Fan Chassis Flow Shaper for Low-Turbulence Heat Exchanger Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fan noise in personal computers and electronic devices is a significant issue due to high air turbulence at the fan outlet, particularly at the junction where air exits the fan chassis and hits the heat exchanger, leading to inefficiencies and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flow shaper with directional fins and channels between the fan outlets and the heat exchanger to streamline airflow, reducing turbulence and noise by optimizing fluid dynamics and airflow directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional fan chassis design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but high air turbulence is created at the fan outlet causing noise up to 50-60 dB
Solution Approach 1:
A flow shaper component is introduced as an intermediary element between the fan outlet and the heat exchanger. This flow shaper includes flow directing vanes that guide airflow smoothly, reducing turbulence and noise. The flow shaper acts as a mediator that optimizes airflow without requiring fundamental changes to the fan or heat exchanger designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow shaper is divided into multiple flow directing vanes segmented around the fan outlet. Each vane is positioned to control specific portions of the airflow, allowing precise management of flow patterns. This segmentation enables effective turbulence reduction while maintaining a compact structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the fan outlet directly hits the heat exchanger, then the design is compact, but air turbulence increases causing higher noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The flow shaper extends in the axial direction between the fan outlet and the heat exchanger, utilizing the available space in this dimension to create flow directing vanes. This dimensional approach allows the flow shaper to intervene in the airflow path without increasing the radial or lateral dimensions, maintaining compactness while reducing turbulence.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow shaper serves as an intermediary component positioned between the fan outlet and the heat exchanger, smoothing the transition of airflow. It prevents direct impact of turbulent air against the heat exchanger while maintaining compact overall dimensions through optimized positioning and geometry.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow directing vanes are added to the fan chassis, then airflow is streamlined and noise is reduced by 2 dB or more, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow shaper with flow directing vanes is designed to be integrated with the existing fan chassis structure. By merging the flow shaper functionality into the fan assembly, the patent achieves noise reduction while minimizing additional manufacturing steps. The integrated design allows for streamlined production processes.
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 solution effectively reduces fan noise by 2 dB or more, enhancing user experience and improving airflow efficiency with minimal additional cost and design changes, while maintaining a compact fan profile.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of a flow shaper with directional fins and channels between the fan outlets and the heat exchanger to streamline airflow, reducing turbulence and noise
Implementation Method 2
high air turbulence created at the fan outlet or the junction where the air exits the fan chassis and hits the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus and system for reducing air turbulence in a fan using a flow shaper. The fan including an impeller, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The flow shaper including a partition structure arranged at an inflection area between the first outlet and the second outlet. The flow shaper further including a first fin for the first outlet defining a first channel between the partition structure and the first fin. The first channel extending from a proximity of the impeller to the first outlet.