Rotatable Air Mover for Bi-directional Power Supply Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorrect airflow direction in information handling systems can lead to high temperatures, affecting component operability and requiring time-consuming replacement of air mover modules, with potential issues going unnoticed until significant temperature increases cause noise from high air mover speeds.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply module with a mechanical assembly that allows the air mover to be removed, rotated 180 degrees, and reinserted to change airflow direction without uncoupling from the enclosure, enabling easy adjustment of airflow direction within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional air mover modules are used with fixed airflow direction, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different airflow direction requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The air mover module incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows the airflow direction to be dynamically changed from fixed to adjustable. The air mover can rotate 180 degrees within the enclosure, enabling adaptation to both forward and reverse airflow requirements without requiring separate modules for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
A single air mover module is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both forward and reverse airflow directions through rotation. This universal design eliminates the need for separate air mover modules for different airflow directions, reducing overall system complexity while improving adaptability.
2Reliability
If incorrect airflow direction air mover modules are installed, then the system can be assembled quickly, but thermal control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable air mover mechanism allows the airflow direction to be corrected dynamically without replacing the entire module. Users can rotate the air mover 180 degrees to change from incorrect to correct airflow direction, eliminating time loss associated with module replacement while maintaining thermal control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to correct airflow direction errors themselves through the rotatable mechanism without requiring technical support or replacement services. This self-service capability maintains reliable thermal control while avoiding the time consumption of module replacement.
3Temperature
If air mover speed is increased to compensate for incorrect airflow direction, then cooling performance improves temporarily, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable air mover allows correction of airflow direction without increasing air mover speed. By rotating the air mover to the correct orientation, proper airflow direction is achieved at normal operating speeds, preventing the noise generation that would result from high-speed operation to compensate for directional errors.
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 reduces thermal control issues by allowing users to modify airflow direction without replacing modules, preventing overheating and reducing noise from high air mover speeds, thus improving system operability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an air mover configured to drive airflow to cool one or more components of the information handling system
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a chassis configured to house components of the information handling system and a modular power supply module configured to be readily removable from the chassis. The modular power supply module may include an enclosure, power supply components housed within the enclosure, an air mover configured to drive airflow to cool one or more components of the information handling system, and a mechanical assembly configured to mechanically couple the air mover to the enclosure that enables a user to remove the air mover from the enclosure while still coupled to the enclosure via the mechanical assembly, rotate the air mover 180 degrees relative to the enclosure while still coupled to the enclosure via the mechanical assembly, and reinsert the air mover into the enclosure, in order to modify a direction of airflow driven by the air mover.