Integrated PCB Ionic Wind Generator for Component Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fans used for thermal management in electronic devices are large, noisy, and prone to reliability issues due to moving parts, while existing ionic wind generators do not effectively meet the cooling needs of consumer electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ionic air mover is designed directly onto a printed circuit board (PCB) using an emitter and collector configuration that ionizes air with a DC current, creating a scalable solution for localized cooling of electronic components without moving parts, and can be integrated into the automated electronic board assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional rotary fans are used for thermal management, then heat dissipation is improved, but device size increases, noise increases, and reliability decreases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary fan system with an ionic wind generator that uses electrostatic fields to move air. The emitter electrode creates a corona discharge that ionizes air molecules, and the resulting ion flow generates thrust to move air across heat-generating components without any mechanical moving parts, thereby improving reliability while maintaining heat dissipation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using high voltage DC electricity to create corona discharge at the emitter electrode, transforming electrical energy into kinetic energy of air molecules through ionization. This parameter change enables contactless air movement, eliminating mechanical wear and improving reliability
2Temperature
If conventional rotary fans are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the heavy mechanical components of rotary fans (blades, motors, bearings) by substituting them with a lightweight ionic wind generator consisting of emitter and collector electrodes. The air movement is achieved through electrostatic forces rather than mechanical rotation, significantly reducing device weight while maintaining cooling performance
3Temperature
If conventional rotary fans are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases due to moving parts and bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of rotary fans with a simple electrostatic field-based ionic wind generator. The system consists of only two electrodes (emitter and collector) and requires no mechanical assemblies, bearings, or moving parts, thereby dramatically simplifying device complexity while achieving effective heat dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all mechanical moving parts and bearings from the cooling system, retaining only the essential electrostatic field generation components (electrodes and power supply). This extraction eliminates mechanical complexity while preserving the core heat dissipation function
4Reliability
If existing ionic wind generators are used, then moving part reliability is improved, but cooling effectiveness for consumer electronics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the emitter electrode in direct contact with or very close to the heat-generating component surface, creating a localized corona discharge zone that generates ionic wind precisely where cooling is needed. The collector electrode is positioned to capture the ionic flow and direct it across the thermal management path, ensuring effective cooling of specific hot spots in consumer electronic devices
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 solution provides effective airflow for cooling electronic components, addressing the limitations of conventional fans and existing ionic wind generators by offering a compact, reliable, and scalable thermal management system that can be integrated directly where heat generation occurs.
Implementation Method 1
When an electric field is applied between the two electrodes, this causes a partial breakdown of the gas (i.e. air) between the emitter and collector. This partial breakdown is referred to as a corona discharge, which occurs near the emitter. This discharge produces ions that are attracted to the neutralizing collector.
Implementation Method 2
air is ionized to produce an airflow through the PCB opening
Implementation Method 3
En route, the ions collide with neutral air molecules creating a pressure head resulting in an air flow similar to that produced by a mechanical fan
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a directed to an integrated ionic air mover that provides air flow rates through an opening within the a printed circuit board (PCB), or other similar insulating surface, to create the structure of the air mover, so that high heat generating components mounted on the PCB can be cooled. The ionic air mover has sharp and blunt electrodes with a corona discharge taking place in the air gap in between the electrodes. A directional emission of the ions creates an ionic wind the moves air through the PCB. The invention provides a low-cost structure, while achieving high electro-air flow power conversion efficiency and air-flow performance integrated into the PCB that the heat generating components are mounted on. The ionic air mover may also be surface mounted to a PCB and include a transmittal coil for wireless charging.