Vibrating MEMS Fan Element for Compact Low-Noise Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fans used for heat management in computing devices are inadequate for mobile devices due to size constraints and generate excessive noise, and existing solutions fail to efficiently manage heat in devices like smartphones and laptops.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS-based system utilizing an orifice plate and a fan element that undergoes vibrational motion to drive fluid through orifices, creating a low-pressure region and enhancing airflow without the need for rotating blades, allowing for efficient heat management in compact devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional fans are used for heat management, then cooling capability is improved, but device size increases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibrating fan element that oscillates at high frequency to drive airflow through orifices. This mechanical vibration replaces conventional rotating fan blades, enabling compact device integration while maintaining effective cooling capability through resonant vibration-driven fluid flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes piezoelectric actuation for traditional mechanical rotation. The piezoelectric element converts electrical energy directly into mechanical vibration of the fan element, eliminating the need for motors, bearings, and rotating components, thereby reducing device size and complexity
2Temperature
If conventional fans are used for heat management, then cooling capability is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrating fan element operates at resonant frequencies that produce minimal audible noise while effectively driving airflow. The high-frequency oscillation creates cooling currents through acoustic streaming and rectified flow, providing silent cooling operation
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing rotating fan blades with piezoelectrically actuated vibration eliminates motor noise, bearing friction noise, and aerodynamic noise associated with conventional fan rotation, resulting in ultra-quiet operation suitable for mobile devices
3Temperature
If conventional fans are used for heat management, then cooling capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrating fan element is driven at resonant frequencies, which minimize the energy required to sustain vibration. This resonant operation allows efficient energy transfer from the piezoelectric actuator to the fan element, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective airflow generation
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuation system consumes less power than conventional motor-driven fans by directly converting electrical energy to mechanical vibration without the losses associated with electromagnetic conversion, friction, and mechanical inefficiencies of rotating systems
4Volume of moving object
If vibrating fan element is used, then device size is reduced and noise is minimized, but airflow generation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the piezoelectric actuator and fan element into a single monolithic structure, eliminating separate drive mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity. The orifices are also integrated into the device housing, creating a compact unified airflow generation system
Solution Approach 2:
The vibrating fan element serves multiple functions: it generates airflow for cooling, acts as the structural component defining the airflow path, and integrates the actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system
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 system achieves high-speed airflow with minimal noise and power consumption, effectively cooling devices like smartphones and laptops by leveraging piezoelectric actuation and resonant frequencies to drive fluid flow efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
A MEMS-based system utilizing an orifice plate and a fan element that undergoes vibrational motion to drive fluid through orifices
Implementation Method 2
The system achieves high-speed airflow with minimal noise and power consumption, effectively cooling devices like smartphones and laptops by leveraging piezoelectric actuation and resonant frequencies to drive fluid flow efficiently
Implementation Method 3
leveraging piezoelectric actuation and resonant frequencies to drive fluid flow efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an orifice plate, a fan element and at least one channel is disclosed. The orifice plate has at least one orifice therein. The fan element is configured to undergo vibrational motion to drive a fluid through the orifice(s). The fluid is drawn through the channel(s) in response to the fluid being driven through the at least one orifice.