Server Duct Airflow Segmentation for Compact Enclosure Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of server computers with system board units and input/output units results in increased size due to airflow restrictions, as the air inlets of the system board units are larger than the air outlets of the input/output units, preventing airflow from entering the space behind a wall member and limiting the placement of printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus incorporates a design where a wall member closes the air inlet of the system board unit outside the air outlet of the input/output unit, with an opening allowing airflow connection between the outer space and the air inlet, enabling airflow to reach behind the wall and allowing the system board unit to be placed closer, thus reducing the overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air inlet of the system board unit is designed to be larger than the air outlet of the input/output unit, then the airflow can be ensured, but the system board unit cannot be placed closer to the wall member, causing an increase in the size of the server computer
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet of the system board unit is segmented into two separate inlets: a first air inlet and a second air inlet. The first air inlet is positioned to face the air outlet of the input/output unit, while the second air inlet faces the wall member. This segmentation allows each inlet to serve a specific airflow function, enabling the system board unit to be placed closer to the wall member while maintaining sufficient airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the input/output unit and the system board unit. The partition wall includes a through-hole that allows airflow to pass from the input/output unit to the first air inlet of the system board unit. This intermediary structure enables the system board unit to be positioned closer to the wall member while still receiving adequate airflow through the organized dual-inlet configuration.
2Volume of stationary object
If the system board unit is placed closer to the wall member, then the size of the server computer is reduced, but the airflow into the space behind the wall member is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet is divided into two segments: a first air inlet facing the input/output unit and a second air inlet facing the wall member. This segmentation allows the system board unit to be positioned closer to the wall member while the second air inlet continues to provide airflow from the wall member direction, maintaining cooling effectiveness despite the reduced overall size.
3Volume of stationary object
If the printed circuit board units are placed at a position closer to the wall member, then the size of the enclosure is reduced, but the airflow quantity through the system board unit becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet is segmented into a first air inlet and a second air inlet, allowing the system board unit to be positioned closer to the wall member. The first air inlet receives airflow from the input/output unit, while the second air inlet receives airflow from the wall member direction, together providing sufficient total airflow quantity despite the compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing airflow quantity by expanding the air inlet area in one dimension, the solution introduces a new dimension by creating a second air inlet facing a different direction (toward the wall member). This dimensional change allows sufficient airflow to be achieved in a compact enclosure by utilizing multiple airflow paths from different directions.
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 configuration ensures a sufficient airflow through the system board unit, efficiently absorbs heat from the printed wiring boards, and allows for a reduced size of the server computer enclosure by enabling the system board unit to be positioned closer to the input/output unit.
Implementation Method 1
The airflow can efficiently absorb heat from the printed wiring board
Data Source
AI summary
A second duct is designed to oppose its air outlet to a portion of an air inlet of a first duct in an electronic apparatus. The wall member closes the air inlet of the first duct at a position outside the air outlet of the second duct. An opening is defined in the wall member. The opening enables a connection between the outer space of the second duct and the air inlet of the first duct. Airflow enters the air inlet of the first duct from the air outlet of the second duct as well as from the opening of the wall member, respectively.