Stacked Ion Emitter Cooling for Low-Noise Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling systems for information handling systems, such as fans, generate noise and may not efficiently manage heat under high-performance conditions.

Innovation Solution

A stacked ion emitter/collector blower cooling system is introduced, which uses a series array of ion emitter/collector blowers to create a charged ion airflow through an ionic driving circuit, reducing the need for traditional fans and minimizing noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional fans are used for cooling, then heat management is achieved, but noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat managementVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan system with an electrohydrodynamic ion emitter/collector system. Instead of using rotating blades to force air movement, the system uses ion emission and collection to generate body forces that drive airflow through the battery pack, thereby eliminating mechanical moving parts and associated noise while maintaining cooling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs electrohydrodynamic phenomena to create airflow without mechanical components. Ion emitters generate charged particles that interact with air molecules, creating ion wind and body forces that move air through the cooling channels, representing a pneumatic/hydrodynamic approach without traditional mechanical actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Temperature

If traditional fans are used for cooling, then heat management is achieved, but efficiency is insufficient under high-performance conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat managementVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cooling system into multiple discrete ion emitter and collector units distributed throughout the battery pack. This segmented approach creates multiple localized airflow generation zones, enabling more uniform and efficient heat removal across the entire high-performance battery assembly compared to a single centralized fan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The replacement of mechanical fans with electrohydrodynamic ion-based airflow generation provides more controllable and efficient cooling. The ion emitter/collector system can be precisely controlled and scaled to match the high heat generation rates of high-performance batteries, achieving superior cooling efficiency under demanding conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system effectively manages heat by generating a high airflow rate with low pressure head, reducing noise and potentially eliminating the need for traditional fans, thus enhancing user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

an ionization source operable to generate a charged ion airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

create a charged ion airflow through an ionic driving circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic wind: Ion Wind

Implementation Method 3

enhanced convection airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12213280B2Method and apparatus for a mobile information handling system with an ion drag series array enhanced convection airflow

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system comprising a hardware processor, a display device, and a memory device that includes a stacked ion emitter/collector blower cooling system with a first ion emitter/collector blower having a first ion emitter and a first ion collector and a second ion emitter/collector blower with a second ion emitter and a second ion collector, where the second ion emitter/collector blower is placed at a location within the chassis of the information handling system vertically higher than the first ion emitter/collector blower. The first ion emitter/collector blower and second ion emitter/collector blower include an ionic driving circuit operatively coupled to the first ion emitter and the second ion emitter via a high voltage to ionize gases within the first ion emitter/collector blower and second ion emitter/collector blower to create charged ions that generate a stacked emitter airflow to cool the chassis of the information handling system.