ADJUSTABLE VENTING RATIO MECHANISM FOR INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM
An information handling system may include a chassis and a variable venting assembly comprising a wall having a plurality of spaced venting holes and an adjustable venting block mechanically coupled to the wall via an axis of rotation and having a plurality of spaced blocking fins such that as a position of the adjustable venting block varies, an overlap between the spaced blocking fins and the spaced venting holes varies.
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The present disclosure relates in general to information handling systems, and more particularly to a venting assembly having an adjustable venting ratio.
BACKGROUNDAs the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users 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 users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users 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 user or specific use such as 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.
As processors, graphics cards, random access memory (RAM) and other components in information handling systems have increased in clock speed and power consumption, the amount of heat produced by such components as a side-effect of normal operation has also increased. Often, the temperatures of these components need to be kept within a reasonable range to prevent overheating, instability, malfunction and damage leading to a shortened component lifespan. Accordingly, cooling fans and blowers, referred to generally herein as “air movers,” have often been used in information handling systems to cool information handling systems and their components.
In design of an information handling system chassis, a venting ratio of a front and rear wall is a key factor in total air flow rate and air flow impedance in the information handling system. Some configurations may require lower venting ratios to prevent air flow bypass while other configurations may desire higher venting ratios to enhance thermal performance.
Existing approaches often use vents with a fixed venting ratio. However, such approaches are often unable to support different configuration requirements of information handling systems. Accordingly, an information handling system chassis may come with various replaceable parts with varying venting ratio designs to fulfill different configuration requirements.
SUMMARYIn accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with traditional approaches to venting in an information handling system may be substantially reduced or eliminated.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a chassis and a variable venting assembly comprising a wall having a plurality of spaced venting holes and an adjustable venting block mechanically coupled to the wall via an axis of rotation and having a plurality of spaced blocking fins such that as a position of the adjustable venting block varies, an overlap between the spaced blocking fins and the spaced venting holes varies.
In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a variable venting assembly configured to mechanically couple to a chassis of an information handling system, the variable venting assembly comprising a wall having a plurality of spaced venting holes and an adjustable venting block mechanically coupled to the wall via an axis of rotation and having a plurality of spaced blocking fins such that as a position of the adjustable venting block varies, an overlap between the spaced blocking fins and the spaced venting holes varies.
In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for forming a variable venting assembly configured to mechanically couple to a chassis of an information handling system may include mechanically coupling a wall having a plurality of spaced venting holes to an adjustable venting block mechanically coupled to the wall via an axis of rotation, the adjustable venting block having a plurality of spaced blocking fins such that as a position of the adjustable venting block varies, an overlap between the spaced blocking fins and the spaced venting holes varies.
Technical advantages of the present disclosure may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, description and claims included herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claims set forth in this disclosure.
A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:
Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to
For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components or the information handling system may 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, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between the various hardware components.
For the purposes of this disclosure, information handling resources may broadly refer to any component system, device or apparatus of an information handling system, including without limitation processors, buses, memories, input-output devices and/or interfaces, storage resources, network interfaces, motherboards, integrated circuit packages; electro-mechanical devices (e.g., air movers), displays, and power supplies.
As depicted in
Variable venting assembly 104 may be placed on an exterior wall (e.g., a front wall or rear wall) of chassis 102 such that air flow egressing from chassis 102 may egress through variable venting assembly 104. Variable venting assembly 104 is discussed in greater detail below with respect to
Wall 202 may be formed out of any suitable material, including metal. As shown in
Adjustable venting block 204 may be formed out of any suitable material, including metal or plastic. As shown in
Accordingly, variable venting assembly 104 may be assembled by aligning axis hole 210 with threaded insert 224, aligning hook 214 with venting block opening 212, and inserting axis pin 206 through axis hole 210 and into threaded insert 224. As assembled, variable venting assembly 104 may be rotatably coupled to wall 202 via a rotational axis passing through axis pin 206, axis hole 210, and threaded insert 224, with the angle of rotation constrained by mechanical interaction of hook 214 within a dimension of venting block opening 212.
Although not explicitly shown in
To change a position of adjustable venting block 204 relative to wall 202, a user may apply a force to hook 214, causing hook 214 and arm 226 to deflect relative to the remainder of adjustable venting block 204 and disengage hook 214 from the first venting block stop 216. The user then may apply further force to adjustable venting block 204 (e.g., via hook 214) to engage hook 214 to another venting block stop 216. For example, as shown in
As another example, as shown in
Although
As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as “coupled” to one another, such term indicates that such two or more elements are in electronic communication or mechanical communication, as applicable, whether connected indirectly or directly, with or without intervening elements.
This disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Accordingly, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.
Although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described above.
Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Additionally, other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the foregoing figures and description.
To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.
Claims
1. An information handling system comprising:
- a chassis; and
- a variable venting assembly comprising: a wall having a plurality of spaced venting holes; an adjustable venting block mechanically coupled to the wall along an axis of rotation and having a plurality of spaced blocking fins such that as a position of the adjustable venting block varies, an overlap between the plurality of spaced blocking fins and the plurality of spaced venting holes varies; and a hook formed on an arm extending from the adjustable venting block; wherein the wall further comprises a venting block opening configured to receive the hook such that rotation of the adjustable venting block relative to the wall is constrained by motion of the hook within a length of the venting block opening.
2. The information handling system of claim 1, the variable venting assembly further comprising an axis pin configured to pass through an axis hole of the wall and mechanically engage with an insert of the adjustable venting block to mechanically couple the adjustable venting block to the wall such that the axis of rotation passes through the axis pin, the axis hole, and the insert.
3. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable venting block is generally circular in shape and further comprises:
- a central hub through which the axis of rotation passes; and
- an outer ring concentric with the central hub, with the plurality of spaced blocking fins extending between the central hub and the outer ring.
4. The information handling system of claim 3, wherein:
- the arm extends from the outer ring.
5. The information handling system of claim 4, wherein the adjustable venting block further comprises a plurality of venting block stops formed within the venting block opening, each of the plurality of venting block stops configured to engage with the hook to fix the adjustable venting block in a respective desired position relative to the wall.
6. The information handling system of claim 3, the adjustable venting block further comprising a fin extending from the outer ring in a direction generally parallel to a direction of the axis of rotation of the adjustable venting block relative to the wall, such that by rotating the adjustable venting block to a desired position relative to the wall, the fin is located to direct airflow in a desired direction.
7. A variable venting assembly configured to mechanically couple to a chassis of an information handling system, the variable venting assembly comprising:
- a wall having a plurality of spaced venting holes;
- an adjustable venting block mechanically coupled to the wall along an axis of rotation and having a plurality of spaced blocking fins such that as a position of the adjustable venting block varies, an overlap between the plurality of spaced blocking fins and the plurality of spaced venting holes varies; and
- a hook formed on an arm extending from the adjustable venting block;
- wherein the wall further comprises a venting block opening configured to receive the hook such that rotation of the adjustable venting block relative to the wall is constrained by motion of the hook within a length of the venting block opening.
8. The variable venting assembly of claim 7, the variable venting assembly further comprising an axis pin configured to pass through an axis hole of the wall and mechanically engage with an insert of the adjustable venting block to mechanically couple the adjustable venting block to the wall such that the axis of rotation passes through the axis pin, the axis hole, and the insert.
9. The variable venting assembly of claim 7, wherein the adjustable venting block is generally circular in shape and further comprises:
- a central hub through which the axis of rotation passes; and
- an outer ring concentric with the central hub, with the plurality of spaced blocking fins extending between the central hub and the outer ring.
10. The variable venting assembly of claim 9, wherein:
- the arm extends from the outer ring.
11. The variable venting assembly of claim 10, wherein the adjustable venting block further comprises a plurality of venting block stops formed within the venting block opening, each of the plurality of venting block stops configured to engage with the hook to fix the adjustable venting block in a respective desired position relative to the wall.
12. The variable venting assembly of claim 9, the adjustable venting block further comprising a fin extending from the outer ring in a direction generally parallel to a direction of the axis of rotation of the adjustable venting block relative to the wall, such that by rotating the adjustable venting block to a desired position relative to the wall, the fin is located to direct airflow in a desired direction.
13. A method for forming a variable venting assembly configured to mechanically couple to a chassis of an information handling system, the method comprising:
- mechanically coupling a wall having a plurality of spaced venting holes to an adjustable venting block mechanically coupled to the wall along an axis of rotation, the adjustable venting block having a plurality of spaced blocking fins such that as a position of the adjustable venting block varies, an overlap between the plurality of spaced blocking fins and the plurality of spaced venting holes varies; and
- forming a hook on an arm extending from the adjustable venting block;
- wherein the wall further comprises a venting block opening configured to receive the hook such that rotation of the adjustable venting block relative to the wall is constrained by motion of the hook within a length of the venting block opening.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising passing an axis pin configured to pass through an axis hole of the wall and mechanically engaging the axis pin with an insert of the adjustable venting block to mechanically couple the adjustable venting block to the wall such that the axis of rotation passes through the axis pin, the axis hole, and the insert.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the adjustable venting block is generally circular in shape and further comprises:
- a central hub through which the axis of rotation passes; and
- an outer ring concentric with the central hub, with the plurality of spaced blocking fins extending between the central hub and the outer ring.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein:
- the arm extends from the outer ring.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the adjustable venting block further comprises a plurality of venting block stops formed within the venting block opening, each of the plurality of venting block stops configured to engage with the hook to fix the adjustable venting block in a respective desired position relative to the wall.
18. The method of claim 15, the adjustable venting block further comprising a fin extending from the outer ring in a direction generally parallel to a direction of the axis of rotation of the adjustable venting block relative to the wall, such that by rotating the adjustable venting block to a desired position relative to the wall, the fin is located to direct airflow in a desired direction.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 3, 2020
Publication Date: May 5, 2022
Applicant: Dell Products L.P. (Round Rock, TX)
Inventors: Yen-Lin WANG (Taipei), Chao-Hung LI (Linkou Dist.), Jen-Chun HSUEH (Kaohsiung City)
Application Number: 17/088,250