Velocity-Increasing Cooling Channel for Storage Device Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-power consuming IT components in storage systems generate significant heat, posing a risk of heat-related failures, and existing cooling methods are inadequate to ensure reliable operation.

Innovation Solution

A storage device carrier system with a linear array of mounting trays and a velocity-increasing longitudinal cooling channel, which narrows from a larger cross-sectional area to a smaller one, increasing air velocity to enhance cooling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional cooling channels are used, then the structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient due to low air velocity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcooling channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channel structure is modified by changing geometric parameters - specifically creating a velocity increasing section where the cross-sectional area decreases in the flow direction. This parameter change transforms the cooling channel from a simple uniform structure to one with varying cross-section, thereby increasing air velocity and cooling efficiency without adding complex external systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new dimensional characteristic to the cooling channel by incorporating a velocity increasing section with varying cross-sectional area along the flow direction. This dimensional change (from uniform to tapered geometry) enables the channel to accelerate cooling air, improving heat dissipation capability while maintaining structural integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If high-power IT components are used, then functionality is improved, but heat generation increases causing heat-related failures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIT component powerVSAvoidheat-related failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of high power consumption (heat generation) into a beneficial outcome by designing a cooling channel that actively utilizes the temperature differential. The velocity increasing section accelerates cooling air flow, enhancing heat removal from high-power components and transforming the heat problem into an opportunity for improved cooling efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling channel with velocity increasing section acts as an intermediary between the heat-generating IT components and the cooling air. This intermediate structure facilitates efficient heat transfer by optimizing air flow velocity, thereby protecting high-power components from heat-related failures while maintaining their high functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If air velocity in cooling channel is low, then the structure is simple, but heat dissipation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidcooling channel design
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channel design is enhanced by changing the geometric parameter of cross-sectional area along the flow direction. The velocity increasing section features a gradual reduction in cross-sectional area, which naturally accelerates air flow velocity and improves heat dissipation capability without requiring external fans or complex flow control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling channel is segmented into distinct functional sections: an inlet section, a velocity increasing section with varying cross-sectional area, and an outlet section. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, with the velocity increasing section specifically designed to accelerate air flow for enhanced heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 increases air velocity through the cooling channel, improving heat dissipation and reducing the risk of heat-related failures in IT components.

Implementation Method 1

A velocity-increasing longitudinal cooling channel is configured to provide cooling air to the linear array of mounting trays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10412859B1Storage device carrier system
Publication Date: 2019.09.10 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US10412859B1 patent drawing
  • US10412859B1 patent drawing
  • US10412859B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A storage device carrier system includes a linear array of mounting trays, wherein each mounting tray is configured to removeably receive a storage device. A velocity-increasing longitudinal cooling channel is configured to provide cooling air to the linear array of mounting trays.