Hydrophobic Membrane Cooling for Computer Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat dissipation techniques for computer devices are ineffective in cooling the lower side of the PC board and lower interior surface due to the positioning of fans and vents, which limits air flow and increases the risk of liquid intrusion on the upper exterior surface.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an air-permeable, hydrophobic membrane on the upper exterior surface of the computer device allows direct air intake through a fan positioned vertically, while the lower intake is positioned over an air impermeable area to draw air across the lower surface, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing liquid intrusion risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the upper intake is positioned on the upper exterior surface for direct air intake, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of liquid intrusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the upper exterior surface and the upper intake. This membrane allows air molecules to pass through while blocking liquid molecules due to its hydrophobic properties, thus enabling direct air intake for cooling while preventing liquid intrusion into the fan and internal components
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic membrane is a porous material with specific pore sizes that permit air permeability while repelling liquids. The membrane's porous structure allows air flow necessary for cooling the PC board while its hydrophobic coating prevents liquid penetration, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and liquid protection
2Productivity
If the fan is positioned to draw air vertically from the upper surface, then air flow across the PC board is improved, but liquid intrusion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic membrane serves as a mediator that enables the fan to draw air vertically from the upper surface for efficient cooling while blocking liquid intrusion. The membrane is positioned between the exterior environment and the fan intake, allowing air flow to proceed unimpeded while preventing liquid from reaching the fan and internal components
3Reliability
If the lower intake is positioned over an air impermeable area, then liquid intrusion protection is improved, but air flow across the lower surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solution shifts the primary air intake path from the lower surface to the upper surface through the hydrophobic membrane. By opening the upper intake and using the membrane's selective permeability, the system draws air from the upper dimension (through the membrane) rather than relying on the lower intake, thereby maintaining liquid protection while enabling sufficient air flow through a different spatial path
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 configuration increases air flow across the lower side of the PC board, improving heat dissipation while minimizing the risk of liquid intrusion, resulting in more effective cooling of the computer device.
Implementation Method 1
an air-permeable, hydrophobic membrane attached to an upper exterior surface of the computer device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus to draw air for cooling an interior surface in a body of a computer device. In one embodiment, an upward-facing intake of a fan means is at least partially positioned vertically under vent means which are attached to and/or incorporated within an upper exterior surface of the body of the computer device. In another embodiment, air from outside the body of the computer device flows through said vent means and flows directly into the portion of the upper vent, where the vent means includes air-permeable, hydrophobic means to reduce liquid intrusion from the flow of air.