Parallel Controller Redundancy for Fan Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat dissipation systems are unreliable due to the lack of redundancy, as they typically have only one power supply and controller, leading to system shutdown when either component fails, resulting in uncontrolled fan rotation or complete system shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A heat dissipation system with multiple controllers, signal generators, and signal converters is implemented, where at least two controllers and/or signal converters are connected in parallel to ensure continued operation even if one fails, using feedback signals to generate and convert control signals to maintain fan rotation speed and provide redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only one power supply and controller are used in the heat dissipation system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system reliability deteriorates because the entire system shuts down when a single component fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple independent controllers (at least two controllers) that operate in parallel. Each controller can independently control the fan, and if one controller fails, the other takes over, preventing complete system shutdown. This segmentation of the control function resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements backup components (redundant controllers, power supplies, or signal converters) that are prepared in advance to take over if the primary components fail. This beforehand cushioning ensures that system failure is prevented, directly addressing the reliability concern while the modular backup architecture keeps the overall system complexity manageable
2Reliability
If multiple controllers and signal converters are added to the heat dissipation system, then the system reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent units (controllers and signal converters) that can operate autonomously. The patent specifies at least two controllers and at least two signal converters, where each unit can independently perform the control function. This segmentation improves reliability through redundancy while the modular nature of segmented components keeps the overall system complexity manageable through standardized interfaces and functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical copies of controllers and signal converters in parallel configuration. Each controller and signal converter is a duplicate of the other, ensuring that if one fails, the copy can immediately take over. This copying approach improves reliability through exact redundancy while avoiding the complexity of designing and integrating different types of components, as the copied units use the same interfaces and protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A heat dissipation system includes at least one fan, at least two controllers, a signal generator, and a signal converter. The controllers are electrically connected to the fan and generate an enable signal according to a feedback signal of the fan. The signal generator is electrically connected to the controllers and generates a control signal according to the enable signal. The signal converter is electrically connected to the signal generator and the fan, converts the control signal to a drive signal to the fan, thereby controlling rotation speed of the fan.