Fan Control Device Using Microphone Noise Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan controllers are unable to effectively control multiple fans simultaneously, as they lack the ability to monitor and adjust the rotational speeds based on noise levels, and often require additional connectors which are limited on motherboards, restricting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A control device that connects with a microphone to detect noise levels and temperature, using a microcontroller to adjust fan speeds and switch them on/off, while also allowing for flexible installation and compatibility with existing motherboards through a substrate with multiple fan connectors, a communication port, and a database to manage fan settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple fan controllers are connected to control more fans, then the number of controllable fans increases, but the fan controllers cannot monitor each other's data such as types and rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fan controllers into a single integrated control device that can manage multiple fans. This unified controller maintains centralized monitoring capabilities, allowing it to track data from all connected fans (types, rotational speeds, temperatures) without the information loss that occurs when multiple separate controllers are used. The single controller acts as a central hub that aggregates data from all fans through the motherboard's fan connectors.
2Reliability
If fan connectors are connected with fans of the motherboard and video card, then heat dissipation function is achieved, but there are no connectors left to connect with more fans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control device that leverages the existing single fan connector on the motherboard to control multiple fans. Instead of requiring separate dedicated connectors for each fan, the system uses the universal fan connector in conjunction with the microphone and processing unit to manage multiple fans' speeds and operations. This multi-functional approach allows one connector to serve multiple purposes: power control, speed regulation, and monitoring for several fans simultaneously.
3Temperature
If conventional fan controllers are used to adjust heat-dissipation function, then temperature control is achieved, but rotational speeds of fans cannot be adjusted according to noise caused by the fans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the processing unit continuously monitors noise levels via the microphone and adjusts fan rotational speeds accordingly. The system creates a closed-loop control system that receives noise feedback from the microphone, compares it against threshold values stored in memory, and automatically adjusts fan speeds to reduce noise when necessary while maintaining adequate heat dissipation. This feedback-driven approach enables simultaneous optimization of both temperature and noise control.
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
Enables simultaneous control of multiple fans based on noise and temperature, improving heat dissipation and reducing noise levels, while being adaptable to various fan configurations and motherboard setups without the need for additional connectors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one microphone (16) arranged on the substrate (12) or electrically connected with the substrate (12), and the microphone (16) measures a plurality of volume signals within the case
Implementation Method 2
A central processor on a motherboard and a graphics processing unit of a video card compute at a high speed to increase their temperature. Thus, they require fans to dissipate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for fan state includes fan connectors arranged on a substrate and connected with at least one fan. The substrate and the fan are arranged in a case of a computer. The substrate is provided with at least one communication port, at least one microphone and a microcontroller. The communication port receives temperature signals transmitted by the computer. The microphone receives volume signals within the case. A microcontroller is electrically connected with the fan connectors, the communication port and the microphone. After the microcontroller receives the temperature signal and the volume signal, the microcontroller uses them to determine whether a value of the temperature signal or the volume signal is larger than its given value. If the answer is yes, the microcontroller controls a rotational speed of the fan, turns off the fan, or provides control items displayed on a screen of the computer to choose.