Tilted Side-Vent Fan Layout for Lower Laptop Hot Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-vented information handling systems face challenges with airflow impedance and restricted airflow paths, leading to suboptimal fan performance and increased skin temperatures at hot spots due to restricted inlet airflow.
Innovation Solution
A tilted fan configuration is implemented within the fan housing, angled away from the inside edge, increasing the inlet air area and reducing inlet flow impedance, thereby optimizing fan operation and airflow, and aligning with a fin stack to enhance thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a traditional parallel fan configuration is used, then the fan structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the inlet air area is restricted and inlet flow impedance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is mounted at an angle relative to the base chassis plane, transitioning from a traditional parallel configuration to an angled configuration. This dimensional change in fan orientation increases the effective inlet air area by creating additional space for air movement and reduces inlet flow impedance, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized mounting techniques
2Productivity
If the fan is mounted parallel to the base chassis, then the mounting structure is straightforward, but the airflow path is restricted and fan performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The fan mounting structure incorporates an angled configuration relative to the base chassis, creating a dynamic airflow path that optimizes air movement. This angled mounting improves fan performance by enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing thermal hot spots, while the mounting structure itself remains relatively straightforward using standard mechanical attachment methods
3Reliability
If a tilted fan configuration is implemented, then inlet flow impedance is reduced and airflow efficiency is improved, but the fan mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is mounted at an asymmetric angle within the fan housing, with the fan plane forming an angle with respect to the base chassis plane. This asymmetric configuration optimizes airflow patterns and reduces inlet flow impedance, improving thermal management effectiveness. The fan housing is designed to accommodate this angled mounting through integrated mounting features that, while more complex than parallel mounting, remain manufacturable using standard techniques
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 tilted fan design improves airflow efficiency, reduces inlet flow impedance, and creates additional space for better air movement, effectively lowering skin temperatures at hot spots within the system.
Implementation Method 1
a fan mounted within the fan housing, the fan being mounted within the fan housing at an angle... The tilted fan design improves airflow efficiency, reduces inlet flow impedance, and creates additional space for better air movement
Data Source
AI summary
A fan system for an information handing system. The fan system includes a side vent defined by a base chassis; and, a fan component mounted within the base chassis, the fan component comprising a fan housing, the fan housing comprising an inside edge and a base; and, a fan mounted within the fan housing, the fan being mounted within the fan housing at an angle, the angle sloping away from the inside edge of the fan housing, the fan being mounted at the angle causing the fan to tilt relative to a plane defined by the base chassis of the information handling system.