Thin-Film Vibrational Isolators for Compact Information Handling Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrational isolators in information handling systems require significant space, which can be a challenge in compact designs, as they need to absorb vibrational energy generated by cooling components like air movers while minimizing noise and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A vibrational isolator with a supporting section and attachment members that mechanically couple to a chassis, using thin, flexible materials like biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET) to suspend and isolate vibration-generating equipment, reducing the space required for effective isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional grommet-based vibrational isolators are used, then vibrational energy is absorbed and isolated, but significant space (4-10 millimeters) is required in the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible thin film material (boPET) to create a vibrational isolator that is significantly thinner than traditional grommet-based isolators. The thin film material provides the necessary vibration isolation properties while occupying minimal space within the support structure, directly resolving the contradiction between effective vibration isolation and space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the isolator by using thin film material with specific mechanical properties (flexibility, damping characteristics) that enable effective vibration isolation in a reduced thickness profile. This parameter change allows the isolator to maintain its isolation function while reducing the space it occupies from 4-10 millimeters to a much thinner profile.
2Temperature
If air movers are used to cool information handling components, then heat dissipation is improved, but vibrational energy is generated that degrades performance of other components
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film vibrational isolator serves as an intermediary element between the air mover and the support structure. It allows the air mover to operate freely for effective cooling while simultaneously absorbing and isolating the vibrational energy it generates, preventing transmission to other components. The isolator mediates between the cooling function and vibration generation, enabling both to coexist without mutual degradation.
3Reliability
If thicker vibrational isolators are used, then vibration isolation effectiveness is improved, but the space available for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin film material that achieves effective vibration isolation in a dramatically reduced thickness compared to traditional isolators. This thin film approach maintains the necessary isolation effectiveness while preserving maximum available space within the support structure for other components, directly resolving the space constraint issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes advanced material parameters of thin film boPET that provide sufficient damping and isolation properties despite the reduced thickness. By changing from traditional thick grommet materials to thin film materials with optimized mechanical properties, the system achieves comparable or superior isolation effectiveness with minimal space consumption.
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 effectively reduces the space needed for vibrational isolation, minimizing the transfer of vibrational energy and noise, thus enhancing the performance and compactness of information handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
such vibrational isolators prevent an air mover from coming into direct contact with such support structures and serve to absorb vibrational energy generated by the air mover
Implementation Method 2
at least one attachment member mechanically coupled to the at least one supporting section and configured to mechanically couple to a chassis
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a vibrational isolator may include at least one supporting section and at least one attachment member mechanically coupled to the at least one supporting section and configured to mechanically couple to a chassis, such that when disposed in a chassis, the at least one supporting section suspends from the chassis and is configured to support vibration-generating equipment.In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include forming at least one supporting section and forming at least one attachment member mechanically coupled to the at least one supporting section and configured to mechanically couple to a chassis, such that when disposed in a chassis, the at least one supporting section suspends from the chassis and is configured to support vibration-generating equipment.