Thermal Module Fin Channels for External-Air Entrainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing thermal modules in electronic devices like notebook computers suffer from reduced thermal dissipation efficiency due to limited airflow into the fin assembly, which hampers effective heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The thermal module incorporates a fin assembly with multiple fins arranged to form flow channels, featuring a first inlet, at least one second inlet, and an outlet, allowing gas flow from the fan to enter and external gas flow to be drawn into the channels, thereby increasing the low-temperature gas flow proportion and enhancing thermal exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fin assembly uses a conventional single-inlet structure, then the structure is simple, but the airflow capacity into the fin assembly is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fin assembly is segmented into multiple independent flow channels, each with its own inlet structure. This segmentation allows each channel to independently draw in airflow, significantly increasing the total airflow capacity into the fin assembly while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular repetition of the inlet-channel outlet unit.
2Productivity
If cold air from outside the thermal module is not drawn into the fin assembly, then the structure remains conventional, but the thermal dissipation efficiency cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet structure extends into another dimension by projecting inward from the inlet opening into the flow channel. This three-dimensional configuration creates a low-pressure zone that actively draws cold air from outside the thermal module into the flow channel, enabling effective thermal dissipation while integrating seamlessly into the existing fin assembly structure.
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 configuration of the fin assembly increases the flow capacity and proportion of low-temperature gas flow, improving thermal dissipation efficiency by enhancing the thermal exchange between the gas flow and the fin assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a gas flow generated by the fan flows into the flow channel from the first inlet and flows out of the flow channel from the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a gas flow outside the fin assembly is drawn by the gas flow in the flow channel to flow into the flow channel from the at least one second inlet
Implementation Method 3
the thermal exchange efficiency between the gas flow in each of the flow channels and the fin assembly is improved
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal module includes a fan and a fin assembly. The fan has an air outlet. The fin assembly has multiple fins, and is disposed to the air outlet of the fan. The fins are disposed side by side to form multiple flow channels. Each of the flow channels has a first inlet, at least one second inlet, and an outlet. In each of the flow channels, a gas flow generated by the fan flows into the flow channel from the first inlet and flows out of the flow channel from the outlet, and a gas flow outside the fin assembly is drawn by the gas flow in the flow channel to flow into the flow channel from the at least one second inlet.