U.S. patent application number 09/778406 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-08 for cooling system for removing heat from an object.
Invention is credited to Della Fiora, Troy A., Jones, Joseph A., Mundt, Kevin W..
Application Number | 20020105786 09/778406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25113231 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020105786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Della Fiora, Troy A. ; et
al. |
August 8, 2002 |
COOLING SYSTEM FOR REMOVING HEAT FROM AN OBJECT
Abstract
A cooling system for providing rapid and uniform cooling of a
variety of objects. The cooling system utilizes a fan that
cooperates with a heat sink to provide an active heat sink.
Additionally, the arrangement of the heat sink and the fan provide
a relatively uniform and linear airflow over the heat sink to
provide uniform cooling.
Inventors: |
Della Fiora, Troy A.;
(Spring, TX) ; Mundt, Kevin W.; (Spring, TX)
; Jones, Joseph A.; (Conroe, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fletcher, Yoder & Van Someren
P.O. Box 692289
Houston
TX
77269-2289
US
|
Family ID: |
25113231 |
Appl. No.: |
09/778406 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/709 ;
361/688; 361/695 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 23/467 20130101;
H01L 2924/0002 20130101; H01L 2924/0002 20130101; H01L 2924/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/709 ;
361/688; 361/695 |
International
Class: |
H05K 007/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cooling system for removing heat from an object, comprising: a
heat sink having a plurality of heat transfer fins with a recessed
region; a fan cage sized for receipt in the recessed region; and a
housing to which the cage is rotatably mounted, the housing being
disposed at least partially over the heat sink.
2. The cooling system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
motor coupled to the fan cage.
3. The cooling system as recited in claim 1, wherein the fan cage
comprises a plurality of blades, each blade being connected to an
end ring.
4. The cooling system as recited in claim 3, wherein the plurality
of blades are oriented to direct a generally linear airflow through
the plurality of heat transfer fins in a direction generally
parallel with the plurality of heat transfer fins.
5. The cooling system as recited in claim 4, wherein the generally
linear airflow is dispelled through a housing outlet.
6. The cooling system as recited in claim 5, wherein the housing
outlet is disposed generally at an end of the plurality of heat
transfer fins.
7. A cooling system for removing heat from an object, comprising: a
heat sink; and a blower fan having a housing and a fan cage,
wherein the fan cage is disposed intermediate the housing and the
heat sink.
8. The cooling system as recited in claim 7, wherein the heat sink
comprises a plurality of heat transfer projections disposed along
at least a portion of the fan cage.
9. The cooling system as recited in claim 8, wherein the plurality
of heat transfer projections are in the form of heat transfer fins,
the heat transfer fins being disposed to form a plurality of
generally parallel airflow passages.
10. The cooling system as recited in claim 9, wherein the heat
transfer fins define a recessed area having a curvature generally
matching a perimeter curvature of the fan cage.
11. The cooling system as recited in claim 9, wherein the heat sink
is attached to the housing.
12. The cooling system as recited in claim 9, wherein the heat sink
is attached to the housing at a location exposed to the highest
velocity airflow during operation of the blower fan.
13. The cooling system as recited in claim 9, wherein the fan cage
comprises a plurality of blades, each blade being connected to an
end ring.
14. The cooling system as recited in claim 13, wherein the
plurality of blades are oriented to direct an airflow linearly and
generally in parallel with the plurality of generally parallel
airflow passages.
15. The cooling system as recited in claim 14, wherein the
plurality of blades are generally parallel with one another.
16. A cooling system, comprising: a heat sink having a plurality of
heat transfer projections; a blower fan having a housing that
cooperates with the heat sink to deploy a fan cage therebetween;
and a heat generating device disposed adjacent the heat sink.
17. The cooling system as recited in claim 16, wherein the
plurality of heat transfer projections are in the form of heat
transfer fins, the heat transfer fins being disposed to form a
plurality of generally parallel airflow passages.
18. The cooling system as recited in claim 17, wherein the heat
transfer fins define a recessed area having a curvature generally
matching a perimeter curvature of the fan cage.
19. The cooling system as recited in claim 18, wherein the fan cage
comprises a plurality of blades, each blade being connected to an
end ring.
20. The cooling system as recited in claim 19, wherein the
plurality of blades are oriented to direct an airflow linearly and
generally in parallel with the plurality of generally parallel
airflow passages.
21. The cooling system as recited in claim 19, wherein the heat
generating device comprises an integrated circuit.
22. The cooling system as recited in claim 20, wherein the heat
generating device comprises a processor.
23. A cooling system, comprising: an electronic device having a
heat producing component, a heat sink, and a blower fan having a
fan cage and a housing, wherein the heat sink is positioned to help
direct an airflow through an outlet of the housing.
24. The cooling system as recited in claim 23, wherein the heat
sink comprises a plurality of heat transfer projections disposed
along at least a portion of the fan cage.
25. The cooling system as recited in claim 24, wherein the heat
transfer fins define a recessed area having a curvature generally
matching a perimeter curvature of the fan cage.
26. The cooling system as recited in claim 24, wherein the heat
sink is attached to the housing.
27. The cooling system as recited in claim 24, wherein the heat
sink is attached to the housing at a location exposed to the
highest velocity airflow during operation of the blower fan.
28. The cooling system as recited in claim 24, wherein the fan cage
comprises a plurality of blades, each blade being connected between
an end ring and an end plate.
29. The cooling system as recited in claim 28, wherein the
plurality of blades are oriented to direct an airflow linearly and
generally in parallel with the plurality of generally parallel
airflow passages.
30. The cooling system as recited in claim 29, wherein the
electronic device comprises a computer.
31. The cooling system as recited in claim 29, wherein the
electronic device comprises a server.
32. The cooling system as recited in claim 29, wherein the
electronic device comprises a projector.
33. The cooling system as recited in claim 29, wherein the
electronic device comprises a camera.
34. A method for removing heat from an area, comprising: attaching
a heat sink to a blower fan housing such that the heat sink is at
least partially enclosed by the blower fan housing; mounting a fan
cage in the blower fan housing; and orienting the fan cage to
produce a generally linear airflow across the heat sink.
35. The method as recited in claim 34, further comprising rotating
the fan cage to produce the generally linear airflow across the
heat sink.
36. The method as recited in claim 34, further comprising providing
the heat sink with a plurality of heat transfer fins arranged to be
substantially parallel with the generally linear airflow across the
heat sink.
37. The method as recited in claim 36, further comprising a
recessed region in the plurality of heat transfer fins to at least
partially receive the fan cage.
38. The method as recited in claim 36, wherein orienting the fan
cage comprises arranging a plurality of fan blades of the fan cage
in a generally parallel arrangement.
39. The method as recited in claim 34, further comprising attaching
the heat sink to a heat generating device.
40. The method as recited in claim 39, wherein attaching comprises
attaching the heat sink to a processor.
41. The method as recited in claim 36, further comprising attaching
the heat sink to a heat generating device.
42. The method as recited in claim 41, wherein attaching comprises
attaching the heat sink to a processor.
43. The method as recited in claim 35, further comprising drawing
an incoming airflow to the blower fan housing through an inflow
duct.
44. The method as recited in claim 35, further comprising
discharging the generally linear airflow into an outlet duct.
45. The method as recited in claim 43, further comprising
discharging the generally linear airflow into an outlet duct.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to cooling systems
for facilitating the removal of heat from a variety of objects, and
particularly to a technique that utilizes a combined heat sink and
fan.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In a variety of products and applications, it is beneficial
to remove heat from certain objects or areas. For example,
electronic devices, such as computers, servers, cameras,
projectors, etc. often have heat producing components, such as
processors or other microchips that generate heat. To ensure the
desired operation and life of the component or overall device, it
often is necessary or beneficial to cool such components.
[0003] Many types of heat sinks have been used to facilitate the
removal of heat from a given object. Heat sinks often include a
plurality of fins that increase the rate at which heat is
transferred from the object and dissipated to the environment. In
some applications, fans are used to circulate air in the vicinity
of the heat sink to promote a greater rate of heat transfer from
the heat sink to the surrounding environment.
[0004] Additionally, active heat sinks have been employed that
utilize an axial fan dedicated to a specific heat sink. The axial
fan is mounted to the heat sink or proximate the heat sink for
providing a dedicated airflow over the heat sink. In a typical
embodiment, an axial fan is mounted proximate the distal ends of
heat transfer fins and air is directed along the heat transfer fins
towards the base of the heat sink.
[0005] However, whether this particular arrangement or others are
used, existing active heat sinks are subject to a variety of
problems that inhibit desired removal of heat. For example, axial
fans are susceptible to backpressure. When backpressure builds, the
airflow effectively stops. This reduction or stoppage of airflow is
problematic, because increases in the amount of heat removed from
the heat sink is directly related to the velocity of the air flow
induced by the fan. Additionally, axial fans expel air in a
circular or twisting motion due to the rotational movement of fan
blades that extend radially outward from a center axis or hub. This
arrangement leaves a "dead zone" extending axially outward from the
hub, e.g. along the axis, of the fan. The air expelled by the fan
blades moves in the circular or twisting motion around this dead
zone.
[0006] When the fan is positioned adjacent the heat transfer fins
of a heat sink, this dead zone often is disposed generally at the
center of the heat sink which typically is the area of greatest
heat generation. Also, the circulating or twisting air tends to
move laterally against the heat transfer fins. The fins interrupt
or stall the movement of the air creating stagnant air between the
heat transfer fins. Furthermore, the airflow tends to take the path
of least resistance which is outward through the sides of the fins
rather than to the center surface of the heat sink. Whether due to
backpressure, outflow of air, occurrence of the dead zone or
blockage of the circulating airflow by the heat transfer fins,
reduced or stalled airflow across the heat sink base and heat
transfer fins substantially inhibits the removal of heat from a
given object.
[0007] Another problem with certain types of fans, such as axial
fans is the acoustical output, i.e., noise. As the flow capacity
requirements increase, to combat backpressure for example, the
noise output can rise to unacceptable levels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention features a technique that utilizes an
active heat sink which may be combined with a variety of components
or incorporated in a variety of devices. The technique utilizes a
fan, such as a blower fan, in a manner that promotes a high
velocity airflow across a heat sink. In one example, a blower fan
is combined with a heat sink such that the heat sink acts as what
would otherwise be the base of the blower housing. Thus, the heat
sink is positioned generally at the area of highest air velocity in
the blower fan prior to experiencing a reduction in velocity when
the air is expelled from the blower fan housing. This embodiment
and others can be combined with a variety of components, such as
processors or other heat generating devices, that are utilized in
many types of products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will hereafter be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote
like elements, and:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary device utilizing an
active heat sink, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fan mounted to a heat
sink, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of the device illustrated in FIG.
2;
[0013] FIG. 3A illustrates an alternate embodiment of the device in
FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the device illustrated in FIG.
2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
6-6 of FIG. 3; and
[0017] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the device illustrated in
FIG. 2 mounted to an exemplary object for placement in an exemplary
device, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1; and
[0018] FIG. 7A illustrates an alternate embodiment of the device in
FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring generally to FIG. 1, an exemplary device 10 is
illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Device 10 can be any of a variety of devices having a component 12
that requires or benefits from a cooling system 14. An exemplary
component 12 is a heat-generating component, such as a processor or
other "chip" that generate heat and benefit from or require removal
of that heat. However, the heat generating component may be of a
variety of other types that benefit from the removal of heat via
cooling system 14.
[0020] Similarly, device 10 represents a variety of devices that
have components which require or benefit from the removal of heat.
For example, device 10 may comprise an electronic device. Such
electronic devices include computers, servers, projectors, cameras
and a variety of other devices. In the devices listed, integrated
circuits are often used and the resultant heat needs to be removed.
Cooling system 14 promotes the uniform and rapid removal of heat
from such components and devices.
[0021] Referring generally to FIGS. 2, 3, 3A and 4, an exemplary
cooling system 14 is illustrated. In this embodiment, cooling
system 14 comprises a heat sink 20 coupled to a fan 22 able to
output a generally linear airflow, represented by reference numeral
24. An exemplary fan 22 is a blower fan, and fan 22 will be
referred to as a blower fan throughout this description.
Alternative styles of blower fan 22 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and
3A. However, it should be realized that other types of fans able to
output an appropriate linear airflow may be utilized.
[0022] An exemplary heat sink 20 includes a base 26 and a plurality
of projections 28 for dissipating heat from base 26. Generally,
base 26 abuts component 12, e.g. a heat generating component, such
that heat is transferred through base 26 and along projections 28
for greater transfer or dissipation of heat to the surrounding
environment. In the illustrated embodiment, projections 28 comprise
a plurality of heat transfer fins 30 separated by a plurality of
channels 32. Channels 32 may serve as airflow passages that direct
the generally linear airflow 24 along heat transfer fins 30 to
facilitate greater cooling. As discussed above, the higher the
velocity of linear airflow 24 along heat sink 20 the greater the
amount of heat that is removed from heat sink 20. When a relatively
high velocity airflow flows along the substantial surface area
created by heat transfer fins 30 of heat sink 20, large amounts of
heat are rapidly dissipated to the surrounding environment. In the
specific embodiment illustrated, heat sink 20 also includes a pair
of outer walls 34 that generally extend from base 26 to facilitate
the coupling of fan 22 to heat sink 20.
[0023] Blower fan 22 comprises a housing 36 and a fan cage 38 (see
also FIG. 5). Blower fan 22 also includes a motor 40 coupled to fan
cage 38 to rotate fan cage 38 within housing 36, as with
conventional blower fans. (In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
3A, motor 40 is used to rotate a pair of fan cages 38.)
[0024] The exemplary housing 36 includes a main housing portion 42
defining a curved inner surface 44 along which fan cage 38 moves
during rotation. Housing 36 also includes an outlet 46 and an inlet
48. When fan cage 38 is rotated by motor 40, air is drawn in
through inlet 48, accelerated along curved inner surface 44 and
expelled through outlet 46, as best illustrated in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. Effectively, fan cage 38 moves air
towards and through outlet 46 creating a lower pressure area in the
center of the fan cage causing air to move into housing 36 through
inlet 48, as represented by arrow 50. (In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3A, air is drawn in through a pair of opposed
inlets 48 and expelled through outlet 46.)
[0025] Because of the design of fan cage 38 and fan housing 36,
blower fan 22 is not susceptible to stoppage of outflow due to
pressure buildup as described above with respect to axial-style
fans. Additionally, the generally linear airflow 24 is
substantially free of a centralized dead zone, as with axial fans,
thereby allowing a more uniform airflow along heat sink 20, e.g.
through flow passages 32 and along heat transfer fins 30.
Furthermore, the linear flow is oriented generally parallel with
the heat transfer fins 30, avoiding the stoppage that otherwise
occurs when air is circulated into the side of a heat transfer fin.
Also, the maximum velocity of air is along the base surface of the
heat sink, which tends to be the highest source of heat.
[0026] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, an exemplary fan cage 38
comprises a plurality of fan blades 52. Fan blades 52 generally are
arranged parallel with each other in a circular pattern designed
for rotation within and along curved inner surface 44 of housing
36. Thus, as fan cage 38 is rotated, the substantially parallel fan
blades 52 move air along curved inner surface 44 until expelled
through outlet 46. In this embodiment, each fan blade 52 has a
generally curved cross-section 54, as best illustrated in FIG. 6.
It should be noted that the curvature of fan blades 52 can be
changed to, for example, the inverse of the curvature illustrated.
Additionally, fan blades 52 are held in place by an end ring 56 and
an end plate 57. In this embodiment, fan blades 52 extend between
end ring 56 and end plate 57, however, a variety of other mounting
systems may be used, including a central ring from which each fan
blade 52 extends in opposite directions or a pair of end rings.
[0027] Although housing 36 may be disposed for cooperation with
heat sink 20 in a variety of positions and according to a variety
of methods, the figures illustrate one way of taking advantage of
the airflow generated by fan cage 38. As illustrated, the exemplary
housing 36 includes an open base region 58 to permit placement of
housing 36 over heat sink 20 and heat transfer fins 30. In a
conventional blower fan, housing 36 would include a solid base
portion disposed to fill the opening 58 for conducting airflow out
of the housing through an outlet, such as outlet 46. It is along
this base region that the outflowing air experiences its highest
velocities. Once the air is moved through an outlet, such as outlet
46, the velocity slows.
[0028] Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment illustrated uses heat
sink 20 to fill open base region 58. This deployment allows the
heat sink to effectively form the base portion of housing 36 such
that the highest velocity airflow produced by blower fan 22 occurs
across heat sink 20 and, in this embodiment, along heat transfer
fins 30. High velocity airflow across heat transfer fins 30, of
course, permits substantially greater heat removal for a given
capacity fan. Efficient use of the output airflow, permits
selection of a lower capacity/lower power fan than would otherwise
be required for a given application thus also reducing acoustical
output.
[0029] One way of utilizing the high velocity airflow along the
base or bottom of housing 36 (see FIG. 6) is to form a recessed
region 60 in heat sink 20 to accommodate fan cage 38. In one
embodiment, recessed region 60 is formed by forming a cutout
section 62 in each of a plurality of the heat transfer fins 30. The
cutouts 62 may be arcuate to provide the overall recessed region 60
with a curvature generally matching the perimeter curvature of fan
cage 38. However, other forms and shapes may be used to prepare
cutout 62 and recessed region 60.
[0030] By way of example, recessed region 60 may be located such
that heat transfer fins 30 have a greater reach or degree of
extension proximate outlet 46. These raised or extended portions 64
typically extend along fan cage 38 to fill outlet 46, as best
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.
[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, housing 36 may be
designed with engagement features 66 designed to engage outer walls
34 of heat sink 20. Engagement features 66 may be held to outer
walls 34 by a variety of mechanisms, including adhesives, welds,
clips or other methods of fastening. In this manner, fan cage 38 is
disposed intermediate heat sink 20 and housing 36.
[0032] When fan cage 38 is rotated by motor 40, inflowing air 50 is
drawn through inlet 48 and pushed or moved along curved inner
surface 44 by fan blades 52. The air is continually accelerated
along curved inner surface 44 and into contact with heat sink 20
which is a continuation from surface 44. In this example, the air
is moved along air passages 32 through heat transfer fins 30 until
it is expelled through outlet 46, as best illustrated in FIG.
6.
[0033] Although heat transfer fins 30 are disposed within the
maximum velocity area of blower fan 22, other heat sink designs
also can be employed. For example, heat transfer fins 30 can be
designed to extend from outlet 46, be adjacent outlet 46, coupled
to outlet 46 via an enclosed tube, extended along curved inner
surface 44, etc. Additionally, a variety of other heat transfer
projections and elements can be utilized to facilitate the removal
of heat.
[0034] Referring generally to FIG. 7, an exemplary use of cooling
system 14 can be explained. In this embodiment, the cooling system
is connected to a heat generating component (generally referred to
as component 12), such as a processor 70. Processor 70 tends to
produce the greatest heat, i.e., have the highest heat zone, at a
central location 72. Base 26 of heat sink 20 is mounted against an
upper surface 74 of processor 70 such that heat zone 72 and at
least a substantial portion of the upper surface 74 are disposed in
cooperation with base 26. Typically, a lower surface of base 26 is
disposed in abutting engagement with upper surface 74 to facilitate
a high degree of heat transfer from processor 70 to heat sink 20.
For example, a contact surface can be formed across a die, a
portion of the upper surface of processor 70 or across all of the
upper surface of processor 70.
[0035] During operation of processor 70, heat is generated and
conductively transferred to base 26 of heat sink 20. The heat
energy is then transferred from base 26 through heat transfer fins
30 which provide substantial surface area through which the heat
may be dissipated to the surrounding air. By operating blower fan
22, a high velocity airflow is continually moved past the surfaces
of fins 30 and across the surface of base 26 for rapid removal of
heat. Because of the uniform and linear airflow 24 through heat
transfer fins 30, substantial removal of heat occurs throughout the
heat sink and therefore across the extent of the contact surface
between the heat sink 20 and processor 70. In other words, no dead
zone exists in the vicinity of high heat zone 72 of processor 70.
As discussed above, a variety of other heated or heat generating
components can benefit from the rapid and uniform removal of heat
as afforded by cooling system 14.
[0036] As illustrated best in FIG. 7A, airflow can be supplied to
blower 22 from a variety of desired locations via an appropriate
airflow duct 80. Duct 80 allows air to be drawn from a remote
location within a chassis or from a location outside the chassis
housing processor 70.
[0037] Similarly, an outflow duct 82 can be used to direct the
airflow expelled through outlet 46 to a desired location away from
blower 22. The use of one or both air ducts 80, 82 can permit
greater flexibility in the location of blower fan 22 and heat sink
20.
[0038] It will be understood that the foregoing description is of
exemplary embodiments of this invention, and that the invention is
not limited to the specific forms shown. For example, the materials
utilized to construct the heat sink and the blower fan may vary;
the size and design of the cooling system may be adjusted according
to the design and application of components and/or devices in which
the cooling system is utilized; the arrangement of the heat sink
and fan can be adjusted and their relative positions can be
changed; other types of fans able to provide a generally uniform,
linear airflow may be utilized; and the cooling system may be used
in combination with a variety of components and devices. These and
other modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of
the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as
expressed in the appended claims.
* * * * *