Rack-Mount Cooling System with Thermoelectric Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rack-mount cases for electronics equipment face challenges in managing high temperatures during transportation and operation, especially in harsh environments, as existing solutions do not effectively maintain optimal temperature conditions within the cases.
Innovation Solution
A rack-mount case system incorporating a cooling unit with a heat sink, blower, manifold, and thermoelectric component, which secures to a slide-out frame, enables efficient air circulation and temperature regulation by exchanging air with the ambient environment through vent openings, ensuring the electronics equipment operates within a desired temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rack-mount case is fully enclosed and sealed to protect electronics equipment from sand, dust, and chemical warfare agents, then protection against harmful environmental factors is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates causing high temperatures during transportation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into separate sealed compartments (equipment bay and accessory storage) with dedicated ventilation paths. The equipment bay remains sealed for protection while having its own independent cooling system, allowing different environmental requirements for different zones
Solution Approach 2:
A thermoelectric cooling unit acts as an intermediary between the sealed equipment compartment and the external environment. This device actively manages heat transfer, allowing the case to remain sealed for protection while the thermoelectric unit handles thermal regulation through controlled heat pump operation
2Volume of moving object
If the rack-mount case is designed to be compact and space-efficient, then space utilization is improved, but cooling system integration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric cooling unit is integrated directly into the case structure, merging the cooling function with the case housing. The unit fits within the case's internal volume and uses the case walls as mounting surfaces, eliminating the need for separate external cooling assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system components are nested within the case structure. The thermoelectric unit is positioned inside the equipment bay, using available internal space. Ventilation channels are nested within the case walls, allowing cooling functionality without increasing external dimensions
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 maintains the interior region of the rack-mount case within a desired temperature range, ensuring optimal operation of electronics equipment by efficiently drawing heat from the equipment and dissipating it, even in extreme ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric unit is located between the heat sink and the manifold
Implementation Method 2
at least the second blower is configured to move air at a desired flow rate within the case
Implementation Method 3
at least one heat sink in fluid communication with a first blower
Implementation Method 4
efficiently drawing heat from the equipment and dissipating it
Data Source
AI summary
A rack-mount case system for receiving, supporting and storing electronics equipment includes a slide-out frame closely received and shock mounted in a case. The system includes a cooling unit having at least one heat sink in fluid communication with a first blower and a manifold in fluid communication with a second blower. A thermoelectric unit is located between the heat sink and the manifold to provide a compact cooling unit that may be secured to a side of the slide-out frame with a bracket, for example.