Server Fan Silencing Structure Using a Resonance Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling fans in servers and supercomputers generate noise that affects other components and the working environment, leading to reduced performance and potential hearing damage.
Innovation Solution
A silencing structure comprising a fan module, silencing body, and silencing cover forms a sound channel with a resonance cavity, utilizing a neck opening to attenuate noise by resonance, allowing for adjustable resonance frequency adjustment through cross-sectional area and length of the neck opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling fans are arranged to draw in cold air and exhaust hot air, then cooling efficiency is improved, but noise is generated which affects other components and the working environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silencing structure as an intermediary component between the cooling fan and the surrounding environment. This structure includes a resonance cavity and neck opening that act as a mediator to attenuate noise while allowing the fan to continue its cooling function. The resonance cavity absorbs sound energy through resonant oscillation, and the neck opening controls the coupling between the cavity and external air, effectively reducing noise propagation without compromising cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful noise generated by the cooling fan into a beneficial resonant oscillation within the silencing structure. The noise waves enter the resonance cavity and create resonant oscillation that absorbs sound energy, transforming the harmful acoustic waves into a controlled resonant phenomenon that reduces overall noise output. This approach turns the fan's inevitable noise generation into a mechanism for noise attenuation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the resonance cavity volume is increased to improve noise attenuation, then noise reduction is enhanced, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the volume of the resonance cavity and the dimensions of the neck opening to optimize noise attenuation. By varying these geometric parameters, the resonance frequency of the cavity can be tuned to match the noise frequency from the cooling fan, maximizing noise reduction efficiency. This allows for effective noise attenuation without requiring excessive cavity volume, thereby controlling device complexity and space requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If the neck opening area is increased to improve airflow, then airflow volume is enhanced, but noise attenuation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the area and length of the neck opening to achieve a balance between airflow and noise attenuation. The neck opening dimensions are carefully selected to control the coupling between the resonance cavity and external air, allowing sufficient airflow while maintaining effective noise reduction. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both cooling performance and noise attenuation without compromising either function.
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
Reduces noise transmission by absorbing sound energy in the resonance cavity, maintaining airflow volume, and being versatile for various fan formats without altering component orientations, thus improving working conditions and reducing the risk of component damage.
Implementation Method 1
A resonance cavity is constituted by the second partition, fixed plate, and first partition. A neck opening is formed among the second partition and the neck partition, and the neck opening is communicated with the resonance cavity and the sound channel.
Implementation Method 2
By controlling the cross-sectional area of the resonance cavity and the length of the neck opening, the resonance frequency of the silencing structure may approach the vibration frequency of the noise. When noise passes through the silencing structure, part of the noise enters the resonance cavity via the neck opening to produce energy attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
A silencing structure includes a fan module, a silencing body and a silencing cover. The silencing body has a first partition and a neck partition, and the neck partition is connected to the fan module. The silencing cover is disposed in the silencing body and has a second partition and a fixed plate. The fan module, the silencing body and the silencing cover are surrounded to form a sound channel. The fixed plate covers the first partition. A resonance cavity is constituted by the second partition, fixed plate, and first partition. A neck opening is formed between the second partition and the neck partition, and the neck opening is communicated with the resonance cavity and the sound channel.