LED Module Active Cooling Using Vibrational Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, such as mini PCs, doorbell cameras, and LED lighting systems, face challenges with passive cooling solutions that are bulky, heavy, and inadequate for managing heat, especially when enhanced computing performance is desired, and active cooling solutions like fans introduce vibration and noise.
Innovation Solution
An active cooling system utilizing vibrational motion of MEMS cooling elements to drive a fluid for heat transfer, reducing the need for large heat sinks and minimizing vibration-induced jitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passive cooling with heat sinks is used, then dust accumulation and vibration are reduced, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a piezoelectric actuator to generate ultrasonic vibrations that create acoustic streaming in the cooling fluid. This mechanical vibration mechanism replaces traditional passive heat sinks, enabling active heat transfer without the bulk and weight of conventional cooling solutions while effectively managing thermal dissipation.
2Temperature
If passive cooling with heat sinks is used, then dust accumulation and vibration are reduced, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a piezoelectric actuator to generate ultrasonic vibrations that create acoustic streaming in the cooling fluid. This mechanical vibration mechanism replaces traditional passive heat sinks, enabling active heat transfer without the bulk and weight of conventional cooling solutions while effectively managing thermal dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes acoustic streaming - a fluid dynamic phenomenon where ultrasonic vibrations create steady fluid flow patterns. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach uses sound waves to drive cooling fluid circulation, replacing bulky mechanical heat sinks with a compact acoustic-fluidic system that achieves superior heat management in a smaller volume.
3Temperature
If active cooling with fans is used, then heat management is improved, but vibration and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a piezoelectric actuator to generate ultrasonic vibrations that create acoustic streaming in the cooling fluid. This mechanical vibration mechanism replaces traditional passive heat sinks, enabling active heat transfer without the bulk and weight of conventional cooling solutions while effectively managing thermal dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fan-based cooling systems with an acoustic field-based cooling mechanism. By using piezoelectric actuators to generate ultrasonic vibrations that induce acoustic streaming, the system eliminates the need for rotating fans, thereby removing the associated vibration and noise while maintaining effective heat management.
4Temperature
If active cooling with fans is used, then heat management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fan-based cooling systems with an acoustic field-based cooling mechanism. By using piezoelectric actuators to generate ultrasonic vibrations that induce acoustic streaming, the system eliminates the need for rotating fans, thereby removing the associated vibration and noise while maintaining effective heat management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from mechanical rotation (fans) to ultrasonic frequency vibrations (piezoelectric actuators). This parameter change enables heat management through acoustic streaming at frequencies above human hearing, reducing perceived noise while simplifying the mechanical components of the cooling 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 cools electronic devices without increasing size or weight, allowing for improved performance and efficiency by reducing operating temperatures and facilitating installation, shipping, and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling element utilizes vibrational motion when driven to draw a fluid into each of the active cooling cells via the inlet(s), direct the fluid toward the bottom plate, and drive the fluid through the orifices
Implementation Method 2
the fluid transfers heat from the LED module
Implementation Method 3
The LED module is thermally coupled with the cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system is described. The lighting system includes a housing, a lighting module, and a cooling system. The lighting module includes a light source and is coupled with the housing. The cooling system includes active cooling cell(s). The lighting module is thermally coupled with the cooling system. The active cooling cell(s) are configured to utilize vibrational motion to drive a fluid for transferring heat from the lighting module. The cooling system is coupled with and contained by the housing.