Fan Airflow Guiding Plates for Wind Shear Noise Reduction
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing equipment fan modules generate noise due to wind shear and turbulence from unguided airflow, which is more perceptible and annoying than pure-tone noise, and existing designs lack effective solutions for noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A heat dissipation component with a fan unit and airflow guiding plates that direct airflow smoothly into the fan module, reducing wind shear and turbulence by guiding airflow through strategically placed plates within the inlet airway, thereby minimizing noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If airflow guiding plates are added to guide airflow smoothly into the fan module, then noise from wind shear and turbulence is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Airflow guiding plates are introduced as intermediary components between the housing and fan unit to mediate the airflow path. These plates guide the airflow smoothly into the fan module, reducing wind shear and turbulence-induced noise without requiring fundamental redesign of the fan or housing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow guiding function is segmented into multiple independent airflow guiding plates rather than using a complex integrated structure. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing and assembly while achieving effective airflow control and noise reduction.
2Device complexity
If fan module is directly embedded into housing without air-guided structure, then device complexity is reduced, but noise from wind shear and turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
Airflow guiding plates serve as intermediary elements that bridge the simple embedded fan structure and the housing, providing necessary airflow guidance without complicating the overall device architecture. The plates are positioned to optimize airflow while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Temperature
If airflow is inhaled into fan module by pressure difference, then heat dissipation function is achieved, but wind shear is generated causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
Airflow guiding plates are positioned to mediate the pressure-driven airflow, guiding it smoothly into the fan module. The plates reduce abrupt velocity changes and wind shear generation while maintaining the pressure difference necessary for effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow guiding plates are designed with curved surfaces that match the natural flow patterns of air entering the fan module. These curved surfaces reduce turbulence and wind shear by providing a smooth transition path for the pressure-driven airflow, thereby reducing noise while maintaining heat dissipation efficiency.
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 airflow guiding plates effectively reduce noise from wind shear and turbulence, enhancing the quiet operation of portable computing equipment by smoothing airflow into the fan module, thus improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the flowing air flow would induce wind shear, generated by velocity differences of airflow
Implementation Method 2
Turbulence of airflow may occur, while the airflow being obstructed by the structure inside the housing or compression of the airflow
Data Source
AI summary
Heat dissipation component includes a fan unit, a first housing, and an airflow-guiding plate. The fan unit includes a fan blade portion, and a fan housing including a first air-guided cap and a second air-guided cap. The second air-guided cap, having a fan inlet, is disposed on the first air-guided cap. The fan blade portion is disposed between the first air-guided cap and the second air-guided cap, and pivotally-connected to the fan housing at the second air-guided cap. The first housing is disposed on a side of the second air-guided cap away from the first air-guided cap. An inlet airway is formed between the first housing and the fan unit. The airflow-guiding plate is disposed between the first housing and the second air-guided cap, and extended from outline of the main fan inlet toward outline of the inlet airway and away from the main fan inlet.