TWI444538B - Apparatus, method and system for reducing accumulation of dust particles on a heat dissipating arrangement - Google Patents

Description

Device, method and system for reducing dust accumulation on a heat sink

The present invention relates to techniques for reducing dust accumulation on a heat sink.

background

A system including an electronic or a car or an air conditioning system can include a heat generating component. In an electronic device, a microprocessor or a graphics device or any other such device can generate heat. The generated heat can be dissipated using a heat sink. The heat sink can include a combination of a fan and a heat exchanger or air cooling device. The heat generated by these devices can be dissipated by flowing air through the heat generating device. When the air is flowing, the heat generated can be transferred to dissipate heat.

Typically, a fan includes blades coupled to a component provided along a fan shaft and the rotation of the blades causes air to flow. Moreover, a heat exchanger comprising a highly thermally conductive material can be provided adjacent to the fan and such a device can dissipate heat at a faster rate. However, when rotated, air flow can cause a large amount of dust particles to accumulate on the heat exchanger and fan blade surfaces. Over time, such dust accumulation can form an insulating and opaque layer that can block the air passage. Such a state can reduce heat dissipation, which can cause performance, ergonomics, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a device is specifically provided, comprising: a pulsating fan, wherein the pulsating fan rotates in a first direction for a first duration and in a second direction for a second duration; And a plurality of surfaces adjacent to the pulsating fan, wherein when the pulsating fan rotates in the second direction, dust particles accumulated on the plurality of surfaces are reduced, wherein the second rotating direction is opposite to the first a direction of rotation, wherein the plurality of surfaces comprise a heat exchanger and a vane of the pulsating fan.

Simple illustration

The invention described herein is illustrated by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of simplicity and clarity of the description, elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to the other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, the reference labels are repeated in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

1 illustrates an apparatus 110 and 150 including a pulsating axial flow fan that rotates in a first direction and a second direction, respectively, to reduce dust accumulation on the heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 2 illustrates a line graph 210 and 250 depicting the direction of air flow as the pulsating axial fan rotates in the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

Figure 3 illustrates a picture of the heat sink 110.

Figure 4 depicts a picture of the heat sink 150 including a pulsating axial fan that can be rotated in the first and second directions.

Figure 5 illustrates an apparatus 510 and 550 comprising a pulsating centrifugal fan that rotates in a third and fourth direction, respectively, to reduce dust accumulation on the heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 6 illustrates a line graph 610 and 650 depicting the direction of impact when the pulsating centrifugal fan is rotated in the third and fourth directions, respectively.

Figure 7 depicts a picture of the heat sink 510.

Figure 8 depicts a picture of the heat sink 550 containing a pulsating centrifugal fan that can be rotated in the third and fourth directions.

Figure 9 illustrates a computer system 900 in accordance with an embodiment wherein the pulsating fan assembly is used to reduce dust accumulation on the heat exchanger.

A detailed description

The following description describes the reduction of dust accumulation on a heat sink. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as the embodiment, However, it is apparent that the invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art without these specific details. In other instances, structures are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to implement appropriate functions without undue experimentation.

The "an embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment" referred to in the specification means that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure or characteristic, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific Feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it can be considered that it affects the feature, structure, or characteristic in combination with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. .

One embodiment of a pulsating axial flow fan that is used in a heat sink 110 and 150 to reduce dust accumulation on a heat exchanger is illustrated in FIG. In one embodiment, the apparatus 110 includes a pulsating axial fan 120 and a heat exchanger 130. In one embodiment, the pulsating axial fan 120 can be rotated in a direction 135 and the directions 105 and 106 can represent air inflow and outflow directions, respectively. In one embodiment, air diverted along the axis (direction 105) of the pulsating axial fan 120 may contain dust particles.

In one embodiment, air flowing along the direction 105 can carry dust particles to the blades of the pulsating axial fan 120 and the heat exchanger 130. In one embodiment, the dust particles may accumulate on the blades of the pulsating axial fan 120 and on the heat exchanger 130. In one embodiment, the accumulation of dust particles may form a dust layer 140. In one embodiment, the dust layer 140 reduces air passages and thereby reduces heat dissipation. In one embodiment, the reduction in heat dissipation can increase the heat level of a heat generating component and the performance of the heat generating component can be reduced accordingly. In one embodiment, a picture of the heat sink 110 is depicted in FIG. 3, which illustrates the accumulation of dust particles 340 on the blades of the pulsating axial fan 120 and on the heat exchanger 370.

In one embodiment, the dust particles may comprise tiny solid particles or fibrous media or the like. In one embodiment, the dust particles can occur from a variety of sources such as soil, human skin cells, plant pollen, animal hair, textile fibers, paper fibers, and such other particles.

In one embodiment, the heat sink 150 can include the pulsating axial fan 120 and the heat exchanger 130. However, as indicated by the second direction 185, the direction of rotation of the pulsating axial fan 120 can be reversed. In one embodiment, the pulsating axial fan 120 can be rotated in a first direction for a substantial period of time and can also be immediately rotated in the second direction, the second direction being the opposite of the first direction. In one embodiment, the pulsating axial fan 120 rotating in the second direction 185 can generate an intake pressure in directions 155-156. In one embodiment, the suction pressure generated by the rotation of the pulsating axial fan 120 can drive out dust particles in the dust layer 140. In one embodiment, the evacuation of the dust particles from the dust layer 140 reduces dust accumulation on the blades of the pulsating axial fan 120 and the heat exchanger 130. In one embodiment, a picture of the heat sink 150 including a pulsating axial fan that can be rotated in the first and second directions is depicted in FIG. In one embodiment, the picture of FIG. 4 illustrates the reduction in dust accumulation 340 as the pulsating axial fan 310 periodically rotates in the first direction 135 and the second direction 185. In one embodiment, the duration of rotation of the pulsating axial fan 310 in the first direction 135 may substantially exceed the duration of rotation of the pulsating axial fan 310 in the second direction 185.

In one embodiment, escaping the dust particles may cause the heat exchanger to be substantially undisturbed by the dust layer 340. Such an approach may allow the heat producing devices to operate at an expected level of performance. In one embodiment, such an approach can substantially avoid obstructing heat dissipation. In one embodiment, avoiding heat dissipation can also prevent the heat generating device from overheating, thereby maintaining the thermal extent of the devices within ergonomic limits. Such a manner also maintains the blade surface of the pulsating axial fan 310 and the cleaning of the heat exchanger 370, thereby improving the aesthetic aspect of the device.

In one embodiment, the pulsating axial fan 310 can be rotated in the first rotational direction 135 for a substantial amount of time. In one embodiment, the pulsating axial fan 310 can be rotated in the second direction 185 for a short period of time when a particular event occurs, the second direction 185 being opposite one of the first directions 135. In one embodiment, the specific events may include the elapse of a duration specified by the pulsating axial fan 310 during which the first direction 135 is rotated or if the heat of the heat generating device exceeds a predetermined level. Or turn events on and off, and other events like this. In one embodiment, a time tracking device can be used to track time, and a temperature sensor can be used to sense the temperature of the heat generating devices.

The one-line diagrams 210 and 250 are illustrated in FIG. 2, which depicts the direction of air flow as the pulsating axial fan 120 rotates in directions 135 and 185, respectively. In one embodiment, the pulsating axial fan 120 rotating in the direction 135 causes air to flow in the direction 105-106, which contributes to the blade of the pulsating axial fan 120 and to the heat exchanger 130. The accumulation of dust particles. In one embodiment, when the direction of rotation of the pulsating axial fan 120 is reversed, the pulsating axial fan 120 can generate air intake in the direction 155-156, which can be substantially opposite. In this direction 105-106. Due to the air flow in the opposite direction (155-156), the dust particles on the blades of the pulsating axial fan 120 and above the heat exchanger 130 can be discharged. Therefore, the heat sink 150 can reduce the accumulation of dust particles on the blades of the pulsating axial fan 120 and on the heat exchanger 130.

One embodiment of a centrifugal pulsation fan for use in a heat sink 510 and 550 to reduce the accumulation of dust particles on a blade of a pulsating centrifugal fan and a heat exchanger is illustrated in FIG. In one embodiment, the apparatus 510 includes a heat exchanger 520 and a pulsating centrifugal fan 530. In one embodiment, the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 can be rotated in a third direction 515. In one embodiment, direction 505 may indicate the direction of air inflow and direction 506 may indicate the direction in which air flows out. In one embodiment, the direction 506 can be a direction that is at an angle of about 90 degrees to the direction 505.

In one embodiment, rotation of the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 in the direction 515 causes air to impinge on the heat exchanger 520. In one embodiment, rotation of the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 can cause air to impinge on the heat exchanger 520 in an impact direction 525. In one embodiment, the impact of air on the heat exchanger 520 in the direction of impact 525 can result in a large amount of dust accumulating at one end of the heat exchanger 520 and the blades of the fan 530. In one embodiment, dust particles on the heat exchanger 520 can form a dust layer 540 on the blades of the fan 530 and on the heat exchanger 520. In one embodiment, a picture of the heat sink 510 is depicted in FIG. 7, which illustrates the accumulation of dust 740 on the blades of a pulsating centrifugal fan 710 and on the heat exchanger 770.

In one embodiment, in the heat sink 550, the direction of rotation of the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 can be reversed. In one embodiment, the fourth direction 565 can be substantially opposite to the direction of the third direction 515. In one embodiment, if the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 is rotated in the fourth direction 565, the air flow can impact the heat exchanger 520 in an impact direction 575. In one embodiment, the impact direction 575 can be at an angle to the impact direction 525, theta-1 ('Θ1'). In one embodiment, due to the angle of the impact direction 575, air flow along the impact direction 575 can drive the dust particles out of the blades of the fan 530 and the heat exchanger 520. In one embodiment, rotating the centrifugal fan 530 in the fourth direction 565 reduces dust accumulation on the blades of the fan 530 and on the heat exchanger 520. In one embodiment, a picture of the heat sink 550 including a pulsating centrifugal fan that is rotatable in both the third direction and the fourth direction is depicted in FIG. In one embodiment, the picture of Figure 8 illustrates the reduction in dust accumulation 740 as the pulsating centrifugal fan 710 periodically rotates between the third and fourth directions. In one embodiment, the duration of rotation of the pulsating centrifugal fan 710 in the third direction 515 may substantially exceed the duration of rotation of the pulsating centrifugal fan 710 in the fourth direction 565.

A line graph is illustrated in Fig. 6, which depicts the direction of impact of air flow as one of the directions of rotation of the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 changes.

In the line graph 610, the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 can rotate in the third direction 515 and cause the air inflow 505 to impact the heat exchanger 520 in the impact direction 525. In other embodiments, the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 can rotate in the third direction 515 and cause the air in the direction 505 to flow in an impact direction 526 to impact the heat exchanger 520. In one embodiment, the impact of air in directions 525 and 526 may occur at a first angle and a second angle, respectively. In one embodiment, the impact of air in the impact directions 525 and/or 526 may cause the dust particles in the air to accumulate on the blades of the fan 530 and on the heat exchanger 520.

In the line graph 650, the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 can be rotated in a fourth direction 565, which can be opposite to the third direction 515. In one embodiment, rotation of the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 in direction 565 causes the air to impinge on the heat exchanger 520 in an impact direction 575. In other embodiments, the pulsating centrifugal fan 530 can rotate in the fourth direction 565 and cause the air inflow 505 to impact the heat exchanger 520 in the direction 576. In one embodiment, the impact of air in directions 575 and 576 can occur at a third angle and a fourth angle, respectively.

In one embodiment, the direction 575 can form an angle theta-1 (Θ1) with the direction 525. In one embodiment, the angle theta-1 may represent an obtuse angle (greater than 90 degrees). In other embodiments, the direction 576 can form an angle theta-2 (Θ2) with the direction 576. In one embodiment, the angle theta-2 (Θ2) may represent an acute angle (less than 90 degrees). In one embodiment, the dust particles accumulated on the heat exchanger 520 may be expelled due to air flow in the impact direction 575 and/or 576.

An embodiment of a computer system 900 including one of the heat sinks is illustrated in Figure 9, which includes a pulsating axial flow or centrifugal fan. In one embodiment, the computer system 900 can include a processor 910, a cooling unit 930, a memory 940, a graphics device 950, a cooling unit 960, a controller hub 970, and an I/O device 980.

In one embodiment, memory 940 can be used to store instructions and data values that can be used by processor 910. In one embodiment, the controller hub 970 can provide an interface between the processor 910 and the memory 940 and between the processor 910 and the I/O devices 980. In one embodiment, a cooling unit can be provided adjacent to an element that may require heat dissipation. In one embodiment, cooling units 930 and 960 may be provided adjacent to the processor 910 and the graphics device 950, respectively, for purposes of illustration.

In one embodiment, the processor 910 can include a single core or a dual core or a multi-core processor. In one embodiment, the processor 910 can represent a heat generating device and the heat generated by the processor 910 can be dissipated by the cooling unit 930. In one embodiment, the cooling unit 930 can include a fan 935 and a heat exchanger HE 938. In one embodiment, the fan 935 can include a pulsating axial flow or a pulsating centrifugal fan that can be rotated in one direction for a substantial amount of time and can be rotated in the opposite direction for a short period of time. In one embodiment, the change of the direction of rotation of the pulsating fan 930 from one direction to the opposite direction may be based on the occurrence of an event, such as the lapse of a preset duration, the degree of heat of the processor 910 exceeding a predetermined level, or The processing load of processor 910 exceeds a predetermined workload value.

In one embodiment, the reversal of the direction of rotation may drive out the dust particles and thus reduce the accumulation of dust particles on the fan 935 and the heat exchanger HE 938 or any other surface adjacent to the cooling unit 930. In one embodiment, such an approach may reduce the chance of problems associated with accumulation of dust particles on the fan 935 and the HE 938 and any other surfaces adjacent to the cooling unit 930.

In one embodiment, the graphics device 950 can include a graphics controller, a display controller, and other units that can process the picture material and that may require a large amount of processing resources. In one embodiment, the graphics device 950 may thus generate heat and may require heat dissipation to protect performance levels. In one embodiment, the cooling unit 960, which may be located adjacent to the graphics unit 950, may dissipate heat generated by the graphics device 950. In one embodiment, the cooling unit 960 can include a fan 965 and a heat exchanger HE 968. In one embodiment, the fan 965 can include a pulsating axial flow or a pulsating centrifugal fan that, when rotated in one direction, can cause the fan 965 and the HE 968 or any other adjacent to the cooling unit Dust accumulation on the surface of 960. In one embodiment, the pulsating fan 965 can be rotated in the reverse direction to drive out the dust particles accumulated on the HE 968. Such a way to maintain heat dissipation and performance levels.

Certain features of the invention have been described in connection with the exemplary embodiments. However, the description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense. It is to be understood that the various modifications of the exemplary embodiments and other embodiments of the present invention are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

105, 106, 155, 156, 506, 576. . . direction

110, 150, 510, 550. . . Heat sink

120, 310. . . Pulsating axial fan

130, 370, 520, 770. . . Heat exchanger

135. . . First direction of rotation

140, 540. . . Dust layer

185. . . Second direction

210, 250, 610, 650. . . Line chart

340, 740. . . Dust accumulation

505. . . Direction, air inflow

515. . . Third direction

525, 526, 575. . . Impact direction

530, 710. . . Pulsating centrifugal fan

565. . . Fourth direction

900. . . computer system

910. . . processor

930, 960. . . Cooling unit

935. . . fan

938, 968. . . Heat exchanger HE

940. . . Memory

950. . . Graphic device

965. . . Pulsating fan

970. . . Controller hub

980. . . I/O device

Θ 1, Θ 2. . . angle

1 illustrates an apparatus 110 and 150 including a pulsating axial flow fan that rotates in a first direction and a second direction, respectively, to reduce dust accumulation on the heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 2 illustrates a line graph 210 and 250 depicting the direction of air flow as the pulsating axial fan rotates in the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

Figure 3 illustrates a picture of the heat sink 110.

Figure 4 depicts a picture of the heat sink 150 including a pulsating axial fan that can be rotated in the first and second directions.

Figure 5 illustrates an apparatus 510 and 550 comprising a pulsating centrifugal fan that rotates in a third and fourth direction, respectively, to reduce dust accumulation on the heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 6 illustrates a line graph 610 and 650 depicting the direction of impact when the pulsating centrifugal fan is rotated in the third and fourth directions, respectively.

Figure 7 depicts a picture of the heat sink 510.

Figure 8 depicts a picture of the heat sink 550 containing a pulsating centrifugal fan that can be rotated in the third and fourth directions.

Figure 9 illustrates a computer system 900 in accordance with an embodiment wherein the pulsating fan assembly is used to reduce dust accumulation on the heat exchanger.

105, 106, 155, 156‧‧ Directions

110, 150‧‧‧ Heat sink

120‧‧‧Pulsating axial flow fan

130‧‧‧ heat exchanger

135‧‧‧First direction of rotation

140‧‧‧dust layer

185‧‧‧ second direction

Claims (13)

A device for reducing dust accumulation on a heat dissipating device, comprising: a pulsating fan, wherein the pulsating fan rotates in a first direction for a first duration and in a second direction for a second duration, and Wherein the pulsating fan is a centrifugal fan and a plurality of surfaces adjacent to the pulsating fan, wherein when the pulsating fan rotates in the second direction, dust particles accumulated on the plurality of surfaces are reduced, wherein The second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation, wherein the plurality of surfaces comprise a heat exchanger and a blade of the pulsating fan, wherein the centrifugal fan rotates in the first direction such that the centrifugal fan is The air flow of the heat exchanger impinges the heat exchanger in a third direction, and the centrifugal fan rotates in the second direction such that the air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger impacts in a fourth direction The heat exchanger, wherein the flow of the air from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger that impacts the heat exchanger in the fourth direction drives out the dust particles. The device of claim 1, wherein the fourth direction forms a first angle with the third direction, wherein the first angle is an acute angle, wherein the heat exchanger is impacted by the first angle The flow of air from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger ejects the dust particles accumulated on the heat exchanger. The device of claim 1, wherein the fourth direction is The third direction forms a second angle, wherein the second angle is an obtuse angle, wherein the air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger that impacts the heat exchanger at the second angle is driven out The dust particles on the heat exchanger. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotating the fan in the second direction is initiated based on an occurrence of an event, wherein the event includes the elapse of the first duration. A method for reducing dust accumulation on a heat dissipating device, comprising the steps of: rotating a pulsating fan in a first direction for a first duration, and rotating in a second direction for a second duration, wherein the pulsating The fan is a centrifugal fan and provides a plurality of surfaces adjacent to the pulsating fan, wherein when the pulsating fan rotates in the second direction, dust particles accumulated on the plurality of surfaces are reduced, wherein the fan The second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation, wherein the plurality of surfaces comprise a heat exchanger and a blade of the pulsating fan, wherein the centrifugal fan rotates in the first direction such that the centrifugal fan is heated to The air flow of the exchanger impacts the heat exchanger in a third direction, and the centrifugal fan rotates in the second direction such that the air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger impacts the heat in a fourth direction An exchanger, wherein the air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger that impacts the heat exchanger in the fourth direction is evicted These dust particles. The method of claim 5, wherein the fourth direction forms a first angle with the third direction, wherein the first angle is an acute angle, wherein the heat exchanger is impacted by the first angle The air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger will drive out the dust particles. The method of claim 5, wherein the fourth direction forms a second angle with the third direction, wherein the second angle is an obtuse angle, wherein the heat exchanger is impacted by the second angle The air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger will drive out the dust particles. The method of claim 5, wherein rotating the centrifugal fan in the second direction is initiated based on an occurrence of an event, wherein the event includes the elapse of the first duration. A system for reducing dust accumulation on a heat dissipating device, comprising: a heat generating device, and a heat dissipating device, wherein the heat dissipating device is provided adjacent to the heat generating device, wherein the heat dissipating device comprises a pulsating fan, wherein The pulsating fan is rotated in a first direction for a first duration and rotated in a second direction for a second duration, and a plurality of surfaces are provided adjacent to the pulsating fan, and wherein the pulsating fan is a centrifugal a fan, wherein when the pulsating fan rotates in the second direction, dust particles accumulated on the plurality of surfaces are reduced, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation, wherein the plurality of surfaces comprise a heat exchanger and the pulsating fan a blade, wherein the centrifugal fan rotates in the first direction such that air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger impinges the heat exchanger in a third direction, and the centrifugal fan rotates in the second direction Causing the air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger to impinge on the heat exchanger in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is impacting the heat exchanger from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger Air flow will drive out the dust particles. The system of claim 9, wherein the heat generating device is a processor. The system of claim 9, wherein the heat generating device is a graphic device. The system of claim 9, wherein the fourth direction forms a first angle with the third direction, wherein the first angle is an acute angle, wherein the heat exchanger is impacted by the first angle The air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger will drive out the dust particles. The system of claim 9, wherein the fourth direction forms a second angle with the third direction, wherein the second angle is an obtuse angle, wherein the heat exchanger is impacted by the second angle The air flow from the centrifugal fan to the heat exchanger will drive out the dust particles.