U.S. patent application number 16/931027 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-20 for variable height fan.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dell Products, LP. The applicant listed for this patent is Dell Products, LP. Invention is credited to Qinghong He, Ken Nicholas, Jay M. Zill.
Application Number | 20220022342 16/931027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004975574 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220022342 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
He; Qinghong ; et
al. |
January 20, 2022 |
VARIABLE HEIGHT FAN
Abstract
An information handling system may include a processor, a
memory, and a power source; a base chassis including an outer cover
surface; a variable height fan including: a main shaft including a
cavity formed centrally within the main shaft; a first set of fan
blades operatively coupled to the main shaft; a slide shaft placed
within the cavity of the main shaft where the slide shaft is
operatively coupled to the main shaft to rotate with the main
shaft; a second set of fan blades operatively coupled to the slide
shaft; a biasing member to bias the slide shaft to extend out of
the main shaft; and a contact point prominence as a rotational
point interface with the slide shaft operatively coupled to the
outer cover surface.
Inventors: |
He; Qinghong; (Austin,
TX) ; Zill; Jay M.; (Round Rock, TX) ;
Nicholas; Ken; (Leander, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dell Products, LP |
Round Rock |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dell Products, LP
Round Rock
TX
|
Family ID: |
1000004975574 |
Appl. No.: |
16/931027 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20172
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/20 20060101
H05K007/20 |
Claims
1. An information handling system, comprising: a processor, a
memory, and a power source; a base chassis including an outer cover
surface; a variable height fan including: a main shaft including a
cavity formed centrally within the main shaft; a first set of fan
blades operatively coupled to the main shaft; a slide shaft placed
within the cavity of the main shaft where the slide shaft is
operatively coupled to the main shaft to rotate with the main
shaft; a second set of fan blades operatively coupled to the slide
shaft; a biasing member to bias the slide shaft to extend out of
the main shaft; and a contact point prominence as a rotational
point interface with the slide shaft operatively coupled to the
outer cover surface.
2. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the second
set of fan blades are placed to fit between the first set of fan
blades.
3. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the contact
point prominence interfaces mechanically with the slide shaft to
cause the slide shaft to slide into the cavity when an outer cover
is deformed.
4. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the second
set of fan blades are slidably coupled to the first set of fan
blades.
5. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the slide
shaft further comprises a spline that mates with a groove formed
within the cavity formed in the main shaft.
6. The information handling system of claim 1, further comprising:
a first set of magnets; a set of electromagnets coupled to a
non-rotating printed circuit board of the variable height fan to
magnetically drive the first set of magnets; and a fan module
controlling activation of the electromagnets to drive the first set
of blades.
7. The information handling system of claim 1, further comprising a
bearing mechanically coupled to a housing of the variable height
fan wherein the bearing allows the main shaft to rotate within a
bearing cavity formed therein.
8. A variable height fan for use as a blower in an information
handling system, comprising: a housing to house the fan; a printed
circuit board (PCB) mechanically coupled to the housing; a power
source electrically coupled to the PCB; and an electromagnet
electrically coupled to the PCB and power source; a bearing
mechanically coupled to the housing, the bearing including a first
cavity formed therein; and a main shaft placed within the first
cavity, the main shaft including a second cavity formed centrally
within the main shaft; a first set of fan blades mechanically
coupled to the main shaft, the first set of fan blades comprising a
set of magnets to magnetically couple with and driven by the
electromagnet; a slide shaft coupled within the second cavity of
the main shaft; a second set of fan blades that are mechanically
coupled to the slide shaft, where each blade of the second set of
fan blades are mechanically and slidably coupled to one of the fan
blades of the first set of fan blades, and a spring to bias the
slide shaft to extend outwardly from the second cavity of the main
shaft.
9. The variable height fan of claim 8, further comprising a contact
point prominence that interfaces mechanically with the slide shaft
to allow the slide shaft to rotate and slide within the second
cavity.
10. The variable height fan of claim 8, wherein the slide shaft
further comprises a spline that mates with a groove formed within
the second cavity formed in the main shaft.
11. The variable height fan of claim 8, further comprising: an air
intake vent to receive air into the variable height fan; and an
outlet air blower aperture.
12. The variable height fan of claim 8, wherein the bearing is
press fit into a hole defined in the housing.
13. The variable height fan of claim 8, wherein the housing
comprises a top fan chassis and a bottom fan chassis mechanically
and slidably coupled to the top fan chassis to allow the bottom fan
chassis to move with the second set of fan blades as a force is
applied to the bottom fan chassis.
14. The variable height fan of claim 8, wherein the distance
between the second set of fan blades and the housing is between 0.4
mm and 0.6 mm.
15. An information handling system, comprising: a processor, a
memory, and a power source housed in a D-cover of a base chassis; a
keyboard chassis configured to have a keyboard mounted thereon and
a C-cover configured to house the keyboard chassis in the base
chassis; a fan chassis mechanically coupled to the keyboard
chassis; a central bearing coupled to the fan chassis, the central
bearing supporting: a printed circuit board and an electromagnet
physically and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board to
drive the rotation of a variable height fan; the variable height
fan comprising: a main shaft including a cavity formed centrally
within the main shaft; a first set of fan blades mechanically
coupled to the main shaft; a slide shaft slidingly coupled within
the cavity of the main shaft; a second set of fan blades
mechanically coupled to the slide shaft; a biasing member to bias
the slide shaft to extend outwardly from the cavity of the main
shaft; and the D-cover configured to house the fan chassis within
the base chassis, the D-cover comprising an exhaust vent to allow
air flowing through the variable height fan to exit the base
chassis.
16. The information handling system of claim 15, further comprising
a contact point prominence formed in the fan chassis to interface
with the D-cover and the slide shaft to selectively compress the
height of the variable height fan when force is applied to the
number of vents of the D-cover while allowing rotation of the slide
shaft.
17. The information handling system of claim 15, wherein the second
set of fan blades are placed to fit between the first set of fan
blades.
18. The information handling system of claim 15, wherein the second
set of fan blades are slidably coupled to the first set of fan
blades to limit rotational separation or vertical separation of the
first set of fan blades relative to the second set of fan
blades.
19. The information handling system of claim 15, wherein the slide
shaft further comprises a spline that mates with a groove formed
within the cavity formed in the main shaft.
20. The information handling system of claim 15, wherein the
distance between the second set of fan blades and the fan chassis
is between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a thermal
control system for an information handling system. The present
disclosure more specifically relates to a variable height fan used,
in some examples, in an information handling system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option available to clients is information
handling systems. An information handling system generally
processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or
data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing
clients to take advantage of the value of the information. Because
technology and information handling may vary between different
clients or applications, information handling systems may also vary
regarding what information is handled, how the information is
handled, how much information is processed, stored, or
communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may
be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in
information handling systems allow for information handling systems
to be general or configured for a specific client or specific use,
such as e-commerce, financial transaction processing, airline
reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In
addition, information handling systems may include a variety of
hardware and software components that may be configured to process,
store, and communicate information and may include one or more
computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. The
information handling system may include telecommunication, network
communication, and video communication capabilities. Several
components of an information handling system may generate heat
which may require cooling systems to mitigate. Further, the
information handling system may include a fan used to cool the
components within the information handling system such as a
processing device and power systems, among others.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements illustrated in the Figures are not
necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some
elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments
incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and
described with respect to the drawings herein, in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information
handling system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a graphical illustration of a side, cut-out view
of a variable height fan according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a graphical illustration of a side, cut-out view
of a variable height fan according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of a side, cut-out view
of a variable height fan according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 5A is a graphical perspective view of a fan blade of a
first set of fan blades relative to a fan blade of a second set of
fan blades according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 5B is a graphical side, cut-out view of an interface
between a first set of fan blades relative to a fan blade of a
second set of fan blades according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective, graphical, cut-out view of a
variable height fan according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective graphical view of a first set of fan
blades relative to a second set of fan blades according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a graphical illustration side, cut-out view of an
information handling system including a variable height fan
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of
manufacturing an information handling system according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings
may indicate similar or identical items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The following description in combination with the Figures is
provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein.
The description is focused on specific implementations and
embodiments of the teachings, and is provided to assist in
describing the teachings. This focus should not be interpreted as a
limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings.
[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an
information handling system that includes a processor and a memory
along with a variable height fan used as part of a thermal
regulation system to cool the processor and other components of the
information handling system. The variable height fan may be a
blower fan system with one or more air inlets and one or more air
outlet apertures to direct airflow inside an information handling
system chassis to move airflow within the chassis in some example
embodiments. The variable height fan may include a fan housing in
some embodiments that may be of any form to direct inlet and outlet
airflow as desired within an information handling system chassis
and to work with any number of cooling system structures and
systems. In some embodiments, any portion of the D-cover, C-cover,
keyboard chassis support, or other part of the information handling
system chassis my support the variable height fan and serve as a
fan housing in whole or in part in embodiments herein v
[0017] The variable height fan may include a main shaft including a
cavity formed centrally within the main shaft; a first set of fan
blades mechanically coupled to the main shaft; a slide shaft placed
within the cavity of the main shaft; the slide shaft being
mechanically coupled to the main shaft to rotate with the main
shaft; a second set of fan blades mechanically coupled to the slide
shaft; and a biasing member to bias the slide shaft to extend out
of the main shaft. In some embodiments, the second set of fan
blades are placed to fit between the first set of fan blades such
that every other fan blade of the variable height fan forms a blade
of the same set of fan blades. In some embodiments, the second set
of fan blades are slidably coupled to the first set of fan blades.
In order to cause the first set of fan blades to rotate with the
second set of fan blades, in an embodiment, the slide shaft may
further include a spline that mates with a groove formed within the
cavity formed in the main shaft.
[0018] In some embodiments, the variable height fan may include a
contact point that interfaces mechanically with the slide shaft to
allow the slide shaft to slide into the cavity. The contact point
may convert force applied against a D-cover adjacent to the
variable height fan to the translation of the first set of fan
blades relative to the second set of fan blades such that the
height of the fan blades is selectively reduced.
[0019] The arrangements of the variable height fan described herein
allows for a maximum height of fan placed within the information
handling system even when the overall thickness of the information
handling system (e.g., thickness of a keyboard chassis) is being
reduced such as by pressing down on a chassis based housing for
example. Such forces on the base chassis may to reduce the overall
thickness of the information handling system. As the thickness of
the information handling system is being reduced, the space within
the information handling system used to house the fan is also
reduced. In some example embodiments, the thickness of the fan
itself is thus reduced to fit within the smaller areas created when
the base chassis is subjected to compression forces in the
information handling systems.
[0020] Previous systems required a narrower fan to accommodate flex
of the base chassis due to compressive forces. This may reduce the
ability of the fan to cool the elements within the information
handling system such as the processor. The thickness of the fan is
further reduced relative to the thickness of the information
handling system in order to provide for a fan gap between the
blades of the fan and a D-cover used to house the fan and other
components of the information handling system. This fan gap may be
as wide as 1 mm to 2 mm which reduces the height of the fan so that
the fan is to be kept away from the D-cover. The fan is kept away
from the D-cover so as to avoid damage to the fan if and when the
D-cover is deflected into the fan and the fan blades. Because the
thickness of the information handling system may be as small as 15
mm to 25 mm (or wider) with a fan height of between 4.5 mm to 8 mm,
a reduction in height of 1 mm to 2 mm to accommodate a fan gap may
be a significant reduction in usable space within the information
handling system. Accordingly, the translatable second set of fan
blades that can be translated towards or away from the first set of
fan blades, according to embodiments of the present disclosure,
reduces or eliminates the fan gap. As a result, the thickness of
the information handling system may be reduced without sacrificing
fan height or fan performance in embodiments herein.
[0021] In addition to providing better use of space within the
information handling system, the variable height fan described
herein may increase the amount of cooling provided to the
components of the information handling system relative to a static,
reduced height fan. In an embodiment, the use of a first set of
blades and a second set of blades may maximize the amount of air
passed through the variable height fan and the information handling
system. This may increase the ability of the variable height fan to
cool the components of the information handling system while also
decreasing the height of the variable height fan as the chassis is
subject to various external forces.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an information handling system 100
similar to information handling systems according to several
aspects of the present disclosure. In the embodiments described
herein, an information handling system includes any instrumentality
or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify,
process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store,
display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or use any
form of information, intelligence, or data for business,
scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example,
an information handling system 100 can be a personal computer,
mobile device (e.g., personal digital assistant (PDA) or smart
phone), server (e.g., blade server or rack server), a consumer
electronic device, a network server or storage device, a network
router, switch, or bridge, wireless router, or other network
communication device, a network connected device (cellular
telephone, tablet device, etc.), IoT computing device, wearable
computing device, a set-top box (STB), a mobile information
handling system, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop
computer, a communications device, an access point (AP), a base
station transceiver, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a
control system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a
printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, or
any other suitable machine capable of executing a set of
instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be
taken by that machine, and can vary in size, shape, performance,
price, and functionality.
[0023] In a specific embodiment, the information handling system
100 is described herein as being a notebook-type, laptop computing
device. These types of information handling systems 100 may include
a series of chassis (e.g., a metal chassis) used to encase the
components of the information handling system 100. For example, the
chassis may include an A-cover functioning to enclose a portion of
the information handling system 100. In this embodiment, the
chassis may further include a B-cover functioning to enclose a
video or digital display device. Here, the A-cover and the B-cover
may be joined together in an embodiment to form a fully enclosed
display chassis of the laptop-type information handling system 100.
In this embodiment, the chassis may further include a C-cover
housing a keyboard, touchpad, and any cover in which these
components are set. The chassis may also include a D cover base
housing for the laptop-type information handling system 100. In
some embodiments, the C-cover and D-cover may operate to enclose or
house a second display screen or support a large foldable display
screen with the display having a second display screen or support a
large foldable display screen with the display housing A-cover and
B-cover. These systems may be a dual-screen or foldable screen
laptop-type information handling system 100 in some embodiments.
The C cover and the D cover may be joined together to form a fully
enclosed base chassis. The chassis in some embodiments described
herein may be coupled together via a hinge operably connecting the
display chassis (e.g., the A-cover and D-cover assembly) with the
base chassis (e.g., C-cover and the D-cover assembly) so as to
place the base chassis of the laptop-type information handling
system 100 in a plurality of configurations with respect to the
digital display enclosed within the display chassis.
[0024] Because of the transportability of these laptop-type
information handling systems 100, the weight and certain dimensions
of these information handling systems 100 are to be reduced to make
handling easier by the user. The weight of size of the information
handling system 100 may be reduced by making the display chassis
and, more specifically, the base chassis thinner. The base chassis
may be a location within the information handling system 100 where
the fan is placed. However, by making the base chassis thinner, the
ability of a fan to cool and maintain temperatures within the base
chassis is reduced due to the reduced size of the fan that can be
placed within the thinner base chassis. Indeed, the height of the
fan may be further reduced so that movement of the C-cover or
D-cover into the fan does not cause the interior surface of the
C-cover or D-cover to mechanically interface with the blades of the
fan causing damage. The space between the fan and the C-cover or
D-cover, often called the air gap, may be sufficient such that
bending of the D-cover into the interior of the base chassis at the
location of the fan does not cause the interior of the D-cover to
come in contact with the blades of the fan. This air gap further
reduces the size of the fan that can be used, thereby reducing the
ability of the fan to maintain appropriate temperatures within the
base chassis of the information handling system 100. Thus, a
variable height fan 128 is utilized to fill the height of the base
chassis and adjust its height with the flexing or bending of the
C-cover or D-cover of the base chassis.
[0025] In a networked deployment, the information handling system
100 may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client computer
in a server-client network environment, or as a peer computer
system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. In a
particular embodiment, the information handling system 100 can be
implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video or
data communication. For example, an information handling system 100
may be any mobile or other computing device capable of executing a
set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions
to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single information
handling system 100 is illustrated, the term "system" shall also be
taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that
individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of
instructions to perform one or more computer functions.
[0026] The information handling system can include memory (volatile
(e.g. random-access memory, etc.), nonvolatile (read-only memory,
flash memory etc.) or any combination thereof), one or more
processing resources, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a
graphics processing unit (GPU), hardware or software control logic,
or any combination thereof. Additional components of the
information handling system 100 can include one or more storage
devices, one or more communications ports for communicating with
external devices, as well as, various input and output (I/O)
devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a video/graphic display, or
any combination thereof. The information handling system 100 can
also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications
between the various hardware components. Portions of an information
handling system 100 may themselves be considered information
handling systems 100.
[0027] Information handling system 100 can include devices or
modules that embody one or more of the devices or execute
instructions for the one or more systems and modules described
herein, and operates to perform one or more of the methods
described herein. The information handling system 100 may execute
code instructions 124 that may operate on servers or systems,
remote data centers, or on-box in individual client information
handling systems according to various embodiments herein. In some
embodiments, it is understood any or all portions of code
instructions 124 may operate on a plurality of information handling
systems 100.
[0028] The information handling system 100 may include a processor
102 such as a central processing unit (CPU), control logic or some
combination of the same. Any of the processing resources may
operate to execute code that is either firmware or software code.
Moreover, the information handling system 100 can include memory
such as main memory 104, static memory 106, computer readable
medium 122 storing instructions 124 associated with the main memory
104, static memory 106 and processor 102, and drive unit 116
(volatile (e.g. random-access memory, etc.), nonvolatile (read-only
memory, flash memory etc.) or any combination thereof). The
information handling system 100 can also include one or more buses
108 operable to transmit communications between the various
hardware components such as any combination of various input and
output (I/O) devices.
[0029] The information handling system 100 may further include a
video display 110. The video display 110 in an embodiment may
function as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light
emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, or a solid-state
display. Additionally, the information handling system 100 may
include an input device 112, such as a cursor control device (e.g.,
mouse 116, touchpad, or gesture or touch screen input, and a
keyboard 114). The information handling system 100 can also include
a disk drive unit 116.
[0030] The network interface device 120 may provide connectivity to
a network 128, e.g., a wide area network (WAN), a local area
network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless
personal area network (WPAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN),
or other networks. Connectivity may be via wired or wireless
connection. The network interface device 120 may operate in
accordance with any wireless data communication standards. To
communicate with a wireless local area network, standards including
IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards, IEEE 802.15 WPAN standards, WWAN such
as 3GPP or 3GPP2, or similar wireless standards may be used. In
some aspects of the present disclosure, one wireless adapter 120
may operate two or more wireless links. The network interface
device 120 may connect to any combination of macro-cellular
wireless connections including 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 4G, 5G or the like
from one or more service providers. Utilization of radiofrequency
communication bands according to several example embodiments of the
present disclosure may include bands used with the WLAN standards
and WWAN standards, which may operate in both licensed and
unlicensed spectrums.
[0031] In some embodiments, software, firmware, dedicated hardware
implementations such as application specific integrated circuits,
programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can be
constructed to implement one or more of some systems and methods
described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and
systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of
electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described
herein may implement functions using two or more specific
interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and
data signals that can be communicated between and through the
modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated
circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software,
firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0032] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by
firmware or software programs executable by a controller or a
processor system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited embodiment,
implementations can include distributed processing,
component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.
Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be
constructed to implement one or more of the methods or
functionalities as described herein.
[0033] The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable
medium that includes instructions, parameters, and profiles 124 or
receives and executes instructions, parameters, and profiles 124
responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to a
network 128 can communicate voice, video or data over the network
128. Further, the instructions 124 may be transmitted or received
over the network 128 via the network interface device or wireless
adapter 120.
[0034] The information handling system 100 can include a set of
instructions 124 that can be executed to cause the computer system
to perform any one or more of the methods or computer-based
functions disclosed herein. For example, instructions 124 may
execute a fan module 140, software agents, or other aspects or
components. Various software modules comprising application
instructions 124 may be coordinated by an operating system (OS),
and/or via an application programming interface (API). An example
operating system may include Windows.RTM., Android.RTM., and other
OS types. Example APIs may include Win 32, Core Java API, or
Android APIs.
[0035] The disk drive unit 116 may include a computer-readable
medium 122 in which one or more sets of instructions 124 such as
software can be embedded. Similarly, main memory 104 and static
memory 106 may also contain a computer-readable medium for storage
of one or more sets of instructions, parameters, or profiles 124
including an estimated training duration table. The disk drive unit
116 and static memory 106 may also contain space for data storage.
Further, the instructions 124 may embody one or more of the methods
or logic as described herein. For example, instructions relating to
the fan module 140 software algorithms, processes, and/or methods
may be stored here. In a particular embodiment, the instructions,
parameters, and profiles 124 may reside completely, or at least
partially, within the main memory 104, the static memory 106,
and/or within the disk drive 116 during execution by the processor
102 of information handling system 100. As explained, some or all
of the fan module 140 may be executed locally or remotely. The main
memory 104 and the processor 102 also may include computer-readable
media.
[0036] Main memory 104 may contain computer-readable medium (not
shown), such as RAM in an example embodiment. An example of main
memory 104 includes random access memory (RAM) such as static RAM
(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM), or the like,
read only memory (ROM), another type of memory, or a combination
thereof. Static memory 106 may contain computer-readable medium
(not shown), such as NOR or NAND flash memory in some example
embodiments. The fan module 140 may be stored in static memory 106,
or the drive unit 116 on a computer-readable medium 122 such as a
flash memory or magnetic disk in an example embodiment. While the
computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, the term
"computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple
media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or
associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of
instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" shall also
include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or
carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that
cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods
or operations disclosed herein.
[0037] In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the
computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a
memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile
read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a
random-access memory or other volatile re-writable memory.
Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a
magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other
storage device to store information received via carrier wave
signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium.
Furthermore, a computer readable medium can store information
received from distributed network resources such as from a
cloud-based environment. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or
other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be
considered a distribution medium that is equivalent to a tangible
storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to
include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a
distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in
which data or instructions may be stored.
[0038] The information handling system 100 may further include a
power management unit (PMU) 152. The PMU 152 may manage the power
provided to the components of the information handling system 100
such as the processor 102, the fan module 140, the variable height
fan 128, and the video display 110. In an embodiment, the PMU 152
may be electrically coupled to a printed circuit board associated
with the variable height fan 128 to provide power to, for example,
an electromagnet or other driving mechanism for the variable height
fan 128. The PMU 152 may also be coupled to the bus 108 of the
information handling system 100 to provide power to the various
components of the information handling system 100 described herein.
In an embodiment, the amount of power provided to the variable
height fan 128 to operate may be sufficient to rotate the first set
of fan blades 132 and second set of fan blades 136 as described
herein. The PMU 152 may include regulating power from a power
source such as a battery 154 and A/C power 156. In an embodiment,
the battery 154 may be charged via the A/C power source 156 and
provide power the to the components of the information handling
system 100 when A/C power 156 is removed.
[0039] As described, the information handling system 100 may
include a fan module 140 that may be operably connected to the bus
108. The fan module 140 may include a controller or other
processing logic and may be coupled to the PMU 152 for drawing
power to the variable height fan 128. The computer readable medium
122 associated with the fan module 140 may also contain space for
data storage. The fan module 140 may, according to the present
description, perform tasks related to operating the variable height
fan 128. In some embodiments, the fan module 140 may, upon
execution of the processor 102, cause signals to be sent to the
variable height fan 128 to operate the fan during when certain
circumstances are met. By way of example, the fan module 140 may
cause the variable height fan 128 and specifically the main shaft
130 and slide shaft 134 to turn when the processor 102 has received
a signal descriptive of a high temperature within the information
handling system 100. The temperature may be detected via, for
example, a temperature sensor (not shown) within the information
handling system 100. In another embodiment, the fan module 140 may
send the signals to the variable height fan 128 to operate based on
a threshold number of processes being executed by the processor
102. Because the variable height fan 128 is meant to cool down
certain elements within the information handling system 100 and
specifically the processor 102, the number of processes executed by
the processor 102 may be indicative of an anticipated rise in
temperature within the information handling system 100. Other
methods may be implemented by the processor 102 and fan module 140
that cause the fan module 140 to direct the operation of the
variable height fan 128 and the present specification contemplates
the use of these other methods.
[0040] In an embodiment, the variable height fan 128 may be
associated with other cooling devices that may be included within
the information handling system 100. In an embodiment the
information handling system 100 may include additional cooling
systems such as heat pipes, heat sinks, vapor chambers, liquid
cooling systems, and similar temperature regulation systems. In the
example where heat sinks, heat pipes, and vapor chambers are used,
the variable height fan 128 may be used to pass air into the base
chassis housing these additional cooling devices to pass an airflow
over the heat pipes, heat sinks, and vapor chambers to direct heat
away from the components of the information handling system 100 and
out of the base chassis. Heated air may also leave the information
handling system chassis via exhaust vents situated on the sides,
back, C-cover, D-cover, or anywhere in the chassis or system
housing.
[0041] In an embodiment, the fan module 140 may communicate with
one or more fan devices, the main memory 104, the processor 102,
the video display 110, the alpha-numeric input device 112, and the
network interface device 120 via bus 108, and several forms of
communication may be used, including ACPI, SMBus, a 24 MHZ
BFSK-coded transmission channel, or shared memory. Driver software,
firmware, controllers and the like may communicate with
applications on the information handling system 100.
[0042] In other embodiments, dedicated hardware implementations
such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays and other hardware devices can be constructed to
implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications
that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments
can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems.
One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions
using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or
devices with related control and data signals that can be
communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an
application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present
system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware
implementations.
[0043] The information handling system 100 further includes the
variable height fan 128 operatively coupled to the fan module 140
as described herein. The variable height fan 128 is formed to be
capable of dynamically changing its thickness as a force is placed
against a C-cover or D-cover of the information handling system 100
that is formed below or above the variable height fan 128. When the
force is applied to the C-cover or D-cover of the information
handling system 100, the C-cover or D-cover may be deformed such
that the C-cover or D-cover interacts with the variable height fan
128. In an embodiment, the variable height fan 128 may be mounted
over a D-cover intake vent. In another embodiment, the variable
height fan 128 may be mounted below a C-cover intake vent. In
either embodiment, the variable height fan 128 may intake air
through the D-cover intake vent or C-cover intake vent, pass air
throughout the information handling system 100, and out of a heat
exhaust vent.
[0044] In order to prevent the deformation of the D-cover from
contacting the first set of blades 132 of the main shaft 130 and
second set of fan blades 136 of the slide shaft 134, the variable
height fan 128 is made to be collapsible. That is, the variable
height fan 128 may include the slide shaft 134 with its second set
of fan blades 136 that, when force from the deflection of the
C-cover or D-cover towards the slide shaft 134 causes the second
set of fan blades 136 to be moved into the first set of blades 132
mechanically coupled to the main shaft 130. In an embodiment, the
second set of fan blades 136 of the slide shaft 134 may be
mechanically coupled to the first set of blades 132 of the main
shaft 130 such that movement of the second set of fan blades 136
along the first set of blades 132 does not prevent the variable
height fan 128 from operating. In another embodiment, the
individual blades of the second set of fan blades 136 mechanically
coupled to the slide shaft 134 may pass between individual blades
of the first set of blades 132 mechanically coupled to the main
shaft 130. In this embodiment, the orientation of the slide shaft
134 relative to the main shaft 130 may be set such that the
individual blades of the second set of fan blades 136 do not
interfere with the movement of the first set of blades 132
vertically when increasing or decreasing the height of the variable
height fan 128.
[0045] In any embodiment, the movement of the second set of fan
blades 136 relative to the first set of blades 132 may be conducted
whether the variable height fan 128 is operating (e.g., turning) or
not. Because the main shaft 130 is, in an embodiment, magnetically
coupled to an electromagnet, the main shaft 130 may be maintained
at a specific location relative to that electromagnet. The slide
shaft 134 may be mechanically coupled to the main shaft 130 such
that as the main shaft 130 rotates, the slide shaft 134 also
rotates. The mechanically coupling of the slide shaft 134 to the
main shaft 130 may be such that rotation of the slide shaft 134
relative to the main shaft 130 causes the second set of fan blades
136 to rotate concurrently with the first set of fan blades
132.
[0046] The information handling system 100 may also include a
biasing member 138 formed between a top portion of the slide shaft
134 and an interior portion of the main shaft 130. The biasing
member 138 may cause the slide shaft 134 to be biased away from the
main shaft 130 such that the overall thickness of the first set of
blades 132 and second set of fan blades 136 is maximized. As
described herein, the biasing force produced by the biasing member
138 is overcome as the portion of the D-cover is deflected into the
variable height fan 128. Again, the deflection of the D-cover into
the variable height fan 128 causes the movement of the slide shaft
134 and second set of fan blades 136 upwards instead of the D-cover
contacting the slide shaft 134 or second set of fan blades 136.
This prevents damage to the second set of fan blades 136 and the
variable height fan 128 generally as will become apparent in this
specification. In a specific embodiment, the biasing member 138 may
be eliminated and the slide shaft may extend the height of the
variable height fan due to gravity pulling the slide shaft and
second set of fan blades 136 down. In this embodiment, the slide
shaft may be set lower in the variable height fan 128 than the
first set of fan blades 136. In another embodiment, the variable
height fan 128 may be mounted under a C-cover. In this embodiment,
the C-cover may include a C-cover inlet vent that may, similar to
the D-cover inlet vent described herein, may be deflected into the
variable height fan 128. In this embodiment, the biasing force
produced by the biasing member 138 is overcome as the portion of
the C-cover is deflected into the variable height fan 128. Again,
the deflection of the C-cover into the variable height fan 128
causes the movement of the slide shaft 134 and second set of fan
blades 136 downwards instead of the C-cover contacting the slide
shaft 134 or second set of fan blades 136. This prevents damage to
the second set of fan blades 136 and the variable height fan 128
generally as will become apparent in this specification.
[0047] When referred to as a "system", a "device," a "module," a
"controller," or the like, the embodiments described herein can be
configured as hardware. For example, a portion of an information
handling system device may be hardware such as, for example, an
integrated circuit (such as an Application Specific Integrated
Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a
structured ASIC, or a device embedded on a larger chip), a card
(such as a Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card, a PCI-express
card, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
(PCMCIA) card, or other such expansion card), or a system (such as
a motherboard, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or a stand-alone device).
The system, device, controller, or module can include software,
including firmware embedded at a device, such as an Intel.RTM. Core
class processor, ARM.RTM. brand processors, Qualcomm.RTM.
Snapdragon processors, or other processors and chipsets, or other
such device, or software capable of operating a relevant
environment of the information handling system. The system, device,
controller, or module can also include a combination of the
foregoing examples of hardware or software. In an embodiment an
information handling system 100 may include an integrated circuit
or a board-level product having portions thereof that can also be
any combination of hardware and software. Devices, modules,
resources, controllers, or programs that are in communication with
one another need not be in continuous communication with each
other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices,
modules, resources, controllers, or programs that are in
communication with one another can communicate directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a graphical illustration of a side, cut-out view
of a variable height fan 228 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. The variable height fan 228 may be placed
within any information handling system or any other system that may
be cooled by the operation of the variable height fan 228. The
present specification describes the use of the variable height fan
228 within a laptop-type information handling system as described
herein. In this embodiment, the variable height fan 228 may include
a top fan chassis 202 and a bottom fan chassis 212 to house the
variable height fan 228 within a chassis of the laptop-type
information handling system.
[0049] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the bottom fan chassis
212 may slidably couple to the top fan chassis 202 such that the
bottom fan chassis 212 may move relative to the top fan chassis 202
allowing a dynamic change in height. The bottom fan chassis 212 may
move relative to the top fan chassis 202 when, for example, a force
is applied to the bottom fan chassis 212 when the D-cover 220 (or,
alternatively, a C-cover 220), depending on the orientation of the
variable height fan 228 in the information handling system, is
deformed into the variable height fan 228. In a specific
embodiment, the bottom fan chassis 212 may be coupled to a portion
of the D-cover 220 (or, alternatively, a C-cover 220) of the
information handling system with the top fan chassis 202 being
mechanically coupled to an interior portion of the base chassis of
the information handling system or to the C-cover as described
herein. In the embodiments described herein, the "bottom" of the
variable height fan 228 may be closest to the D-cover 220. As such,
the D-cover 220 may serve as an air inlet for air to enter the
variable height fan 228. In these embodiments, the D-cover 220 may
include holes or slats (not shown) formed as one inlet vent into a
D-cover inlet vent that allow the air to pass through the D-cover
inlet vent, into the variable height fan 228 and throughout the
information handling system. The base chassis may have other vents
placed elsewhere such as at the sides or back of the base chassis.
Because the D-cover 220 at the D-cover inlet vent is structurally
weak, the D-cover 220 may be relatively more deformable at the
D-cover inlet vent in some aspects. When a force is applied to the
D-cover inlet vent either purposefully or accidentally, the D-cover
may be prevented from damaging the variable height fan 228 as a
result of the dual sets of fan blades and the arrangement of the
main shaft 230 and slide shaft 234 as described herein.
[0050] In another embodiment, the D-cover shown in FIG. 2 may be a
C-cover 220 of the information handling system. In this embodiment,
the C-cover 220 may include holes or slats (not shown) formed as
one inlet vent into a C-cover inlet vent that allow the air to pass
through the C-cover inlet vent, into the variable height fan 228
and throughout the information handling system. The base chassis
may have other vents placed elsewhere such as at the sides or back
of the base chassis. Because the C-cover 220 at the C-cover inlet
vent is structurally weak, the C-cover 220 may be relatively more
deformable at the C-cover inlet vent in some aspects. When a force
is applied to the C-cover inlet vent either purposefully or
accidentally, the C-cover may be prevented from damaging the
variable height fan 228 as a result of the dual sets of fan blades
and the arrangement of the main shaft 230 and slide shaft 234 as
described herein.
[0051] The variable height fan 228 may include a bearing 210 placed
at about a central location on a surface of the top fan chassis
202. In a specific embodiment, the bearing 210 is a sleeve bearing
that is a precisely fit bearing and shaft assembly including a
lubricant such as silicone grease or other known lubricant to allow
for rotation while minimizing friction. This may also be referred
to as a bushing bearing or fluid bearing. In other embodiments, the
bearing 210 may include a set of ball bearings or incorporate a
ball bearing used to allow the main shaft 230 to rotate therein.
Other types of bearings may be used including roller bearings among
others. In an embodiment, the bearing 210 may be fixedly coupled to
other structural devices within the information handling system
such as the C-cover. In a specific embodiment, the bearing 210 may
be press fit into a hole defined in the top fan chassis 202 such
that the press fitting process prevents the bearing 210 from moving
or rotating relative to the top fan chassis 202. The bearing 210
may be part of the mechanical structure provided within the
variable height fan 228 during the operation of the variable height
fan 228. In an embodiment, the bearing 210 may be used as the
structural support for a printed circuit board (PCB) 204 used to
control the operation of the variable height fan 228. In a specific
embodiment, the PCB 204 may include circuitry that electrically
couples a processor of the variable height fan 228 with an
electromagnet 206 structurally supported by the bearing 210 and the
PCB 204. As described herein, a processor executing a fan module
may be used to control the operation of the variable height fan 228
based on, for example, detected temperatures within the information
handling system or processes executed by the processor. Upon the
receipt of signals from the processor, the circuitry of the PCB 204
may be used to selectively activate the electromagnet 206 so that
the permanent magnet or magnets 208 mechanically coupled to the
first set of fan blades 232 may be turned. Specifically, as power
is passed through the electromagnet 206, a magnetic field is
created that interacts with a magnetic field of the permanent
magnet 208 mechanically coupled to the first set of fan blades 232.
In these embodiments, the activation of the electromagnet 206 may
be sequential such that different sets of electromagnets 206
mechanically coupled to the PCB 204 and bearing 210 are "fired"
sequentially so that the permanent magnets 208 and the first set of
fan blades 232 are rotated about the bearing shaft 210 and
electromagnet 206.
[0052] The bearing 210 may be operatively coupled to the first set
of fan blades 232 via the main shaft 230. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 2, main shaft 230 is rotatably coupled to the bearing 210
via, for example a ball bearing or other slidable mechanical
coupling that allows the main shaft 230 to rotate relative to the
bearing shaft 210. For example, the main shaft 230 may be inserted
into a receiver chamber or cavity of the bearing 210 as depicted
and allowing fan rotation. In an embodiment, the activation of the
electromagnet 206 may cause the main shaft 230, first set of fan
blades 232, and permanent magnets 208 to remain magnetically
coupled to the electromagnet 206 and bearing shaft 210. In a
specific embodiment, all electromagnets 206 placed around the
bearing 210 may be activated so that, although the first set of fan
blades 232 are not to be rotating, the vertical placement of the
main shaft 230, first set of fan blades 232, and permanent magnets
208 is maintained. In this embodiment, when the main shaft 230 and
first set of fan blades 232 are to be rotating, the electromagnets
206 may be made to fire sequentially as described in order to both
rotate the first set of fan blades 232 and maintain the vertical
placement of the first set of fan blades 232 and main shaft 230 in
an example embodiment.
[0053] In an embodiment, the main shaft 230 may be mechanically
coupled to a slide shaft 234. In an embodiment, the main shaft 230
includes a receiving cavity formed along a central axis of the main
shaft 230 to place the slide shaft 234 or a length of the slide
shaft 234 therein. In other embodiments, the reverse may be
utilized with the main shaft 230 coupled inside a receiving cavity
formed in the slide shaft 234. In a specific embodiment, the slide
shaft 234 may be coupled to the main shaft 230 via use of a spline
216 and a corresponding groove or notch on the main shaft 230. The
spline 216 may be any type of mating feature that mates with an
interior surface of the main shaft 230 such that the slide shaft
234 rotates along with the main shaft 230 in other embodiments. In
this embodiment, the spline 216 may mechanically interface with a
notch or a groove formed within or along the main shaft 230 such
that, as the main shaft 230 rotates, the slide shaft 234
concurrently rotates as well. The concurrent rotation of the slide
shaft 234 with the main shaft 230 causes the rotation of the first
set of fan blades 232 with the second set of fan blades 236 about
the bearing shaft 210. With the inclusion of the spline 216, the
slide shaft 234 may be prevented from slidably disengaging from the
main shaft 230 in an embodiment.
[0054] The variable height fan 228 may also include a biasing
member 238 placed between the main shaft 230 and slide shaft 234.
In an embodiment, the biasing member 238 is a spring. In an
embodiment, the biasing member 238 is a ribbon spring. In an
embodiment, the biasing member 238 is compressible gas that is
maintained between the interior of the main shaft 230 and the slide
shaft 234. In an embodiment, the biasing member 238 may be part of
a hydraulic system that selectively biases the slide shaft 234
downward from the main shaft 230. The biasing member 238 biases the
slide shaft 234 away from the main shaft 230 in the downward
direction 218 as indicated by the arrow. As the biasing member 238
biases the slide shaft 234 downward from the main shaft 230, the
height of the variable height fan 228 is increased to a maximum
height. In an embodiment, with the placement of the spline 216, the
slide shaft 234 may also be prevented from exiting entirely the
receiving cavity formed in the main shaft 230 that the slide shaft
234 is placed within.
[0055] In an embodiment, the variable height fan 228 includes a
contact point prominence 214 or other rotation interface. The
contact point prominence 214 may form part of the bottom fan
chassis 212 or the D-cover 220 as described herein. The contact
point prominence 214 may mechanically interface with the slide
shaft 234 such that any force against the bottom fan chassis 212 or
D-cover 220 causes a pointed or protruding surface on the contact
point prominence 214 to press against the slide shaft 234 causing
the slide shaft 234 to pass further into the cavity formed in the
main shaft 230 as shown in FIG. 2. Without that force against the
contact point prominence 214, the biasing member 238 causes the
slide shaft 234 to extend out of that cavity formed in the main
shaft 230 to a maximized height. The contact point prominence 214
may be a metal, plastic, or other material rod or spike that is
shaped into an extension that rotationally interfaces with the
slide shaft 234 which also vertically engages the slide shaft 234.
In some embodiments, a notch or rounded groove may be present in
the slide shaft 234 to ensure a contact point fit in yet other
embodiments, the contact point prominence structure may be of any
shape to support the slide shaft 234 and also permit its
rotation.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a graphical illustration of a side, cut-out view
of a variable height fan 328 according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure. The variable height fan 328 may be similar and
include similar elements as that variable height fan 228 described
in connection with FIG. 2. Specifically, the variable height fan
328 may include a top fan chassis 302 that is slidably coupled to a
bottom fan chassis 312. Top fan chassis and bottom fan chassis 312
may move with respect to one another to accommodate the variable
height operation of the variable height fan of various embodiments
herein. The variable height fan 328 may also include a bearing 310
that is mechanically coupled to a PCB 304, and an electromagnet
306. In a specific embodiment, the bearing 310 is a sleeve bearing
that is a precisely fit bearing and shaft assembly including a
lubricant such as silicone grease or other known lubricant to allow
for rotation of the main shaft 330 while minimizing friction. In
other embodiments, the bearing 310 may include a set of ball
bearings, roller bearings, or other type of bearing to allow the
main shaft 330 to rotate therein. The variable height fan 328 also
includes the main shaft 330 placed within a cavity formed in the
bearing 310 that is, in an embodiment, mechanically coupled to the
bearing 310 via, for example, a bearing system. In a separate
embodiment, the main shaft 330 is magnetically coupled to the
bearing 310 via the magnetic interaction between the permanent
magnets 308 placed on the first set of fan blades 332 mechanically
coupled to the main shaft 330 and the electromagnet 306
mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCB 304 and bearing
310.
[0057] In FIG. 3, the contact point prominence 314 has abutted the
slide shaft 334 such that the force applied to the contact point
prominence 314 is transferred to the slide shaft 334 so that the
slide shaft 334 moves further into the cavity formed in the main
shaft 330. Force applied on the contact point prominence 314 may be
from force being applied to a D-cover 320 (or, alternatively, a
C-cover 320) of the information handling system such as in
direction arrow 340.
[0058] In another embodiment, the variable height fan 328 may be
mounted under a C-cover. In this embodiment, the C-cover may
include a C-cover inlet vent that may, similar to the D-cover inlet
vent described herein, may be deflected into the variable height
fan 328. In this embodiment, the biasing force produced by the
biasing member 338 is overcome as the portion of the C-cover is
deflected into the variable height fan 328. Again, the deflection
of the C-cover into the variable height fan 328 causes the movement
of the slide shaft 334 and second set of fan blades 336 downwards
instead of the C-cover contacting the slide shaft 334 or second set
of fan blades 336. This prevents damage to the second set of fan
blades 336 and the variable height fan 328 generally as will become
apparent in this specification.
[0059] As described herein, the contact point prominence 314 may
form part of a bottom fan chassis 312 or, in an alternative
embodiment, part of the D-cover 320 (or, alternatively, a C-cover
320) of a laptop-type information handling system. In the
embodiments described herein, the contact point prominence 314 may
form part of a D-cover inlet vent that is placed below or above the
variable height fan 328. When the D-cover or C-cover near the
variable height fan 328 is deformed in a compressive direction 340
and into the chassis of the variable height fan 328 as shown in
FIG. 3, the contact point prominence 314 may mechanically abut the
slide shaft 334 placed within the main shaft 330 as described
herein. When this occurs, the bias against the slide shaft 334
produced by the biasing member 338 may be overcome and the slide
shaft 334 may be moved vertically into the cavity formed in the
main shaft 330. Although the spline 316 prevents the slide shaft
334 from rotating faster or slower than the main shaft 330, the
spline 316 does not prevent vertical movement of the slide shaft
334 relative to the main shaft 330 until a maximum or minimum
height is realized in some embodiments.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows the variable height fan 328 in a compressed
state having a smaller fan height than as shown in FIG. 2. As the
slide shaft 334 moves further up into the cavity formed in the main
shaft 330, the second set of fan blades 336 coupled to the slide
shaft 334 may intertwine, interlace, or otherwise move into the
first set of fan blades 332 mechanically coupled to the main shaft
330. In one specific embodiment, each fan blade of the second set
of fan blades 336 maybe slidably and mechanically coupled to a
corresponding fan blade among the first set of fan blades 332. In
this embodiment, this may be done by including a sliding hook on
each of the first set of fan blades 332 to interface with the
blades of the second set of fan blades 336 to link rotation of the
first set of fan blades 332 to the second set of fan blades 336. In
an alternative embodiment, each of the blades of the first set of
fan blades 332 may be placed such that each blade of the second set
of fan blades 336 may pass between them taking advantage of the
negative space between the blades of the first set of fan blades
332. In either of these embodiments, the height of the variable
height fan 328 is reduced as the D-cover or C-cover pushes the
slide shaft 334 up into the cavity formed in the main shaft 330.
When the force against the D-cover or C-cover is eliminated, the
biasing member 338 is allowed to bias the slide shaft 334 out of
the cavity formed in the main shaft 330 thereby increasing the
height of the variable height fan 328.
[0061] As described herein, the distance between the bottom of the
second set of fan blades 336 and the interior surface of the
D-cover 320 (or, alternatively, a C-cover 320) may be a small as
0.5 mm thereby allowing for a greater amount of space within the
chassis of the variable height fan 328 that in other types of fans.
In some examples, other types of fan must include an air gap that
reserves as much as 2 mm of distance below the fan in order to
provide space for the deformation of the D-cover (or,
alternatively, a C-cover 320) into the fan chassis. This air gap
must be present in order to prevent the D-cover from touching and
damaging the fan. Because of the additional height achieved via
implementation of the variable height fan 328 described herein, the
fan may be larger or the space within the base chassis of the
information handling system may be reduced. Still further, the
amount of airflow through the variable height fan 328 may meet or
exceed the amount of airflow achievable by these other types of
fans while still allowing for the operation of the fan when the
D-cover 320 (or, alternatively, a C-cover 320) is deflected as
described herein.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of a side, cut-out view
of a variable height fan 428 according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure. Again, the variable height fan 428 may be
similar and include similar elements as that variable height fan
228, 328 described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3. Specifically,
the variable height fan 428 may include a top fan chassis 402 that
is slidably coupled to a bottom fan chassis 412. The variable
height fan 428 may also include a bearing 410 that is mechanically
coupled to a PCB 404, and an electromagnet 406. In a specific
embodiment, the bearing 410 is a sleeve bearing with lubricant used
to allow the main shaft 430 to rotate with limited friction
therein. Other types of bearings may be used including ball
bearings or roller bearings among others. The variable height fan
428 also includes the main shaft 430 placed within a cavity formed
in the bearing 410 that is, in an embodiment, mechanically coupled
to the bearing 410 via, for example, a bearing system. In a
separate embodiment, the main shaft 430 is magnetically coupled to
the bearing 410 via the magnetic interaction between the permanent
magnets 408 placed on the first set of fan blades 432 mechanically
coupled to the main shaft 430 and the electromagnet 406
mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCB 404 and bearing
410.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where the slide shaft 434 is not
mechanically coupled directly to the main shaft 430 via using the
spline as described herein. In the other embodiments described
herein, the slide shaft 434 includes a spline that interfaces with
mating features formed on the interior surface of the cavity formed
in the main shaft 430. However, other mechanical features may
prevent the slide shaft 434 from completely exiting the cavity
formed in the main shaft 430 and used to house the sliding slide
shaft 434 such as the bottom fan cover 412 or the D-cover 420 (or,
alternatively, a C-cover 420) disposed below or above the slide
shaft 434 and contact point prominence 414.
[0064] The contact point prominence 414 is shown to be abutting the
slide shaft 434 in FIG. 4 such that the force applied to the
contact point prominence 414 is transferred to the slide shaft 434
so that the slide shaft 434 moves further into the cavity formed in
the main shaft 430. Force applied on the contact point prominence
414 may be from force being applied to a D-cover 420 (or,
alternatively, a C-cover 420) of the information handling
system.
[0065] In another embodiment, the variable height fan 428 may be
mounted under a C-cover. In this embodiment, the C-cover may
include a C-cover inlet vent that may, similar to the D-cover inlet
vent described herein, may be deflected into the variable height
fan 428. In this embodiment, as a portion of the C-cover is
deflected into the variable height fan 428, such deflection of
causes the movement of the slide shaft 434 and second set of fan
blades 436 downwards instead of the C-cover contacting the slide
shaft 434 or second set of fan blades 436. This prevents damage to
the second set of fan blades 436 and the variable height fan 428
generally.
[0066] In various embodiments herein, the variable height fan 428
may be in any orientation in an information handling system chassis
depending on the form factor of the information handling system.
Thus, although alignment over a D-cover or under a C-cover for a
blower fan system with a variable height fan is described in
embodiments herein, it is contemplated that the variable height fan
may be used in any orientation for a blower fan subject to external
compressive forces, such as in a vehicle or other location, to
allow for blower fan air movement within a chassis with optimized
fan blade height.
[0067] In an embodiment, the contact point prominence 414 may
prevent the slide shaft 434 form exiting the main shaft 430. In
this embodiment, height of the contact point prominence 414 may be
set so that the maximum height of the variable height fan 428 is
achieved while also preventing the complete removal of the slide
shaft 434 from the cavity formed in the main shaft 430 by operative
coupling to the D-cover 420 (or, alternatively, a C-cover 420)
which limits height expansion of the variable height fan 428.
[0068] In other embodiments, the second set of fan blades 436 and
first set of fan blades 432 of the slide shaft 434 and main shaft
430, respectively, may include securing features that prevent the
total vertical separation of second set of fan blades 436 from the
first set of fan blades 432. In an embodiment, each blade of the
second set of fan blades 436 may be slidably coupled to one of the
blades of the first set of fan blades 432. When the fan height is
at its maximum, the height of each of the blades is extended with
this coupling. In one example embodiment, a top edge of each of the
second set of fan blades 436 may include a stop lip that abuts with
a corresponding stop lip formed on a bottom lip of each of the
blades of the first set of fan blades 432 limiting the extension
for the first set of fan blades 432 relative to the second set of
fan blades 436. This prevents the separate of each of the first set
of fan blades 432 from corresponding blades of the second set of
fan blades 436 thereby preventing the removal of the slide shaft
434 from the main shaft 430. FIGS. 5A and 5B shows this specific
arrangement where each of the blades of the first set of fan blades
432 abuts a corresponding blade of the second set of fan blades 436
with embodiments to limit the vertical or rotational movement
between the first set of fan blades 432 and the second set of fan
blades 436 in some embodiments.
[0069] FIG. 5A is a graphical perspective view of a first fan blade
533 of a first set of fan blades relative to a second fan blade 537
of a second set of fan blades according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a graphical side, cut-out view of an
interface between the first fan blade 533 of the first set of fan
blades relative to the second fan blade 537 of the second set of
fan blades according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5A shows a edge lip 505 formed at an outer or distal end of
the first fan blade 533. The edge lip 505 may be used to
operatively and mechanically couple the first fan blade 533 and
second fan blade 537 with the second fan blade 537 extending
vertically past the first fan blade 533 a distance. Any structural
extension of either first fan blade 533 or second fan blade 537 may
be used to engage the other to limit rotational separation while
allowing vertical sliding with respect to one another. For example,
a finger, spline, groove, or other structure may be used. Further,
in some embodiments only one set of first fan blade 533 and second
fan blade 537 need be limited with respect to each other for
rotational separation, but more than one fan blade may be used. In
an alternative example embodiment, the reverse orientation may also
be used with the edge lip 505 being formed on the distal end of the
second fan blade 537 to mechanically couple the first fan blade 533
to the second fan blade 537. In these embodiments, the operative
surface, the surfaces of the blades 533 and 537 that push air, may
be dynamically extended and retracted based on whether the slide
shaft moves out of or into the cavity formed within the main shaft,
respectively, as described herein. The embodiments of FIG. 5A,
however, provides for limits on relative rotational movement of the
first fan blade 533 to the second fan blade 537 but may permit
vertical movement in some example embodiments.
[0070] Turning now to FIG. 5B, the first fan blade 533 and second
fan blade 537 are shown to be mechanically interfacing with each
other according to another example embodiment. As described, a
bottom edge of the first fan blade 533 may include a first lip 555.
During deployment, a second lip 550 formed on the top edged of the
second fan blade 537 may interface with the first lip 555 to
prevent the vertical separation of the second fan blade 537 from
the first fan blade 533 beyond a maximum height expansion amount
and, accordingly, the removal of the slide shaft from the cavity
formed in the main shaft as described herein. Again, other limiting
structures may be used including a notch, rail, raised plateau, or
other structural feature that may limit vertical movement of the
first fan blade 533 with respect to the second fan blade 537 or
vice-versa.
[0071] FIGS. 5A and 5B show example embodiments of a first set of
fan blades relative to another set of fan blades. However, the
embodiment shown and described in these figures is meant merely as
an example arrangement. In an embodiment, the first fan blade 533
and second fan blade 537 of the first set of fan blades and second
set of fan blades, respectively, may not make contact with each
other. In this embodiment, the second set of fan blades that are
mechanically coupled to the slide shaft may be spaced among the
first set of fan blades that are mechanically coupled to the main
shaft such that the two sets of fan blades are interspersed among
each other. Because, in an embodiment where the slide shaft and
main shaft are linked rotationally, the speed of rotation of the
slide shaft is fixed to the speed of rotation of the main shaft,
the first set of fan blades and the second set of fan blades may
not make contact. In this embodiment, the additional set of fan
blades in the second set of fan blades may provide additional
airflow within the variable height fan increasing the efficiency of
the variable height fan to expel heat from the information handling
system. This may increase the operational efficiency of the
information handling system as well as reduce wear and tear of the
variable height fan.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a perspective, graphical, cut-out view of a
variable height fan 600 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In an embodiment, the variable height fan 628 may be
mounted over a D-cover intake vent. In another embodiment, the
variable height fan 628 may be mounted below a C-cover intake vent.
In either embodiment, the variable height fan 628 may intake air
through the D-cover intake vent or C-cover intake vent, pass air
throughout the information handling system, and out of a heat
exhaust vent.
[0073] Similar to other embodiments described herein, the variable
height fan 628 of FIG. 6 may include a top fan chassis 602 that is
slidably coupled to a bottom fan chassis 612. The variable height
fan 628 may also include a bearing 610 that is mechanically coupled
to a PCB 604, and an electromagnet 606. In a specific embodiment,
the bearing 610 is a sleeve bearing or incorporates a sleeve
bearing with lubricant used to allow the main shaft 630 to rotate
therein. Other types of bearings may be used including ball
bearings or roller bearings among others. Although the
electromagnet 606 is described herein as being an electromagnet,
the present specification contemplates that other types of magnetic
devices, including permanent magnets and combinations of permanent
magnets and electromagnets may be used. In the embodiments
described herein, the electromagnet 606 may be magnetically coupled
to one or more permanent magnets 608.
[0074] The variable height fan 628 also includes the main shaft 630
placed within a cavity formed in the bearing 610. In an embodiment,
the main shaft 630 is mechanically coupled to the bearing 610 via,
for example, a bearing system including a plurality of ball
bearings, roller bearings, or the like. In a separate embodiment,
the main shaft 630 is magnetically coupled to the bearing 610 via
the magnetic interaction between the permanent magnets 608 placed
on the first set of fan blades 632 mechanically coupled to the main
shaft 630 and the electromagnet 606 mechanically and electrically
coupled to the PCB 604 and bearing 610. In an alternative
embodiment, the permanent magnets 608 may alternatively be a
ferromagnetic material that is magnetically attracted to the
electromagnets 606 during operation.
[0075] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment where the slide shaft 634 is
mechanically coupled to the main shaft 630 via a spline 616 as
described herein. In this embodiment, the spline 616 runs a
vertical length of the interior of the receiving cavity formed
within the main shaft. The slide shaft 634 is received in the
receiving cavity of the main shaft 630. The slide shaft 634 may
have a complimentary matching surface such as a groove formed
therein that mechanically interfaces with the main shaft 630 and
spline 616 to cause the slide shaft 634 to rotate at the same speed
as the main shaft 630. In some embodiments, the mechanical features
as described herein may prevent the slide shaft 634 from completely
exiting the cavity formed in the main shaft 630 and used to house
the sliding slide shaft 634. Among these mechanical features may
include, in some embodiments, a stopper feature to limit the
vertical movement of the spline 616 to a maximum or minimum.
[0076] In some embodiments, the contact point prominence 614 may
prevent the slide shaft 634 form exiting the main shaft 630
receiving cavity. In this embodiment, height of the contact point
prominence 614 may be set so that the maximum height of the
variable height fan 628 is achieved while also preventing the
complete removal of the slide shaft 634 from the receiving cavity
formed in the main shaft 630 by a D-cover or C-cover on which the
fan chassis 612 is mounted or part of.
[0077] In other embodiments, the second set of fan blades 636 and
first set of fan blades 632 of the slide shaft 634 and main shaft
630, respectively, may include securing features that prevent the
total rotational or vertical expansion separation of second set of
fan blades 636 from the first set of fan blades 632. Examples of
these securing features are shown and described in connection with
FIGS. 5A and 5B. In some of these example embodiments, each blade
of the second set of fan blades 636 may be slidably coupled to one
of the blades of the first set of fan blades 632. When the fan
height is at its maximum, the height of each of the blades is
extended with this coupling. In an embodiment, where a top edge of
each of the second set of fan blades 636 may include a stop lip
that abuts with a corresponding stop lip formed on a bottom lip of
each of the blades of the first set of fan blades 632, the first
set of fan blades 632 may be prevented from fully vertically
separating from corresponding blades of the second set of fan
blades 636 thereby preventing the removal of the slide shaft 634
from the main shaft 630. FIGS. 5A and 5B shows this specific
arrangement where each of the blades of the first set of fan blades
632 abuts a corresponding blade of the second set of fan blades
636.
[0078] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the fan blades of the
first set of fan blades 632 and second set of fan blades 636 may
bend or wrap against a direction of rotation to form a contoured
blade that moves air into and out of the variable height fan 628.
In another embodiment, the blades of the first set of fan blades
632 and second set of fan blades 636 may have a helical shape such
that the blades are contoured in both a vertical and horizontal
axis. In this embodiment, the blades may form a corkscrew shape
that pulls air into the variable height fan 628 and out of a heat
exhaust vent 650 formed in a portion of the base chassis of the
information handling system. An airfoil formed by the blades of the
second set of fan blades 636 and variable height fan 628 may vary
along the length of the individual blades and may contribute to the
airflow produced by the rotating blades within the variable height
fan 628.
[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the variable height fan
628 does not include a biasing member. In this embodiment, the
slide shaft 634 may be extended, but not completely, out of the
main shaft 430 as a result of gravity if oriented as shown in FIG.
6. Specifically, the second set of fan blades 636 of the variable
height fan 628 may be placed vertically below the first set of fan
blades 632 such that gravity separates the two set of fan blades.
As the two sets of fan blades 632, 636 are separated, the height of
the variable height fan 628 is maximized creating the most airflow
into and out of the variable height fan 628.
[0080] As described herein, the slide shaft 634 may mechanically
interface with a contact point prominence 614. The contact point
prominence 614 may allow the slide shaft 634 to rotate with the
main shaft 630 but also prevent the slide shaft 634 from exiting
the receiving cavity formed in the main shaft 630. During operation
and when force is applied to the bottom fan chassis 612 or, at
least, the contact point prominence 614 it may cause the second set
of fan blades 636 and slide shaft 634 to move vertically upward
relative to the main shaft 630 and slide shaft 634. Although this
may reduce the height of the variable height fan 628, the D-cover
or a portion of the bottom fan chassis 612 may be prevented from
interfering with the rotation of the first set of fan blades 632
and second set of fan blades 636. This prevents damage from
occurring to the sets of blades 632 and 636 as the variable height
fan 628 is in operation. Once the force against the D-cover or the
bottom fan chassis 612 or D-cover is released, gravity causes the
second set of fan blades 636 to drop away from the first set of fan
blades 632 thereby increasing the height of the variable height fan
628 again.
[0081] FIG. 7 is a perspective graphical view of a first set of fan
blades 732 relative to a second set of fan blades 736 according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the
variable height fan 728 may be mounted over a D-cover intake vent.
In another embodiment, the variable height fan 728 may be mounted
below a C-cover intake vent. In either embodiment, the variable
height fan 728 may intake air through the D-cover intake vent or
C-cover intake vent, pass air throughout the information handling
system, and out of a heat exhaust vent.
[0082] In FIG. 7, unlike FIG. 6 for example, the spline is not
present as shown, but may be implemented in some embodiments. In
some embodiments, the mechanical interaction between the first set
of fan blades 732 and the second set of fan blades 736 may cause
the first set of fan blades 732 and second set of fan blades 736 to
rotate relative to the bearing 710 at the same speed.
[0083] In an embodiment, the contact point prominence 714 may
prevent the slide shaft 734 form exiting the main shaft 730. In
this embodiment, height of the contact point prominence 714
relative to the bottom fan chassis 712 may be such that the maximum
height of the variable height fan 728 is achieved while also
preventing the complete removal of the slide shaft 734 from the
cavity formed in the main shaft 730. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 7, the contact point prominence 714 provides counteracting
force against the biasing member 738 such that the contact point
prominence 714 prevents the slide shaft 734 from exiting the cavity
formed in the main shaft 730. The contact point prominence 714 may
also concentrate force applied to the D-cover or C-cover to
compress the biasing member 738 and reduce the height of the
variable height fan 728.
[0084] Similar to other embodiments described herein, the variable
height fan 728 of FIG. 7 may include a top fan chassis 702 that is
slidably coupled to the bottom fan chassis 712. The variable height
fan 728 may also include a bearing 710 that is mechanically coupled
to a PCB 704, and an electromagnet 706. In a specific embodiment,
the bearing 710 is a sleeve bearing or may incorporate ball
bearings or roller bearings used to allow the main shaft 730 to
rotate therein. Although the electromagnet 706 is described herein
as being an electromagnet, the present specification contemplates
that other types of magnetic devices, including permanent magnets
and combinations of permanent magnets and electromagnets may be
used. In the embodiments described herein, the electromagnet 706
may be magnetically coupled to one or more permanent magnets
708.
[0085] In other embodiments, the second set of fan blades 736 and
first set of fan blades 732 of the slide shaft 734 and main shaft
730, respectively, may include securing features that prevent the
total rotational or vertical expansion separation of second set of
fan blades 736 from the first set of fan blades 732. Examples of
these securing features are shown and described in connection with
FIGS. 5A and 5B. In some of these example embodiments, each blade
of the second set of fan blades 736 may be slidably coupled to one
of the blades of the first set of fan blades 732. When the fan
height is at its maximum, the height of each of the blades is
extended with this coupling. In some embodiments, the first set of
fan blades 732 may be slidably coupled to the second set of fan
blades 736 via a edge lip (not shown) formed at an outer or distal
end of each blade of the first set of fan blades 732. The edge lip
may be used to operatively and mechanically couple the first fan
blade 533 and second fan blade 537 with the second fan blade 537
extending vertically past the first fan blade 533 a distance. In
some embodiments, a bottom edge of each of the blades of the first
set of fan blades 732 may include a first lip (not shown). During
deployment, a second lip may be formed on the top edged of each of
the blades of the second set of fan blades 736 to interface with
the first lip to prevent the vertical separation of the fan blades
from beyond a maximum height expansion amount and, accordingly, the
removal of the slide shaft 734 from the receiving cavity formed in
the main shaft 730 as described herein.
[0086] In another embodiment, where a top edge of each of the
second set of fan blades 736 may include a stop lip that abuts with
a corresponding stop lip formed on a bottom lip of each of the
blades of the first set of fan blades 732, the first set of fan
blades 732 may be prevented from fully vertically separating from
corresponding blades of the second set of fan blades 736 thereby
preventing the removal of the slide shaft 734 from the main shaft
730. FIGS. 5A and 5B shows these specific arrangements where each
of the blades of the first set of fan blades 732 may have securing
features to interface with corresponding blade of the second set of
fan blades 736.
[0087] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the fan blades of the
first set of fan blades 732 and second set of fan blades 736 may
bend or wrap against a direction of rotation to form a contour that
moves air into and out of the variable height fan 728. In another
embodiment, the blades of the first set of fan blades 732 and
second set of fan blades 736 may have a helical shape such that the
blades are contoured in both a vertical and horizontal axis. In
this embodiment, the blades may form a corkscrew shape that pulls
air into the variable height fan 728 and out of a heat exhaust vent
750 formed in a portion of the base chassis of the information
handling system. The airfoil formed by the blades of the second set
of fan blades 736 and variable height fan 728 may vary along the
length of the individual blades and may contribute to the airflow
produced by the rotating blades within the variable height fan
728.
[0088] FIG. 7 shows an orientation of the slide shaft 734 relative
to the main shaft 730 indicative of the force applied to the
contact point prominence 714 and the bottom fan chassis 712. In
this orientation, the height of the variable height fan 728 is
reduced as a consequence of that force. Here, the biasing member
738 has also been pressed together such that the bias produced by
the biasing member 738 has been overcome by the force applied to
the contact point prominence 714. Although this orientation shown
in FIG. 7 may reduce the variable height fan's 728 ability to draw
and pass air therethrough, this orientation may be temporary. When
force is removed from the contact point prominence 714, the biasing
member 738 applies force against the top of the slide shaft 734
such that the height of the variable height fan 728 is increased.
Pressure against the D-cover and/or contact point prominence 714
may be intermittent due to normal operating parameters by the user.
For example, in a specific embodiment, the user may occasionally
and inadvertently press against the D-cover at or around the holes
or slats formed to allow air to pass into the variable height fan
728. When this happens, the D-cover may press against the contact
point prominence 414 which, in turn, causes the slide shaft 734 to
move upward. When the user releases the force against the D-cover
by, for example, placing the information handling system on a flat
surface, the deflection of the D-cover no longer occurs and the
variable height fan 728 may be returned to the biased height.
[0089] The variable height fan 728 designs described herein may be
used within any type of mobile information handling system that may
be subjected to external forces and deformation of chassis
including portable consumer electronics, electronics in moving
vehicles, or other environments. The present specification
contemplates multiple orientations of the variable height fan 728
as described herein. In an embodiment, the top fan chassis 702 may
be oriented as shown in FIG. 7 with the top fan chassis 702 placed
vertically higher than the bottom fan chassis 712. In an
alternative embodiment, the orientation of the variable height fan
728 may be upside down such that the bottom fan chassis 712 is
vertically higher than the top fan chassis 702. In this embodiment,
the biasing member may bias the second set of fan blades 736 away
from the first set of fan blades 732 overcoming the gravitational
forces applied to the second set of fan blades 736 in this
upside-down orientation.
[0090] FIG. 8 is a graphical illustration side, cut-out view of an
information handling system 800 including a variable height fan 828
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described
herein, the information handling system 800 includes an A-cover 818
and a B-cover 819 that forms a display chassis. The display chassis
may be used to house a display device that provides output to a
user of the information handling system 800. The information
handling system 800 may also include a C-cover 821 and a D-cover
820 that are coupled together to form a base chassis. The base
chassis may house a plurality of devices therein including a
keyboard 816 and the variable height fan 828. The keyboard 816 may
include any number of keys 826 that form, for example, a
QWERTY-type keyboard. Any number of keys 826 may be used to form
the keyboard 816 and the present specification contemplates that
any other type of input device may be incorporated into the
keyboard 816 such as a trackpad. In an embodiment, the information
handling system 800 includes a keyboard chassis 817. In an
embodiment, the keyboard chassis 817 may support the keyboard 816.
In an embodiment, the keyboard chassis 817 may be disposed between
the C-cover 821 and the top fan chassis 802.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 8, the variable height fan 828 may include
a top fan chassis 802. As described herein, the top fan chassis 802
may be used to secure portions of the variable height fan 828 to
the base chassis of the information handling system 800 such as the
base of the keyboard 816 in the C-cover 821. In some examples, the
variable height fan 828 may be secured to the base chassis directly
without the top fan chassis 802. For example, the variable height
fan 828 may be secured to the keyboard 816, or to the C-cover 821,
or to other structures in the base chassis. In an embodiment the
information handling system 800 may include additional cooling
systems such as heat pipes, heat sinks, vapor chambers, liquid
cooling systems, and similar temperature regulation systems. In the
example where heat sinks, heat pipes, and vapor chambers are used,
the variable height fan 828 may be thermally coupled to other
structures within the information handling system 800. In an
embodiment, the variable height fan 828 may be used to pass air
into the base chassis housing additional cooling devices to pass an
airflow over the heat pipes, heat sinks, and vapor chambers in
order to direct heat away from the components of the information
handling system 800 and out of the base chassis via, for example,
heat exhaust vents.
[0092] In some embodiments, the variable height fan 828 may further
include a bottom fan chassis (not shown) or the D-cover 820 may
serve as a bottom portion of the variable height fan 828. As
described herein, the bottom fan chassis may be slidably coupled to
the top fan chassis 802 such that the bottom fan chassis may move
relative to the top fan chassis 802. The bottom fan chassis or
D-cover 820 may move relative to the top fan chassis 802 when, for
example, a force is applied to the bottom fan chassis when the
D-cover 820 of the information handling system 800 is deformed into
the variable height fan 828. In a specific embodiment, the bottom
fan chassis may be a portion of the D-cover 820 of the information
handling system 800 with the top fan chassis 802 being mechanically
coupled to an interior chassis of the base chassis of the
information handling system 800 or to the C-cover 821 as described
herein. In some embodiments described herein, the "bottom" of the
variable height fan 828 is closest to the D-cover 820, however any
orientation of the variable height fan 828 is contemplated in
various information handling systems form factors.
[0093] In the embodiments described herein, the D-cover 820 may
serve as an air inlet for air to enter the variable height fan 828.
In these embodiments, the D-cover 820 includes holes or slats
formed into the D-cover 820 that form a D-cover inlet vent 822. The
D-cover inlet vent 822 allows air to pass through and into the
variable height fan 828 as well as throughout the information
handling system 800. Because the D-cover 820 at the D-cover inlet
vent 822 may be structurally weak, the D-cover 820 may be
relatively more deformable at the D-cover inlet vent 822 in some
embodiments. The arrangement of the first set of fan blades 832 to
the second set of fan blades 836 prevents damage to the variable
height fan 828 a described herein. In these embodiments, when a
force is applied to the D-cover inlet vent 822 either purposefully
or accidentally, the D-cover 820 may be prevented from damaging the
variable height fan 828 as a result of this arrangement.
[0094] As described herein, the variable height fan 828 may include
or mechanically interface with a contact point 814. The contact
point 814 may be coupled to the D-cover 820 in an embodiment or to
a bottom fan chassis. In another embodiment, the contact point 814
may be part of the D-cover 820 with the D-cover 820 and contact
point 814 forming a monolithic piece.
[0095] As described herein, the contact point 814 may move with
deformation of the D-cover 820 at the D-cover inlet vent 822. The
variable height fan 828, prior to the deformation of the D-cover
820, has a maximum height 830. The maximum height may be, in some
embodiments, as high as 9.4 mm with an air gap between 0.4 mm and
0.6 mm in some particular embodiments. This compares to a standard
fan that must leave an air gap at a height of 1.9 mm resulting in a
height of 8 mm left for the fan as an example set of descriptive
dimensions for illustration purposes. The variable height fan 828
can thus increase the overall height of the fan placed in an
information handling system 800 by 17.5%. This increase in height
830 results in increased potential airflow through the variable
height fan 828 such that the variable height fan 828 increases the
ability to cool down the systems within the information handling
system 800 relative to other types of fans.
[0096] In addition to the increase in height 830 of the variable
height fan 628, the air gap 824 between the lower edge of the
second set of fan blades 836 and the D-cover 820 may be reduced as
compared to other types of fans used in an information handling
system 800. In this embodiment, the air gap 824 may be as small as
0.5 mm so that the increased height 830 of the variable height fan
828 may be accommodated. Alternatively, the air gap 824 may be
reduced in length due to the arrangement of the first set of fan
blades 832 to the second set of fan blades 836 allowing for a
thinner fan and potentially a thinner base chassis. The operation
of the variable height fan 828 as described herein may provide for
both the increase in height 830 of the variable height fan 828 and
the reduction of height with the air gap 824.
[0097] Specifically, during operation, the deformation of the
D-cover 820 causes the contact point 814 to engage with the slide
shaft 834. Because the second set of fan blades 836 are
mechanically coupled to the slide shaft 834, the movement of the
slid shaft 834 actuated by the contact point 814 causes the second
set of fan blades 836 to move upward. At this point, the biasing
force produced by the biasing member 838 is overcome allowing the
second set of fan blades 836 to move upward. Here, the second set
of fan blades 836 coupled to the slide shaft 834 may intertwine,
interlace, or otherwise move into the first set of fan blades 832
mechanically coupled to the main shaft 830. In some specific
embodiments, each fan blade of the second set of fan blades 836
maybe slidably and mechanically coupled to a corresponding fan
blade among the first set of fan blades 832 to limit rotational
separation or vertical expansion. In one embodiment, this may be
done by including a sliding hook on each of the first set of fan
blades 832 to interface with the blades of the second set of fan
blades 836. In an alternative embodiment, each of the blades of the
first set of fan blades 832 may be placed such that each blade of
the second set of fan blades 836 may pass between them taking
advantage of the negative space between the blades of the first set
of fan blades 832. In either of these embodiments, the height 830
of the variable height fan 828 is reduced as the D-cover pushes the
slide shaft 834 up into the cavity formed in the main shaft 830.
When the force against the D-cover 820 is eliminated, the biasing
member 838 is allowed to bias the slide shaft 834 in an outward
direction from the cavity formed in the main shaft 830 thereby
increasing the height 830 of the variable height fan 828.
[0098] Again, the variable height fan 828 may be similar and
include similar elements as that variable height fan 828 described
in connection with other figures described herein. Specifically,
the variable height fan 828 may include a bearing 810 that is
mechanically coupled to a PCB 804, and an electromagnet 806. In a
specific embodiment, the bearing 810 is a sleeve bearing or
incorporates a sleeve bearing used to allow the main shaft 830 to
rotate therein. Other types of bearings may be used including ball
bearings or roller bearings among others. The variable height fan
828 also includes the main shaft 830 placed within a cavity formed
in the bearing 810 that is, in an embodiment, mechanically coupled
to the bearing 810 via, for example, a bearing system. In a
separate embodiment, the main shaft 830 is magnetically coupled to
the bearing 810 via the magnetic interaction between the permanent
magnets 808 placed on the first set of fan blades 832 mechanically
coupled to the main shaft 830 and the electromagnet 806
mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCB 804 and bearing
810.
[0099] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 of
manufacturing an information handling system according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 900 may begin at
block 905 with mounting a video display to an A-cover and coupling
a B-cover to the A-cover to form a display chassis of the
information handling system. The method 900 may also include, at
block 910, with mounting a keyboard to a keyboard chassis and
coupling a C-cover to the keyboard chassis to form a portion of the
base of the information handling system. The display chassis and
the base chassis may then by coupled together via a hinge a block
915. This may form a semi-complete information handling system
without the D-cover assembled thereto in an embodiment.
[0100] The method 900 may also include coupling a fan chassis to
the keyboard chassis at block 920. As described herein, the
coupling of a fan chassis may not be completed and the central
bearing of the variable height fan may be directly coupled to the
keyboard chassis or other structure serving as a top fan chassis in
an alternative embodiment. In an embodiment, the method 900 may
continue with coupling the central bearing to the fan chassis at
block 925 or, alternatively be coupled to a keyboard chassis. A
printed circuit board (PCB) may be coupled to the central bearing
at block 930. The PCB may be communicatively coupled to a processor
of the information handling system. The method 900 includes
physically and electrically coupling an electromagnet to the PCB at
block 935. The electric coupling of the electromagnet to the PCB
allows for signals from the processor to be sent to the PCB to
direct the activation and deactivation of the electromagnet.
[0101] The method 900 further includes placing a main shaft into a
central bearing receiving cavity formed into the central bearing.
The cavity may, in an embodiment, include a bearing that
mechanically couples the main shaft to the central bearing while
allowing the main shaft to rotate within the cavity of the main
shaft. In an alternative embodiment, the central bearing does not
include any mechanical coupling of the main shaft to the central
bearing and the main shaft is magnetically suspended within the
variable height fan. The main shaft is rotationally coupled
relative to the central bearing to allow rotation of the first set
of fan blades.
[0102] The method 900 may continue, at block 945, with coupling a
first set of fan blades to the main shaft. The first set of fan
blades may include a permanent magnet that magnetically interfaces
with the electromagnet to keep the main shaft in the central
bearing as well as drive the rotation of the first set of fan
blades relative to the central bearing. The method 900 also
includes placing a slide shaft into a receiving cavity formed in
the main shaft at block 950 and, at block 955, coupling a second
set of fan blades to the slide shaft. In an embodiment, the slide
shaft may be coupled to the main shaft via a spline that causes the
main shaft to rotate concurrently with the slide shaft and the
first set of fan blades to rotate about the bearing along with the
second set of fan blades.
[0103] The method 900 may also include placing a biasing member
between the main shaft and the slide shaft at block 960. The
placement of the biasing member in the receiving cavity of the main
shaft operatively couples the biasing member between the main shaft
and slide shaft to bias the slide shaft away from the main shaft.
As described herein, the biasing member may extend the height of
the variable height fan so that the maximum height is achieved. In
some embodiments, the method 900 may include adding a processor, a
memory, a power source, a bus, a heat sink, a heat pipe, and a heat
manifold and vapor chamber within the C-cover or within a D-cover
that will be operatively coupled to the C-cover at block 965. As
described herein, the processor, memory may be operatively coupled
via a bus. The processor may also be operatively coupled to the
PCB, fan module, the power management unit, and power source. In an
embodiment, each of these may be operatively coupled to each other
via the bus.
[0104] The processor, either CPU or GPU, may be thermally coupled
to a heat sink, vapor chamber, or other heat mitigation structure
in order to draw an amount of heat from the processor. Other heat
sinks may also be included within the base chassis of the
information handling system such that the airflow produced by the
variable height fan carries away the heat from the heat sinks. The
other cooling systems such as the heat pipe and the heat manifold
and vapor chamber may also be included within the base chassis and
coupled to the C-cover or D-cover in order to interact with the
airflow produced by the variable height fan throughout the
information handling system.
[0105] The method 900 includes, at block 970, coupling a D-cover to
the C-cover to house the fan chassis between the C-cover and
D-cover. In this embodiment, the D-cover may include a contact
point prominence that is formed into the D-cover or a bottom fan
chassis on the D-cover that is operatively coupled to the slide
shaft as described herein. In an embodiment, the contact point
prominence may maintain the slide shaft within the receiving cavity
formed in the main shaft which allows for rotation of the same.
[0106] The blocks of the flow diagrams of FIG. 9 or steps and
aspects of the operation of the embodiments herein and discussed
herein need not be performed in any given or specified order. It is
contemplated that additional blocks, steps, or functions may be
added, some blocks, steps or functions may not be performed,
blocks, steps, or functions may occur contemporaneously, and
blocks, steps or functions from one flow diagram may be performed
within another flow diagram.
[0107] Devices, modules, resources, or programs that are in
communication with one another need not be in continuous
communication with each other, unless expressly specified
otherwise. In addition, devices, modules, resources, or programs
that are in communication with one another can communicate directly
or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0108] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been
described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary
embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings
and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as
defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function
clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural
equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
[0109] The subject matter described herein is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover any and all such modifications, enhancements, and
other embodiments that fall within the scope of the present
invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of
the present invention is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing
detailed description.
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