MFP Cooling Control via HDD Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses face challenges in providing effective cooling at a low cost, especially when additional components are added, as existing solutions require multiple temperature sensors and cannot control the cooling fan for newly added components, leading to potential overheating and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a cooling device, temperature sensor, and interface that allows the control unit to determine whether to control the cooling device based on the connection status of storage devices, enabling operation control irrespective of temperature sensor readings, thus providing efficient cooling without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed to monitor HDD temperature, then cooling control accuracy is improved, but apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the HDD's own control unit as an intermediary to obtain temperature information. Instead of adding temperature sensors, the system leverages the existing control unit in the HDD that already possesses temperature data from the HDD's internal sensors, thus avoiding additional sensor installation while achieving accurate temperature monitoring for cooling control decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The HDD's control unit self-provides temperature information to the host apparatus's cooling control system. The HDD internally monitors its own temperature using its built-in sensors and control unit, then shares this information with the host system, eliminating the need for the host to install its own temperature sensors on the HDD
2Use of energy by moving object
If cooling fan is stopped in low power consumption state, then power consumption is reduced, but HDD may overheat due to continuous access
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring HDD temperature information from the HDD's control unit and adjusting cooling fan operation accordingly. The cooling control unit receives temperature feedback from the HDD and dynamically controls the cooling fan to maintain HDD temperature within safe operating ranges while optimizing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fan operation is made dynamic rather than static. The system transitions from a fixed cooling strategy to a dynamic one where fan operation is continuously adjusted based on real-time HDD temperature conditions, activity state, and power consumption requirements, allowing optimal balance between cooling effectiveness and energy efficiency
3Reliability
If mirroring control is applied with multiple HDDs, then data integrity is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling control system is designed to universally handle multiple HDD configurations including mirroring setups. The system can monitor and control cooling for multiple HDDs simultaneously, adapting to different operational modes (normal operation, rebuilding, mirroring) without requiring separate control mechanisms, thus managing heat generation effectively across all HDDs in the array
4Reliability
If cooling fan runs continuously to prevent HDD overheating, then HDD reliability is improved, but operating noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when HDD temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds or during high-risk operations like rebuilding. This periodic operation maintains HDD reliability by providing cooling when needed while significantly reducing operating noise during normal low-temperature conditions
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 solution allows for appropriate and cost-effective cooling of information processing apparatuses, even when configuration changes occur, preventing overheating and reducing the risk of component breakdown.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan incorporated in the information processing apparatuses is used
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus which enables appropriate cooling at low cost. A MFP 101 as an information processing apparatus has a controller cooling fan 116, a temperature sensor 121 measuring temperature of a CPU 110, and a controller 105 provided with a power-source/fan control IC 115, an HDD-A 119 and an HDD-B 120. When mirroring control is not applied to the MFP 101, the power-source/fan control IC 115 controls the rotation of the controller cooling fan 116 according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 121. When mirroring control is applied to the MFP 101, the power-source/fan control IC 115 continues to rotate the controller cooling fan 116.