Compact Fan Assembly Thrust Bearing Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact computing devices face challenges in thermal regulation due to limited space, where existing fan configurations are inefficient and prone to vibration and noise, especially when operating near vibration sources.
Innovation Solution
The use of a thrust bearing in fan assemblies, which provides axial positional control, reduces friction, allows for more efficient magnetic alignment, and enables the use of 3-D blade shapes, thereby improving aerodynamic performance and reducing noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional fan configurations are used in compact computing devices, then the device can be made compact, but thermal regulation efficiency deteriorates and vibration noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thrust bearing function directly into the fan assembly structure, merging axial position control with the rotational support function. This integration allows compact thermal regulation components to work together efficiently without requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby maintaining thermal regulation effectiveness in compact device volumes.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional fan configurations are used, then device size can be reduced, but vibration and noise increase when operating near vibration sources
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing pre-controls the axial position of the fan blade assembly, establishing a stable equilibrium position before vibration occurs. This preliminary positional control prevents excessive axial movement when vibration sources operate nearby, thereby reducing vibration-induced noise while maintaining compact device dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If thrust bearing is implemented, then axial positional control and magnetic alignment efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting radial loads, controlling axial position, and enabling precise magnetic alignment. By making the bearing multi-functional, the patent improves magnetic alignment efficiency without adding separate components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
4Productivity
If 3-D blade shapes are used, then aerodynamic performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements 3-D blade shapes that can be dynamically optimized for aerodynamic performance while using manufacturing techniques that accommodate complex geometries. The thrust bearing enables precise positioning that works synergistically with the 3-D blade shapes, allowing the complex aerodynamic forms to be manufactured and positioned accurately without proportionally increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
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 thrust bearing enhances the efficiency and compactness of fan assemblies, reducing lubrication requirements, minimizing axial motion, and allowing for more robust and quieter operation, while maintaining effective thermal regulation in compact devices.
Implementation Method 1
The thrust bearing is configured to limit relative axial motion between the rotational fan assembly and the housing. The thrust bearing having at least one grooved fluid dynamic bearing.
Implementation Method 2
a magnetically preloaded single-thrust bearing having a grooved fluid dynamic bearing acting in an opposite axial direction to the magnetic preload
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly for a computing device is disclosed. The fan assembly can include an impeller having a number of blades and a motor for turning the blades. The motor can turn the blades via a magnetic interaction between the impeller and the motor. A fluid dynamic thrust bearing can be used to control a position of the impeller relative to the motor. In particular, the impeller can be configured to rotate around an axis and the thrust bearing can be used to control movement of the impeller in a direction aligned with the rotational axis. In one embodiment, the thrust bearing can be configured to stabilize the impeller when vibratory forces act upon the fan assembly. More particularly, parameters associated with the thrust bearing can be selected to counteract vibratory forces emitted by a speaker system.