Fan Module With Adaptive Airflow for Dual Heat Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fan modules in electronic devices are ineffective in efficiently dissipating heat generated by power supply modules, leading to inefficient heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a housing, fan module, partition, and air guide assembly, where air guide blades adjust airflow volumes based on temperature differences between heat sources to optimize heat dissipation, using a controller and driving member to rotate the blades and adjust air outlet areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single fan module is used for heat dissipation, then the structure is simple, but the heat dissipation efficiency is insufficient for multiple heat sources with different heat generation levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space is divided into multiple sub-spaces using partitions, with each sub-space containing heat sources of similar heat generation characteristics. This segmentation allows independent airflow control for each sub-space, enabling optimized heat dissipation efficiency without requiring a completely complex multi-fan system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Air guide blades are introduced that can dynamically adjust the airflow distribution ratio to different sub-spaces based on the actual heat generation status of heat sources. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the single fan module to adaptively optimize heat dissipation efficiency for varying thermal conditions without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If airflow is uniformly distributed to all sub-spaces, then the control is simple, but the heat dissipation performance deteriorates when heat sources have different temperature levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidheat dissipation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Air guide blades capable of rotation are deployed to dynamically adjust airflow distribution. The blades can change the airflow ratio to different sub-spaces in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to varying heat generation levels of different heat sources while maintaining relatively simple control through centralized actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature sensors are placed in different sub-spaces to detect the temperature of heat sources. The control system receives this feedback information and automatically adjusts the air guide blade positions to optimize airflow distribution, thereby improving heat dissipation performance without significantly complicating the control structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If multiple fan modules are used for each heat source, then the heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of fan modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space is segmented into multiple sub-spaces using partitions, grouping heat sources with similar thermal characteristics together. This allows a single fan module to effectively serve multiple sub-spaces through the air guide blades, achieving heat dissipation efficiency comparable to multiple fan modules while avoiding the increased complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing dynamically adjustable air guide blades, a single fan module can flexibly distribute airflow to different sub-spaces based on thermal demands. This dynamic capability enables one fan to replace multiple fixed fan modules, improving heat dissipation efficiency without increasing the number of fan components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the air guide blades are fixed, then the structure is stable, but the adaptability to different heat generation scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to heat generation scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Air guide blades are designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, enabling them to dynamically adjust airflow distribution angles and ratios. This dynamic feature allows the system to adapt to different heat generation scenarios and operational conditions while maintaining overall structural stability through robust mounting mechanisms and controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Efficient heat dissipation is achieved by dynamically adjusting airflow volumes to match heat source temperature differences, enhancing the device's cooling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the fan module is configured to generate an airflow toward the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

the partition is configured to branch the airflow into a first sub-airflow and a second sub-airflow to the first sub-space and the second sub-space, respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid Flow:

Implementation Method 3

The air guide blades are configured to rotate to adjust air volumes of the first sub-airflow and the second sub-airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid Flow Control:

Data Source

PatentEP4633309A1Fan module for an electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • EP4633309A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4633309A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4633309A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing, a fan module, a partition, two heat sources, and an air guide assembly. The housing has an internal space and an opening communicated with each other. The fan module is fixed to an outside of the housing and configured to generate an airflow toward the opening. The partition is disposed in the internal space. The partition divides the internal space into first and second sub-spaces, and is configured to branch the airflow into first and second sub-airflows to the first and second sub-spaces, respectively. The two heat sources are respectively disposed in the first and second sub-spaces. The air guide assembly is disposed at the opening and includes a plurality of air guide blades. The air guide blades are configured to rotate to adjust air volumes of the first and second sub-airflows.