creates protruding features that act as structural stiffeners while maintaining heat transfer functionality, effectively resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation and structural stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded holes serve dual functions: they provide heat transfer pathways through their aperture openings while simultaneously acting as structural stiffeners due to their extruded geometry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stiffening features, resolving the contradiction by making the heat transfer features themselves contribute to structural integrity.
2Strength
If plate thickness is increased to compensate for stiffness loss from holes, then structural stiffness is improved, but manufacturing cost and space consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The extruded holes perform both heat transfer and structural stiffening functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need to increase plate thickness for stiffness compensation, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining both thermal and structural performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heat transfer aperture function with the structural stiffener function into a single extruded hole feature. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate stiffening elements or increased plate thickness, reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying production.
3Strength
If stiffening features such as ribs or shelves are added to compensate for stiffness loss, then structural stiffness is improved, but device complexity and space consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The extruded holes serve as both heat transfer apertures and structural stiffeners, eliminating the need for separate stiffening features like ribs or shelves. This reduces structural complexity while maintaining stiffness, as the same features that provide cooling also provide structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the heat transfer function and structural stiffening function into a single integrated feature (the extruded hole). This merger eliminates the need for additional stiffening components, thereby reducing device complexity and freeing up space that would otherwise be consumed by separate stiffening elements.
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
Extruded holes increase structural stiffness, allow for better cooling, and provide visual indicators of damage, reducing costs and space consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an array of extruded holes in a planar portion of the sheet metal. The extruded holes have an inner diameter, are configured as apertures for heat transfer through the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an enclosure comprising at least one planar portion with an array of extruded holes disposed thereon. The holes are extruded along an axis normal to a plane of the planar portion and configured as apertures for heat transfer through the enclosure. The holes have an inner diameter and have a height along the axis relative to the plane, which provide greater stiffness to the planar portion compared to non-extruded holes. Techniques for producing enclosures with extruded holes such as this are also described. A schematic of an array of extruded holes can be generated by determining, based on a predetermined pilot hole diameter, a thickness of an associated portion of sheet metal, and a hole diameter, an extruded height usable for the extruded holes in the schematic. This may allow for simple conversion from an array of non-extruded thru holes to an array of extruded holes.