U.S. patent application number 17/384536 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-11 for thermal cooling system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Intel Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Intel Corporation. Invention is credited to Eduardo Escamilla, Baomin Liu, James Utz.
Application Number | 20210349509 17/384536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005735724 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210349509 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Utz; James ; et al. |
November 11, 2021 |
THERMAL COOLING SYSTEM
Abstract
Particular embodiments described herein provide for a device
that can include at least one heat source and a vapor chamber,
where the vapor chamber is bigger than the at least one heat source
and a portion of the vapor chamber is in direct contact with the at
least one heat source, where the portion of the vapor chamber in
direct contact with the at least one heat source does not include a
stiffener. In an example, the device can include a first air mover
on a first side of the at least one heat source and a second air
mover on an opposite side of the at least one heat source. Exhaust
from the first air mover can pass through a vented foot and exhaust
from the second air mover can pass through a second vented
foot.
Inventors: |
Utz; James; (Austin, TX)
; Liu; Baomin; (Austin, TX) ; Escamilla;
Eduardo; (Round Rock, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Intel Corporation |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Intel Corporation
Santa Clara
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005735724 |
Appl. No.: |
17/384536 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15957874 |
Apr 19, 2018 |
11073878 |
|
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17384536 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/206 20130101;
H05K 7/20154 20130101; H05K 7/20327 20130101; G06F 1/20 20130101;
G06F 1/203 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/20 20060101
G06F001/20; H05K 7/20 20060101 H05K007/20 |
Claims
1. An electronic device, comprising: a housing that defines an
interior volume of the housing; a processor located within the
interior volume of the housing; an air mover located within the
interior volume of the housing; at least one intake air vent; one
or more feet; and one or more vented feet, wherein each of the one
or more vented feet include an exhaust vent.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the vented
feet has a "U" shape that wraps around the included exhaust
vent.
3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the one or more feet
and the one or more vented feet do not restrict a flow of air into
the at least one intake air vent.
4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the one or more feet
and the one or more vented feet help support the housing on a
surface and allow air to pass between the surface and the
housing.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein an intake air vent
from the at least one intake air vent is located on a portion of
the housing that is over the surface and air that is between the
surface and the housing can be drawn into the intake air vent.
6. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein a bottom intake air
vent from the at least one intake air vent is located on a portion
of the housing that is over the surface and a backside intake air
vent from the at least one intake air vent is located between two
of the one or more vented feet.
7. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the one or more feet
and the one or more vented feet do not restrict a flow of air, from
a front side of the housing that is over the surface, into the at
least one intake air vent.
8. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the one or more feet
and the one or more vented feet do not restrict a flow of air, from
a front side of the housing that is over the surface, into at least
two intake air vents located near the air mover and the one or more
vented feet.
9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein a third intake air
vent is located between the one or more vented feet and the one or
more feet and the one or more vented feet do not restrict a flow of
air into the third intake air vent.
10. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a second
air mover located in the interior volume of the housing; a first
vented foot from the one or more feet, wherein the first vented
foot includes an exhaust vent for the air mover; and a second
vented foot from one or more feet, wherein the second vented foot
includes an exhaust vent for the second air mover.
11. A mobile computer, comprising: a first housing; a second
housing that includes a display; a heat source located in the first
housing; an air mover located in the first housing; one or more
intake air vents to allow air from outside the mobile computer to
be drawn into the air mover; one or more feet that extend from the
first housing; and one or more vented feet that extend from the
first housing, wherein each of the one or more vented feet include
an exhaust vent for the air mover.
12. The mobile computer of claim 11, wherein each of the vented
feet has a "U" shape that wraps around the included exhaust
vent.
13. The mobile computer of claim 11, wherein at least a majority of
warm exhaust air from the exhaust vent located in each of the one
or more vented feet does not enter the one or more intake air
vents.
14. The mobile computer of claim 11, wherein the one or more intake
air vents include a back intake air vent located in a back edge of
the first housing and a bottom intake air vent located in a bottom
portion of the first housing that faces a surface, wherein the one
or more feet and the one or more vented feet do not prevent intake
air from entering the back intake air vent or the bottom intake air
vent.
15. The mobile computer of claim 11, wherein an intake air vent
from the one or more intake air vents is located on a portion of
the first housing that is over a surface and air that is between
the surface and the first housing can be drawn into the intake air
vent.
16. The mobile computer of claim 14, wherein a bottom intake air
vent from the one or more intake air vents is located on a portion
of the first housing that is over the surface and a backside intake
air vent from the one or more intake air vents is between two of
the one or more vented feet.
17. A system, comprising: a vapor chamber to help remove heat from
a heat source inside a housing, wherein the housing is supported on
a surface by one or more feet; a fin array to help remove the heat
collected by the vapor chamber; and an air mover, wherein exhaust
air from the air mover travels through the fin array to help remove
the heat collected by the fin array, wherein warm exhaust air
travels out an exhaust vent located in at least one of the one or
more of the feet to help transfer the heat from the heat source to
an environment outside of the housing.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the at least one of the
one or more feet that includes an exhaust vent has a "U" shape that
wraps around the included exhaust vent.
19. The system of claim 17, further comprising: at least one air
inlet to the air mover, wherein at least a majority of warm exhaust
air from the exhaust vent does not enter the at least one air inlet
to the air mover.
20. The system of claim 19, further comprising: at least one air
inlet to the air mover, wherein the at least one air inlet is
located on a portion of the housing that is over the surface and
air that is between the surface and the housing can be drawn into
the at least one air inlet and the one or more feet do not do not
prevent intake air from entering the at least one air inlet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/957,874, filed on Apr. 19, 2018, and
entitled "THERMAL COOLING SYSTEM," which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates in general to the field of computing
and/or device cooling, and more particularly, to a thermal cooling
system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Emerging trends in systems place increasing performance
demands on the system. The increasing demands can cause thermal
increases in the system. The thermal increases can cause a
reduction in device performance, a reduction in the lifetime of a
device, and delays in data throughput.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] To provide a more complete understanding of the present
disclosure and features and advantages thereof, reference is made
to the following description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals represent
like parts, in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system to enable a
thermal cooling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIGS. 9A-9G are simplified block diagrams of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a
system to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] The FIGURES of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to
scale, as their dimensions can be varied considerably without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example Embodiments
[0016] The following detailed description sets forth examples of
apparatuses, methods, and systems relating to enabling a thermal
cooling system. Features such as structure(s), function(s), and/or
characteristic(s), for example, are described with reference to one
embodiment as a matter of convenience; various embodiments may be
implemented with any suitable one or more of the described
features.
[0017] In the following description, various aspects of the
illustrative implementations will be described using terms commonly
employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of
their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed
herein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects.
For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and
configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the illustrative implementations. However, it will
be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments
disclosed herein may be practiced without the specific details. In
other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the illustrative implementations.
[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof wherein like
numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown, by
way of illustration, embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or
logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense. For the purposes of the
present disclosure, the phrase "A and/or B" means (A), (B), or (A
and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A,
B, and/or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C),
or (A, B, and C).
[0019] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device
configured to enable a thermal cooling system, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, electronic
device 100 can include a first housing 102 and a second housing
104. First housing 102 can include at least one heat source 108, at
least one air mover 110, a vapor chamber 112, at least one intake
air vent 114, at least one exhaust vent 116, and one or more
electronics 118. Second housing 104 can include a display 106.
Electronic device 100 may be in communication with cloud services
120 and/or network element 122 using network 124.
[0020] Heat source 108 may be one or more heat generating devices
(e.g., one or more of any combination of a processor, logic unit,
field programmable gate array (FPGA), chip set, a graphics
processor, graphics card, battery, memory, or some other type of
heat generating device). Air mover 110 can be configured as an air
cooling system to help reduce the temperature of heat source 108.
In an example, air mover 110 can be a fan.
[0021] Electronic device 100 can be configured to allow for a
reduced noise thermal cooling system to support sustained power
level one (PL1) at fifteen watts (15 W) in a thin clamshell chassis
where the base (e.g., first housing 102) is about seven and a half
(7.5) millimeters (mm) thick. The design of electronic device 100
can include a balanced, dual fan layout, with relatively efficient
airflow paths and vents, and a relatively thin vapor chamber that
covers a heat source such as a motherboard area. The heat source
can be thermally connected to the vapor chamber, which can be
located just below a keyboard baseplate. The vapor chamber can
collect heat from the heat source and conduct the heat to fin
stacks. Fans can drive an airflow through the fin stacks and the
air in the airflow can absorb at least some of the heat and exit
the system.
[0022] Electronic device 100 can include a thermal management
engine that can be configured to control the velocity or speed of
air mover 110. Also, electronic device 100 can include a sensor hub
engine that can be configured to collect data or thermal parameters
related to heat source 108 and other components, elements, devices
(e.g., electronics 118) in first housing 102 and communicate the
data to the thermal management engine. The term "thermal
parameters" includes a measurement, range, indicator, etc. of an
element or condition that affects the thermal response, thermal
state, and/or thermal transient characteristics of the heat source
associated with the thermal parameters. The thermal parameters can
include a platform workload intensity, a CPU workload or processing
speed, a data workload of a neighboring device, fan speed, air
temperature (e.g., ambient air temperature, temperature of the air
inside the platform, etc.), power dissipation of the device, or
other indicators that may affect the thermal condition of the
device. Each of electronics 118 can be a device or group of devices
available to assist in the operation or function of first housing
102.
[0023] It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. Substantial flexibility is
provided by electronic device 100 in that any suitable arrangements
and configuration may be provided without departing from the
teachings of the present disclosure.
[0024] As used herein, the term "when" may be used to indicate the
temporal nature of an event. For example, the phrase "event `A`
occurs when event `B` occurs" is to be interpreted to mean that
event A may occur before, during, or after the occurrence of event
B, but is nonetheless associated with the occurrence of event B.
For example, event A occurs when event B occurs if event A occurs
in response to the occurrence of event B or in response to a signal
indicating that event B has occurred, is occurring, or will occur.
Reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in the present
disclosure means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase
"in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment.
[0025] Elements of FIG. 1 may be coupled to one another through one
or more interfaces employing any suitable connections (wired or
wireless), which provide viable pathways for network (e.g., network
124, etc.) communications. Additionally, any one or more of these
elements of FIG. 1 may be combined or removed from the architecture
based on particular configuration needs. Network 124 may include a
configuration capable of transmission control protocol/Internet
protocol (TCP/IP) communications for the transmission or reception
of packets in a network. Electronic device 100 may also operate in
conjunction with a user datagram protocol/IP (UDP/IP) or any other
suitable protocol where appropriate and based on particular
needs.
[0026] For purposes of illustrating certain example techniques of
electronic device 100, the following foundational information may
be viewed as a basis from which the present disclosure may be
properly explained. End users have more media and communications
choices than ever before. A number of prominent technological
trends are currently afoot (e.g., more computing elements, more
online video services, more Internet traffic, more complex
processing, etc.), and these trends are changing the expected
performance of devices as devices and systems are expected to
increase performance and function. However, the increase in
performance and/or function causes an increase in the thermal
challenges of the devices and systems.
[0027] Some conventional thin notebook personal computer (PC)
designs orient the motherboard such that components face the
D-Cover. When coupled with traditional heat pipe cooling solutions,
this creates a hot spot on the D-Cover and is the usual point
defining the limit of the system's thermal performance. In these
designs, key caps tend to be well-below their spec limit of
fourty-four (44) degrees Celsius (C). The current conventional thin
PC designs do not balance the skin temperatures or take full
advantage of the headroom allowed by the key cap specs and as a
result, they do not reach a 15 W U Series thermal design power
(TDP) goal in the thinnest form-factor. To meet the TDP goal, some
current conventional thin PC designs simply increase the air gap to
D-Cover or use faster/louder spinning fans for more airflow, thus
driving up the base thicknesses to 8.5-9.5 mm and acoustic noise to
around 40 dBA. In addition, many of the components on the
motherboard get "left behind" by the heat pipe-based thermal
spreaders and those leftover components require additional air
cooling to manage them. This air cooling then drives air gaps into
the system, adding to the overall thickness of the base.
[0028] A device to help mitigate the thermal challenges of a
system, as outlined in FIG. 1, can resolve these issues (and
others). In an example, an electronic device (e.g., electronic
device 100) can include a motherboard orientation that is
configured to balance the skin temperatures of the first housing
(e.g., base) within its limits, an airflow path of inlet vents and
exhaust vents that can reduce losses and increase efficiency, a
direct inlet vent design, which has been proven to reduce acoustic
noise in testing efforts, and a vapor chamber that collects heat
from one or more heat generating components or heat sources. In an
example, system components can be arranged with the motherboard
located between two fans. The fans can be positioned just inward to
permit both I/O space along the sides of the first housing and to
direct their exhaust to the hinge area of the first housing.
[0029] Using the vapor chamber, heat can be collected from a
plurality of heat sources. A fin array can be soldered to the vapor
chamber and as the fans drive air through the fin array, the heat
from the heat source that was collected by the vapor chamber can be
exhausted from the first housing. In an illustrative example, the
heat being collected and exhausted can be thirty-five (35) percent
(%) more than traditional designs as a result of sinking major
component to the vapor chamber. In addition, fewer air gaps are
required in the design, resulting in a thinner base stack and first
housing.
[0030] A conventional thin vapor chamber design includes a pedestal
for mounting and stiffness. Not having a pedestal requires mounting
holes through the vapor chamber near the SOC position that reduces
the thermal spreading efficiency. Thus, a pedestal is usually
soldered to the vapor chamber surface and adds thickness to the
vapor chamber. An example is the 0.3 mm pedestal that is standard
for a 0.6 mm thick vapor chamber. This results in a 0.3 impact to
the overall system height. With the thickness of the thermal
interface material layer, SOC package and the PCB assumed as 0.1
mm, 1.2 mm, and 0.7 mm, the total stack up in the SOC position
reaches 2.9 mm. Electronic device 100 can be configured with a
vapor chamber that removes the pedestal from the SOC stack, but
maintains stiffening and mounting features. In addition, the SOC
touches off directly on the vapor chamber. This removes the
thickness and thermal conduction impact disadvantage due to the
pedestal of the current solutions. It also allows for the SOC to
contact the vapor chamber directly and saves both system thickness
and allows for better heat dissipation. The target clamping force
for ICL-U SOC is 7 lbf. In an example, vapor chamber 112 can
withstand 15 lbf without the soldered pedestal in the SOC area.
[0031] In addition, some conventional foot designs generate a gap
between a surface that is supporting electronic device 100 and the
D-cover for ambient air intake. The problem with the conventional
design is that it limits the intake airflow from bottom (front) and
top (back), and only allows the ambient air intakes from the left
and right sides. It also reduces the flexibility to add local vents
to manage hot components and hot spots on the D-Cover. The major
disadvantages of the current foot solution are less airflow through
the system and limited intake vent locations which can cause the
system performance to be unnecessarily capped. Electronic device
100 can be configured with a foot design that is less obstructive
to intake vents. In an example, one or more feet can wrap around
the exhaust vents (U-shape). The vented feet can allow flexibility
to add vents wherever needed.
[0032] Turning to the infrastructure of FIG. 1, network 124
represents a series of points or nodes of interconnected
communication paths for receiving and transmitting packets of
information. Network 124 offers a communicative interface between
nodes, and may be configured as any local area network (LAN),
virtual local area network (VLAN), wide area network (WAN),
wireless local area network (WLAN), metropolitan area network
(MAN), Intranet, Extranet, virtual private network (VPN), and any
other appropriate architecture or system that facilitates
communications in a network environment, or any suitable
combination thereof, including wired and/or wireless
communication.
[0033] In network 124, network traffic, which is inclusive of
packets, frames, signals, data, etc., can be sent and received
according to any suitable communication messaging protocols.
Suitable communication messaging protocols can include a
multi-layered scheme such as Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)
model, or any derivations or variants thereof (e.g., Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), user datagram
protocol/IP (UDP/IP)). Messages through the network could be made
in accordance with various network protocols, (e.g., Ethernet,
Infiniband, OmniPath, etc.). Additionally, radio signal
communications over a cellular network may also be provided.
Suitable interfaces and infrastructure may be provided to enable
communication with the cellular network.
[0034] The term "packet" as used herein, refers to a unit of data
that can be routed between a source node and a destination node on
a packet switched network. A packet includes a source network
address and a destination network address. These network addresses
can be Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in a TCP/IP messaging
protocol. The term "data" as used herein, refers to any type of
binary, numeric, voice, video, textual, or script data, or any type
of source or object code, or any other suitable information in any
appropriate format that may be communicated from one point to
another in electronic devices and/or networks. The data may help
determine a status of a network element or network. Additionally,
messages, requests, responses, and queries are forms of network
traffic, and therefore, may comprise packets, frames, signals,
data, etc.
[0035] In an example implementation, electronic device 100, is
meant to encompass a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA),
a laptop or electronic notebook, a cellular telephone, an iPhone,
an IP phone, network elements, network appliances, servers,
routers, switches, gateways, bridges, load balancers, processors,
modules, or any other device, component, element, or object that
includes a heat source. In an example, the first side is opposite
the second side. Electronic device 100 may include any suitable
hardware, software, components, modules, or objects that facilitate
the operations thereof, as well as suitable interfaces for
receiving, transmitting, and/or otherwise communicating data or
information in a network environment. This may be inclusive of
appropriate algorithms and communication protocols that allow for
the effective exchange of data or information. Electronic device
100 may include virtual elements.
[0036] In regards to the internal structure, electronic device 100
can include memory elements for storing information to be used in
the operations outlined herein. Electronic device 100 may keep
information in any suitable memory element (e.g., random access
memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM
(EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM),
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), software,
hardware, firmware, or in any other suitable component, device,
element, or object where appropriate and based on particular needs.
Any of the memory items discussed herein should be construed as
being encompassed within the broad term `memory element.` Moreover,
the information being used, tracked, sent, or received could be
provided in any database, register, queue, table, cache, control
list, or other storage structure, all of which can be referenced at
any suitable timeframe. Any such storage options may also be
included within the broad term `memory element` as used herein.
[0037] In certain example implementations, functions may be
implemented by logic encoded in one or more tangible media (e.g.,
embedded logic provided in an ASIC, digital signal processor (DSP)
instructions, software (potentially inclusive of object code and
source code) to be executed by a processor, or other similar
machine, etc.), which may be inclusive of non-transitory
computer-readable media. In some of these instances, memory
elements can store data used for the operations described herein.
This includes the memory elements being able to store software,
logic, code, or processor instructions that are executed to carry
out the activities described herein.
[0038] In an example implementation, electronic device 100 may
include software modules (e.g., thermal management engine, sensor
hub engine, etc.) to achieve, or to foster, operations as outlined
herein. These modules may be suitably combined in any appropriate
manner, which may be based on particular configuration and/or
provisioning needs. In example embodiments, such operations may be
carried out by hardware, implemented externally to these elements,
or included in some other network device to achieve the intended
functionality. Furthermore, the modules can be implemented as
software, hardware, firmware, or any suitable combination thereof.
These elements may also include software (or reciprocating
software) that can coordinate with other network elements in order
to achieve the operations, as outlined herein.
[0039] Additionally, electronic device 100 may include a processor
that can execute software or an algorithm to perform activities. A
processor can execute any type of instructions associated with the
data to achieve operations. In one example, the processors could
transform an element or an article (e.g., data) from one state or
thing to another state or thing. In another example, activities may
be implemented with fixed logic or programmable logic (e.g.,
software/computer instructions executed by a processor) and the
elements identified herein could be some type of a programmable
processor, programmable digital logic (e.g., a field programmable
gate array (FPGA), an erasable programmable read-only memory
(EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM)) or an ASIC that includes digital logic, software, code,
electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof. Any
of the potential processing elements, modules, and machines
described herein should be construed as being encompassed within
the broad term `processor.`
[0040] Turning to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a
portion of first housing 102. In an example, first housing 102 can
include a keycap 126, a baseplate 128, a first graphite layer 130,
a thermal insulator layer 132, vapor chamber 112, heat source 108,
printed circuit board (PCB) 134, a thermal insulator layer 136, a
second graphite 138, and a D-cover 140. Vapor chamber 112 can be in
direct contact with heat source 108.
[0041] Turning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a
portion of first housing 102 configured to include a thermal
cooling system. In an example, two air movers can be located on
opposite sides of PCB 134. For example, a first air mover 110a may
be on a first side of PCB 134 and a second air mover 110b may be on
the opposite side of PCB 134. Each air mover 110a and 110b can be
coupled to an exhaust vent. For example, air mover 110a can be
coupled to exhaust vent 116a using a fin array 142a and air mover
110b can be coupled to exhaust vent 116b using a fin array 142b. By
locating two air movers on opposite side of PCB and couple each of
the two air movers to an exhaust vent, a relatively efficient
airflow can be realized. In an example, each fin array 142a and
142b can be coupled (e.g., soldered) to vapor chamber 112 (not
shown)
[0042] Turning to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a
portion of first housing 102 configured to include a thermal
cooling system. First housing 102 can include vented feet 144a and
144b and feet 146. Vented feet 144a and 144b and feet 144 can help
support first housing 102 on a surface and allow air to pass under
first housing 102. intake air vent 114 allows air to be drawn into
first housing 102 from intake air vents 114 and flow to air mover
110a and 110b. The air from air mover 110a is exhausted through fin
array 142a and out of exhaust vent 116a located in vented foot 144a
and air from air mover 110b is exhausted through fin array 142b and
out of exhaust vent 116b located in vented foot 144b.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of a
portion of first housing 102 configured to include a thermal
cooling system. As illustrated in FIG. 5, heat from a heat source
can be moved, transmitted, carried, etc. to fin arrays 142a and
142b using vapor chamber 112. Air mover 110a and 110b can cause air
to be moved across or through fin array 142a and 142b and collect
the heat. The collected heat, or hot air, can be exhausted to help
cool first housing 102.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a
portion of first housing 102 configured to include a thermal
cooling system. In an example, vapor chamber 112 can be on heat
source 108. Heat source 108 can be on PCB 134. Vapor chamber 112
can be bigger than heat source 108 and extent past an edge of heat
source 108. A portion of vapor chamber 112 that is not on heat
source 108 can include a support 150. Support 150 can be under
vapor chamber 112 and secured to PCB 134. For example, vapor
chamber 112 can be secured to PCB 134 using securing means 152.
Securing means may be a bolt, screw, rivet, or some other securing
means that extends through PCB 134 and into support 150 to secure
support 150 to PCB 134.
[0045] Turning to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of a
portion of first housing 102 configured to include a thermal
cooling system. In an example, vapor chamber 112 can be coupled to
fin array 142a and to fin array 142b. Heat collected by vapor
chamber 112 can be transferred to fin array 142a and to fin array
142b. The exhaust of air mover 110a and air mover 110b can be
directed across or through a fin array 142a and 142b to remove the
collected heat using exhaust vents 116a and 116b respectively.
[0046] Turning to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of
vapor chamber 112. In an example, vapor chamber 112 can be coupled,
in contact with, or otherwise proximate to fin arrays 142a and
142b. Fin arrays 142a and 142b can each include an array of comb or
fin like protrusions. The comb or fin like protrusions provide an
increased surface contact with the air from air movers 110a and
110b when compared with a flat surface, and thus increases the rate
of heat dissipation. In a specific example, vapor chamber 112 can
be about 0.6 mm in thickness and support 150 can be about 0.3 mm in
thickness. It should be noted that vapor chamber 112 and support
150 can have other thicknesses depending on design choices and the
other thicknesses would be apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0047] Turning to FIGS. 9A-9G, FIGS. 9A-9G are simplified block
diagrams illustrating different examples of a vapor chamber that
may be used in a thermal cooling system. The vapor chamber can have
almost any profile or shape depending on design choices. In
addition, the vapor chamber can include one more more supports and
the supports can have almost any profile or shape depending on
design choices. The design of vapor chamber can help insure the
vapor chamber is in contact with most if not all of a heat source
or heat sources. The one or more supports can be located in areas
where the vapor chamber is not in contact with the heat source or
heat sources and the one or more supports can help provide
stiffening and/or add strength and support to the vapor
chamber.
[0048] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, vapor chamber 112a
can have a rectangular profile and include two supports 150. Each
support 150 may have a rectangular profile. As illustrated in FIG.
9B, vapor chamber 112b can have a square profile and include one
support 150 with a rectangular profile. As illustrated in FIG. 9C,
vapor chamber 112c can have a rectangular profile and include two
supports 150. Each support 150 may have a rectangular profile. As
illustrated in FIG. 9D, vapor chamber 112d can have a rectangular
profile and include two supports 150. Each support 150 may have a
rectangular profile. As illustrated in FIG. 9E, vapor chamber 112e
can have an oval profile and include two supports 150. Each support
150 may have a rectangular profile. As illustrated in FIG. 9f,
vapor chamber 112f can have a square profile and include two
supports 150. Each support 150 may have a trapezoidal profile. As
illustrated in FIG. 9G, vapor chamber 112g can have a circular
profile and include three supports 150. Each support 150 may have a
different profile. It should be noted that vapor chamber 112 can
have other profiles and include one or more supports 150 with each
of the one or more supports have the same profile or one or more
different profiles depending on design choices.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of
vapor chamber 112. Vapor chamber 112 can combine the principles of
thermal conductivity and phase transition to transfer heat between
two solid interfaces such as a heat source and an air mover or a
thin fin array. Vapor chamber 112 can include an outer wall 158
that contains a heat pipe 160 and a liquid 162 in a hermetically
sealed environment. Liquid 162 can be water. Support posts 164 can
help provide structural support to vapor chamber 112.
[0050] In an example, at a hot interface of heat pipe 160 (e.g.,
the area where heat pipe 160 is proximate to the heat source)
liquid 162 turns into a vapor by absorbing heat from heat pipe 160.
The vapor then travels along heat pipe 160 to a cold interface
(e.g., fin array 142) and condenses back into liquid 162 and
releases heat to the cold interface. Liquid 162 then returns to the
hot interface through capillary action, centrifugal force, gravity,
etc. and the cycle repeats.
[0051] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail
with reference to particular arrangements and configurations, these
example configurations and arrangements may be changed
significantly without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. Moreover, certain components may be combined,
separated, eliminated, or added based on particular needs and
implementations. For example, electronic device 100 may include two
or more air movers 110 with each air mover being independently
controlled by thermal management engine or controlled as a unit or
group. Additionally, although electronic device 102 has been
illustrated with reference to particular elements and operations
that facilitate the thermal cooling process, these elements and
operations may be replaced by any suitable architecture, protocols,
and/or processes that achieve the intended functionality disclosed
herein.
[0052] Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations,
alterations, and modifications may be ascertained to one skilled in
the art and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass
all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and
modifications as falling within the scope of the appended claims.
In order to assist the United States Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) and, additionally, any readers of any patent issued on this
application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant
wishes to note that the Applicant: (a) does not intend any of the
appended claims to invoke paragraph six (6) of 35 U.S.C. section
112 as it exists on the date of the filing hereof unless the words
"means for" or "step for" are specifically used in the particular
claims; and (b) does not intend, by any statement in the
specification, to limit this disclosure in any way that is not
otherwise reflected in the appended claims.
OTHER NOTES AND EXAMPLES
[0053] In Example A1, a device can include at least one heat source
and a vapor chamber. The vapor chamber is bigger than the at least
one heat source and a portion of the vapor chamber is in direct
contact with the at least one heat source, where the portion of the
vapor chamber in direct contact with the at least one heat source
does not include a stiffener.
[0054] In Example A2, the subject matter of Example A1 can
optionally include at least one fin array coupled to the vapor
chamber.
[0055] In Example A3, the subject matter of any one of Examples
A1-A2 can optionally include where the at least one fin array is
soldered to the vapor chamber.
[0056] In Example A4, the subject matter of any one of Examples
A1-A3 can optionally include at least one air mover.
[0057] In Example A5, the subject matter of any one of Examples
A1-A4 can optionally include where the air mover directs air
through the fin array.
[0058] In Example A6, the subject matter of any one of Examples
A1-A5 can optionally include a first air mover on a first side of
the at least one heat source and a second air mover on an opposite
side of the at least one heat source.
[0059] In Example A7, the subject matter of any one of Examples
A1-A6 can optionally include a first air mover on a first side of
the at least one heat source, a first fin array soldered to a first
side of the vapor chamber, where exhaust from the first air mover
can pass through the first fin array, a second air mover on an
opposite side of the at least one heat source, and a second fin
array soldered to a second side of the vapor chamber, where exhaust
from the second air mover can pass through the second fin
array.
[0060] In Example A8, the subject matter of any one of Examples
A1-A7 can optionally include a first vented foot, where heated air
from the first fin array passed through the first vented foot and a
second vented foot, where heated air from the second fin array
passed through the second vented foot
[0061] Example M1 is a method including receiving heated air from
at least one heat source at a vapor chamber, where the vapor
chamber is bigger than the at least one heat source and a portion
of the vapor chamber is in direct contact with the at least one
heat source, where the portion of the vapor chamber in direct
contact with the at least one heat source does not include a
stiffener.
[0062] In Example M2, the subject matter of Example M1 can
optionally include where the vapor chamber is coupled to a fin
array.
[0063] In Example M3, the subject matter of any one of the Examples
M1-M2 can optionally include causing an air mover to exhaust air
through the fin array.
[0064] In Example M4, the subject matter of any one of the Examples
M1-M3 can optionally include where a first fin array is located on
a first side of the vapor chamber and a second fin array is located
on a second opposite side of the vapor chamber, the example further
including causing a first air mover on the first side of the vapor
chamber to exhaust air through the first fin array and causing a
second air mover on the second opposite side of the vapor chamber
to exhaust air through the second fin array.
[0065] In Example M5, the subject matter of any one of the Examples
M1-M4 can optionally include causing a first air mover on a first
side of the at least one heat source to exhaust air through a first
fin array soldered to a first side of the vapor chamber and a first
vented foot and causing a second air mover on a second opposite
side of the at least one heat source to exhaust air through a
second fin array soldered to a second side of the vapor chamber and
a second vented foot.
[0066] Example S1 is a system for thermal cooling. The system can
include memory, a at least one processor, and a vapor chamber. The
vapor chamber can be bigger than the at least one heat source and a
portion of the vapor chamber is in direct contact with the at least
one heat source, where the portion of the vapor chamber in direct
contact with the at least one heat source does not include a
stiffener.
[0067] In Example S2, the subject matter of Example S1 can
optionally include at least one fin array coupled to the vapor
chamber.
[0068] In Example S3, the subject matter of any one of the Examples
S1-S2 can optionally include where the at least one fin array is
soldered to at least one end of the vapor chamber.
[0069] In Example S4, the subject matter of any one of the Examples
S1-S3 can optionally include at least one air mover, where the air
mover directs air through the fin array.
[0070] In Example S5, the subject matter of any one of the Examples
S1-S4 can optionally include a first air mover on a first side of
the at least one heat source and a second air mover on an opposite
side of the at least one heat source.
[0071] In Example S6, the subject matter of any one of the Examples
S1-S5 can optionally include a first air mover on a first side of
the at least one heat source, a first fin array soldered to a first
side of the vapor chamber, where exhaust from the first air mover
can pass through the first fin array, a second air mover on an
opposite side of the at least one heat source, and a second fin
array soldered to a second side of the vapor chamber, where exhaust
from the second air mover can pass through the second fin
array.
[0072] In Example S7, the subject matter of any one of the Examples
S1-S6 can optionally include a first vented foot, where heated air
from the first fin array passed through the first vented foot and a
second vented foot, where heated air from the second fin array
passed through the second vented foot.
[0073] Example X1 is a machine-readable storage medium including
machine-readable instructions to implement a method or realize an
apparatus as in any one of the Examples A1-A8, or M1-M5. Example Y1
is an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the Example
methods M1-M5. In Example Y2, the subject matter of Example Y1 can
optionally include the means for performing the method comprising a
processor and a memory. In Example Y3, the subject matter of
Example Y2 can optionally include the memory comprising
machine-readable instructions.
[0074] In Example AA1, an electronic device can include a housing
that defines an interior volume of the housing, a processor located
within the interior volume of the housing, an air mover located
within the interior volume of the housing, at least one intake air
vent, one or more feet, and one or more vented feet, where each of
the one or more vented feet include an exhaust vent.
[0075] In Example AA2, the subject matter of Example AA1 can
optionally include where each of the vented feet has a "U" shape
that wraps around the included exhaust vent.
[0076] In Example AA3, the subject matter of any one of Examples
AA1-AA2 can optionally include where the one or more feet and the
one or more vented feet do not restrict a flow of air into the at
least one intake air vent.
[0077] In Example AA4, the subject matter of any one of Examples
AA1-AA3 can optionally include where the one or more feet and the
one or more vented feet help support the housing on a surface and
allow air to pass between the surface and the housing.
[0078] In Example AAS, the subject matter of any one of Examples
AA1-AA4 can optionally include where an intake air vent from the at
least one intake air vent is located on a portion of the housing
that is over the surface and air that is between the surface and
the housing can be drawn into the intake air vent.
[0079] In Example AA6, the subject matter of any one of Examples
AA1-AA5 can optionally include where a bottom intake air vent from
the at least one intake air vent is located on a portion of the
housing that is over the surface and a backside intake air vent
from the at least one intake air vent is located between two of the
one or more vented feet.
[0080] In Example AA7, the subject matter of any one of Examples
AA1-AA6 can optionally include where the one or more feet and the
one or more vented feet do not restrict a flow of air, from a front
side of the housing that is over the surface, into the at least one
intake air vent.
[0081] In Example AA8, the subject matter of any one of Examples
AA1-AA7 can optionally include where the one or more feet and the
one or more vented feet do not restrict a flow of air, from a front
side of the housing that is over the surface, into at least two
intake air vents located near the air mover and the one or more
vented feet.
[0082] In Example AA9, the subject matter of any one of Examples
AA1-AA8 can optionally include where a third intake air vent is
located between the one or more vented feet and the one or more
feet and the one or more vented feet do not restrict a flow of air
into the third intake air vent
[0083] In Example AA10, the subject matter of any one of Examples
AA1-AA9 can optionally include a second air mover located in the
interior volume of the housing, a first vented foot from the one or
more feet, where the first vented foot includes an exhaust vent for
the air mover, and a second vented foot from one or more feet,
where the second vented foot includes an exhaust vent for the
second air mover
[0084] Example AAA1 is a mobile computer including a first housing,
a second housing that includes a display, a heat source located in
the first housing, an air mover located in the first housing, one
or more intake air vents to allow air from outside the mobile
computer to be drawn into the air mover, one or more feet that
extend from the first housing, and one or more vented feet that
extend from the first housing, where each of the one or more vented
feet include an exhaust vent for the air mover.
[0085] In Example AAA2, the subject matter of Example AAA can
optionally include where each of the vented feet has a "U" shape
that wraps around the included exhaust vent.
[0086] In Example AAA3, the subject matter of any one of the
Examples AAA1-AAA2 can optionally include where at least a majority
of warm exhaust air from the exhaust vent located in each of the
one or more vented feet does not enter the one or more intake air
vents.
[0087] In Example AAA4, the subject matter of any one of the
Examples AAA1-AAA3 can optionally include where the one or more
intake air vents include a back intake air vent located in a back
edge of the first housing and a bottom intake air vent located in a
bottom portion of the first housing that faces a surface, where the
one or more feet and the one or more vented feet do not prevent
intake air from entering the back intake air vent or the bottom
intake air vent.
[0088] In Example AAA5, the subject matter of any one of the
Examples AAA1-AAA4 can optionally include where an intake air vent
from the one or more intake air vents is located on a portion of
the first housing that is over a surface and air that is between
the surface and the first housing can be drawn into the intake air
vent.
[0089] In Example AAA6, the subject matter of any one of the
Examples AAA1-AAA5 can optionally include where a bottom intake air
vent from the one or more intake air vents is located on a portion
of the first housing that is over the surface and a backside intake
air vent from the one or more intake air vents is between two of
the one or more vented feet.
[0090] Example SS1 is a system including a vapor chamber to help
remove heat from a heat source inside a housing, where the housing
is supported on a surface by one or more feet, a fin array to help
remove the heat collected by the vapor chamber, and an air mover,
where exhaust air from the air mover travels through the fin array
to help remove the heat collected by the fin array, where warm
exhaust air travels out an exhaust vent located in at least one of
the one or more of the feet to help transfer the heat from the heat
source to an environment outside of the housing.
[0091] In Example SS2, the subject matter of Example SS1 can
optionally include at where each of the at least one of the one or
more feet that includes an exhaust vent has a "U" shape that wraps
around the included exhaust vent.
[0092] In Example SS3, the subject matter of any one of the
Examples SS1-SS2 can optionally include at least one air inlet to
the air mover, where at least a majority of warm exhaust air from
the exhaust vent does not enter the at least one air inlet to the
air mover.
[0093] In Example SS4, the subject matter of any one of the
Examples SS1-SS3 can optionally include at least one air inlet to
the air mover, where the at least one air inlet is located on a
portion of the housing that is over the surface and air that is
between the surface and the housing can be drawn into the at least
one air inlet and the one or more feet do not do not prevent intake
air from entering the at least one air inlet.
* * * * *