Server Stopping Air Bag for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blade servers face inefficiencies in thermal dissipation due to the low tendency of air to pass through the space between adjacent motherboards, which hampers the effectiveness of heat dissipation fins.
Innovation Solution
A stopping air bag is placed between the heat dissipation fin set and adjacent processing units, which is inflated by the airflow generating device to occupy the space and prevent airflow from bypassing the heat dissipation fins, ensuring more air passes through the fins for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mother boards are arranged in parallel with small space between them to save space, then space utilization is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates due to air bypassing heat dissipation fins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stopping air bag as an intermediary element between adjacent mother boards. This air bag is inflated during operation to occupy the space between mother boards, preventing air from bypassing the heat dissipation fins. The air bag acts as a mediator that redirects airflow through the intended path (through the fins) rather than allowing it to take a shortcut (through the gap between mother boards), thus resolving the contradiction between compact arrangement and heat dissipation efficiency.
2Device complexity
If space between adjacent mother boards is reduced for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but airflow tendency through heat dissipation fins decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping air bag is designed to be dynamically inflatable and deflatable based on operational requirements. During server operation, the air bag is inflated to optimize heat dissipation by blocking airflow bypass. When not in use or during maintenance, it can be deflated to minimize space occupation and facilitate access. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt between compact configuration and optimal heat dissipation mode, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and heat dissipation performance.
3Loss of energy
If multiple fans are used to increase airflow for heat dissipation, then heat dissipation capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases due to air resistance between components
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping air bag performs preliminary anti-action by proactively blocking the harmful airflow path (bypass through gaps between mother boards) before the airflow can occur. By preventing the creation of unwanted airflow channels, the system reduces the resistance that would otherwise require additional fan power to overcome. This preliminary blocking action ensures that airflow generated by fans is directed efficiently through the heat dissipation fins, reducing energy waste and lowering the power consumption required for adequate heat dissipation.
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 enhances the heat dissipation efficiency by directing airflow through the heat dissipation fins, improving thermal convection and rapid heat removal from the electric heat sources.
Implementation Method 1
air is blown into the stopping air bag through the air inlet opening so that the stopping air bag is inflated to occupy the space
Implementation Method 2
enhances the heat dissipation efficiency by directing airflow through the heat dissipation fins, improving thermal convection and rapid heat removal
Data Source
AI summary
A server includes a chassis, processing units and an airflow generating device. The processing units are disposed inside the chassis for heat dissipation of the processing units. Each processing unit includes a motherboard, an electric heat source, a heat dissipation fin set and a stopping air bag. The electric heat source is disposed on the motherboard, the heat dissipation fin set is attached to the electric heat source and the stopping air bag including an air inlet opening is located at space between the heat dissipation fin set and one of the processing units which is adjacent to the stopping air bag. When the airflow generating devices are operated, air is blown into the stopping air bag through the air inlet opening so that the stopping air bag is inflated to occupy the space to stop an airflow from flowing through the space.