English:
[0003] In another aspect, an embodiment of the invention relates to an array of airflow generators for cooling an object, having multiple airflow generators with each airflow generator, having a flexible structure having a first side and a second side where the first side of the flexible structure is spaced from a portion of the object to define an air space therebetween and at least one piezoelectric structure located on the flexible structure wherein actuation of the piezoelectric structures of the multiple airflow generators results in movement of the flexible structures to increase the volume of the air space therebetween to draw air in and then decrease the volume of the air space therebetween to push out the drawn in air such that the object is cooled by the airflow created by each of the multiple airflow generators.
[0005] Figures 1A-1C are schematic views of an airflow generator for use with an object according to a first embodiment.
[0006] Figures 2A-2C are perspective views of an array of airflow generators according to a second embodiment.
[0007] Figures 3A-3C are perspective view of an alternative array of airflow generators according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0008] Figure 1A illustrates an airflow generator 10 for use with an object 12 having a surface 14. The object 12 may include a heat-emitting object and may include any suitable heat-generating element or a heat-exchanging element. A flexible structure 20 having a first side 22 that is spaced from a portion of the object 12 to define an air space therebetween 15. In the illustrated example, the flexible structure 20 has been illustrated as a flexible plate although this need not be the case. The flexible structure 20 may be formed from any suitable flexible material including aluminum, copper, stainless steel, etc. The flexible structure 20 is spaced apart from the object and disposed in a generally confronting relationship with the surface 14 of the object 12. Unlike contemporary airflow generators, the flexible structure 20 forms the air space therebetween 15 without an opposing flexible structure.
[0009] A piezoelectric structure 24, for example a piezoelectric crystal, may be located on the flexible structure 20. In the illustrated example, the piezoelectric structure 24 is located at the center of the flexible structure 20 although this need not be the case. While the piezoelectric structure 24 may be located, elsewhere locating it at the center of the flexible structure 20 is believed to increase the deflection of the flexible structure 20. The piezoelectric structure 24 may be operably coupled to a suitable power source through connections (not shown). While at least one single piezoelectric structure 24 may be included on the flexible structure 20, it will be understood that multiple piezoelectric structures may be located on the flexible structure and additional piezoelectric structures 24 have been illustrated in phantom to illustrate this. It will be understood that any number of piezoelectric structures 24 may be included on the flexible structure 20 including a single piezoelectric structure 24. If multiple piezoelectric structures 24 are included, they may be configured to be actuated simultaneously.
[0010] During operation, the actuation of the piezoelectric structure 24 results in movement of the flexible structure 20 to increase the volume of the air space therebetween 15 to draw air in and then decrease the volume of the air space therebetween 15 to push out the drawn in air such that the object is cooled by the airflow created by the airflow generator 10. More specifically, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric structure 24 the fiexible structure 20 is caused to bend such that it is convex as illustrated in Figure IB. This deflection causes a decreased partial pressure, which in turn causes air to enter the air space therebetween 15 as illustrated by the arrows 40. When a voltage of opposite polarity is applied, the flexible structure 20 bends in the opposite direction (i.e. concave instead of convex) as illustrated in Figure 1C. This action decreases the volume of the air space therebetween 15 and causes air to be expelled as illustrated by the arrows 42. While it is preferred that the flexible structure 20 goes past the neutral position (Figure 1 A) to expel a larger volume of air, it will be understood that any movement of the flexible structure 20 back towards the neutral position would push out some air. The piezoelectric structure 24 is connected to a controllable electric source (not shown) so that an alternating voltage of the desired magnitude and frequency may be applied to the piezoelectric structure 24. The motion of the flexible structure 20 creates a flow of air that may be utilized in cooling hot elements including the object 12. It is contemplated that the flexible structure 20 may overlay a majority of the surface 14 of the object 12 to aid in cooling the entire surface.
[0011] By way of further non- limiting example, Figures 2A-2C illustrate an alternative airflow generator 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The airflow generator 110 is similar to the airflow generator 10 previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the airflow generator 10 applies to the airflow generator 110, unless otherwise noted.
[0012] One difference is that in the illustrated example, the object 112 has been illustrated as a heat-exchanging element in the form of a heat sink having several fins 116. Surfaces 114 are located between the fins 116 of the object 112. Another difference is that an array of airflow generators 110 for cooling the object 112 has been illustrated. More specifically, multiple airflow generators 110 with each airflow generator 110 having a flexible structure 120 and at least one piezoelectric structure 124 located on the flexible structure 120. The multiple airflow generators 110 are spaced from the object 112 to form a number of air space therebetween 115. While the flexible structure has been illustrated as extending over only a portion of the length of the object 112 it will be understood that the flexible structure 120 may be any suitable size including that it may extend the entire length of the object 112. Further, it will be understood that any number of piezoelectric structures 124 may be included on such flexible structure 120. Further still, the multiple airflow generators 110 may be located end-to-end between fins 116 of the object 112.
[0013] The operation of the airflow generators 110 is similar to that of the airflow generator 10 previously described such that actuation of the piezoelectric structures 124 results in movement of the flexible structures 120 to increase the volume of the multiple air space therebetween 115 to draw air in (Figure 2B) and then decrease the volume of the multiple air space therebetween 115 to push out the drawn in air (Figure 2C). In this manner, the surfaces 114 of the object 112 are cooled by the airflow created by each of the multiple airflow generators 110.
[0014] By way of further non- limiting example, Figure 3 illustrates an alternative airflow generator 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The airflow generator 210 is similar to the airflow generator 110 previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the airflow generator 110 applies to the airflow generator 210, unless otherwise noted.
[0015] One similarity is that an array of airflow generators 210 has been illustrated. One difference is that additional airflow generators 210 have been illustrated between the fins 216 of the object 212. Further, the flexible structures 220 are oriented in a different manner between surfaces 214 created by the fins 216 such that the illustrated multiple airflow generators 210 are spaced from multiple surfaces of the object 212 to define multiple air space therebetween along the multiple surfaces of the object 212. More specifically, two portions of air therebetween are created 215A and 215B. The first side 222 is spaced from a surface 214 to define a first air space therebetween 215A and a second side 223 is spaced from another surface 214 to define a second air space therebetween 215B. While, the multiple airflow generators 210 are illustrated as being located end-to-end between fins 216 of the object 212, this need not be the case. Instead, a single airflow generator could be used along all or a portion of the object or the airflow generators may be spaced along the length of the object, etc.
[0016] During operation, actuation of the piezoelectric structure 224 results in movement of the flexible structure 220 to increase and decrease the volume of the first and second air space therebetween 215A, 215B to draw air in and push out the drawn in air. More specifically, when a first voltage is applied to the piezoelectric structure 224 the flexible structure 220 may flex towards the air space therebetween 215 A this may cause air to enter the air space therebetween 215B, as shown by arrows 240, and leave the air space therebetween 215A as shown by arrows 242. When an alternating voltage is applied to the piezoelectric structure 224 the flexible structure 220 may flex towards the air space therebetween 215B and this may cause air to enter the air space therebetween 215A, as shown by arrows 240, and leave the air space therebetween 215B, as shown by arrows 242. The motion of the flexible structure 220 creates a flow of air that may be utilized in cooling multiple surfaces of the object 212. While the multiple airflow generators 210 are illustrated as flexing in the same directions at the same time, it is also contemplated that the airflow generators 210 may be actuated to flex in opposite directions and/or may be actuated at different times including that the airflow generators 210 may be actuated in series or sequentially down a length of the object 212 to move air along the object 212.
[0017] In the above embodiments, the airflow generator(s) may be mounted to the object in any suitable manner. By way of non-limiting example, multiple brackets may be used for mounting the flexible structures to the object or a structure near the object. It will be understood that the airflow generators described above may be oriented in any suitable manner with respect to the object such that the airflow generator may produce one or more flows of air that aids in cooling the object. The airflow generators may be utilized with any device that requires thermal management for heat dissipation such as electronic components that require a uniform temperature distribution due to thermal sensitivity. For example, the airflow generators may be used with both airborne, shipboard, and ground based electronics. Further, the above-described embodiments may be spaced from multiple surfaces and portions of an object to cool the multiple surfaces and portions of the object.
[0018] The embodiments described above provide a variety of benefits including that such airflow generators solve the thermal management problem of cooling electronic devices with high power dissipations, with local hot spots, or electronic components that require a uniform temperature distribution. The airflow generators described above are easy to manufacture, have low electrical draw, are lightweight, and increase component reliability. The above-described embodiments are also lighter and less expensive than contemporary airflow generators.
[0019] To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments may be used in combination with each other as desired. Some features may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments, but may be implemented if desired. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.
[0020] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best implementation, to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the devices or systems described and performing any incorporated methods presented. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

中文:
[0003]在另一个方面,本发明的实施例涉及一种用于冷却物体的空气流发生器阵列,其具有多个空气流发生器,其中各个空气流发生器具有柔性结构和位于柔性结构上的至少一个压电结构,柔性结构具有第一侧部和第二侧部,其中柔性结构的第一侧部与物体的一部分间隔开,以限定在其之间的空气空间,其中多个空气流发生器的压电结构的促动导致柔性结构移动,以增大在其之间的空气空间的容积以吸入空气,且然后减小在其之间的空气空间的容积以推出吸入的空气,使得物体被多个空气流发生器中的各个产生的空气流冷却。
[0005]图1A-1C为根据第一实施例的用于物体的空气流发生器的示意图。
[0006]图2A-2C为根据第二实施例的空气流发生器阵列的透视图。
[0007]图3A-3C为根据本发明的另一个实施例的备选空气流发生器阵列的透视图。
[0008]图1A示出空气流发生器10,其用于具有表面14的物体12。物体12可包括发热物体且可包括任何适当的发热元件或热交换元件。柔性结构20具有第一侧部22,其与物体12的一部分间隔开,其限定在其之间的空气空间15。在示出的示例中,柔性结构20被示出为柔性板,但是这不一定是这种情况。柔性结构20可由任何适当的柔性材料形成,包括铝、铜、不锈钢等。柔性结构20与物体间隔开且设置成与物体12的表面14处于大体面对的关系。不像当代的空气流发生器,柔性结构20在没有相对的柔性结构的情况下形成在其之间的空气空间15。
[0009]压电结构24(例如压电晶体)可位于柔性结构20上。在示出的示例中,压电结构24位于柔性结构20的中心处,但是这不一定是这种情况。虽然压电结构24可位于别处,但是相信将其定位在柔性结构20的中心处会增大柔性结构20的偏转。压电结构24可操作地通过连接件(未显示)联接到适当的功率源。虽然至少一个单个压电结构24可包括在柔性结构20上,但是将理解,多个压电结构可位于柔性结构上且额外的压电结构24以虚线示出,以示出这一点。将理解,任何数量的压电结构24可包括在柔性结构20上,包括单个压电结构24。如果包括多个压电结构24,则它们可构造成同时被促动。
[0010]在运行期间,压电结构24促动导致柔性结构20移动,以增大在其之间的空气空间15的容积以吸入空气,且然后减小在其之间的空气空间15的容积以推出吸入的空气,使得物体被空气流发生器10产生的空气流冷却。更具体而言,在电压被应用于压电结构24上时,柔性结构20被促使弯曲,使得其为凸形,如图1B中示出。这个偏转导致减小的分压力,这又导致空气进入在其之间的空气空间15,如箭头40示出。在相反极性的电压被应用时,柔性结构20沿相反的方向(即凹形,而非凸形)弯曲,如图1C中示出。这个动作减小在其之间的空气空间15的容积,且使空气被排出,如箭头42示出。虽然优选的是柔性结构20经过中性位置(图1A)以排出较大体积的空气,但是将理解,柔性结构20朝向中性位置返回的任何移动都将推出一些空气。压电结构24连接到可控电源(未显示),使得期望幅度和频率的交变电压可应用在压电结构24上。柔性结构20的移动产生空气流,其可用于冷却热的元件,包括物体12。设想到,柔性结构20可覆盖物体12的表面14的大部分,以协助冷却整个表面。
[0011]作为进一步非限制性示例,图2A-2C示出根据本发明的第二实施例的备选空气流发生器110。空气流发生器110类似于之前描述的空气流发生器10,并且因此相同部件将以增大了100的相同数字来标识,要理解,空气流发生器10的相同部件的描述适用于空气流发生器110,除非以别的方式提到。
[0012]一个差别在于,在示出的示例中,物体112被示出为呈散热器的形式的热交换元件,其具有若干个翅片116。表面114位于物体112的翅片116之间。另一个差别在于,示出了用于冷却物体112的成阵列的空气流发生器110。更具体而言,多个空气流发生器110,其中各个空气流发生器110具有柔性结构120和位于柔性结构120上的至少一个压电结构124。多个空气流发生器110与物体112间隔开,其形成一定数量的在其之间的空气空间115。虽然柔性结构被示出为延伸经过物体112的长度的仅一部分,但是将理解,柔性结构120可为任何适当的大小,包括其可延伸物体112的整个长度。进一步,将理解,任何数量的压电结构124可包括在这种柔性结构120上。此外,多个空气流发生器110可端对端地位于物体112的翅片116之间。
[0013]空气流发生器110的运行类似于之前描述的空气流发生器10的运行,使得压电结构124的促动导致柔性结构120移动,以增大在其之间的多个空气空间115的容积以吸入空气(图2B),且然后减小在其之间的多个空气空间115的容积以推出吸入的空气(图2C)。照这样,物体112的表面114被多个空气流发生器110中的各个产生的空气流冷却。
[0014]作为进一步非限制性示例,图3示出根据本发明的第三实施例的备选空气流发生器210。空气流发生器210类似于之前描述的空气流发生器110,且因此,相同部件以增大100的相同数字来标识,要理解,空气流发生器110的相同部件的描述适用于空气流发生器210,除非以别的方式提到。
[0015]一个类似之处在于,成阵列的空气流发生器210被示出。一个差别在于,额外的空气流发生器210被示出在物体212的翅片216之间。进一步,柔性结构220以不同的方式定向在翅片216产生的表面214之间,使得示出的多个空气流发生器210与物体212的多个表面间隔开,以沿着多个表面物体212限定在其之间的多个空气空间。更具体而言,产生在其之间的两个空气空间部分215A和215B。第一侧部222与表面214间隔开,以限定在其之间的第一空气空间215A,而第二侧部223与另一个表面214间隔开,以限定在其之间的第二空气空间215B。虽然,多个空气流发生器210被示出为端对端地位于物体212的翅片216之间,但是这不一定是这种情况。实际上,可沿着物体的全部或一部分使用单个空气流发生器,或空气流发生器可沿着物体的长度间隔开,等等。
[0016]在运行期间,压电结构224的促动导致柔性结构220移动,以增大和减小在其之间的第一和第二空气空间215A,215B的容积,以吸入空气和推出吸入的空气。更具体而言,在第一电压应用于压电结构224上时,柔性结构220可朝向在其之间的空气空间215A弯曲,这可使空气进入在其之间的空气空间215B,如箭头240所显示,且离开在其之间的空气空间215A,如箭头242显示。在交变电压应用于压电结构224上时,柔性结构220可朝向在其之间的空气空间215B弯曲,且这可使空气进入在其之间的空气空间215A,如箭头240显示,且离开在其之间的空气空间215B,如箭头242显示。柔性结构220的移动产生空气流,其可用来冷却物体212的多个表面。虽然多个空气流发生器210被示出为在相同时间沿相同方向弯曲,但是还设想到,空气流发生器210可被促动以沿相反方向弯曲且/或可在不同的时间被促动,包括空气流发生器210可沿着物体212的长度被连续或顺序地促动,以使空气沿着物体212移动。
[0017]在上面的实施例中,空气流发生器可以任何适当的方式安装到物体上。作为非限制性示例,多个支架可用于将柔性结构安装到物体上或物体附近的结构上。将理解,上面描述的空气流发生器可以任何适当的方式相对于物体定向,使得空气流发生器可产生协助冷却物体的一个或多个空气流。空气流发生器可用于需要热管理以进行散热的任何装置,诸如由于热敏感性而需要均匀的温度分布的电子构件。例如,空气流发生器可用于飞机上、船上和基于地面的电子器件。进一步,上面描述的实施例可与物体的多个表面和部分间隔开,以冷却物体的多个表面和部分。
[0018]上面描述的实施例提供多种益处,包括这种空气流发生器解决了冷却具有高功率消耗且具有局部热点的电子装置或需要均匀的温度分布的电子构件的热管理问题。上面描述的空气流发生器易于制造,具有低的电消耗,重量轻且增大构件可靠性。上面描述的实施例还比当代空气流发生器更轻且没那么昂贵。
[0019]关于未描述的内容,各种实施例的不同的特征和结构可如期望的那样彼此结合起来使用。一些特征可能未示出在所有实施例中,但是如果期望的话,可进行实施。因而,不同实施例的各种特征可如期望的那样混合和匹配,以形成新的实施例,不管新的实施例是否被明确地描述。本文描述的特征的所有组合或置换都被本公开所覆盖。
[0020]本书面描述使用示例来公开本发明,包括最佳实施方式,并且还使本领域任何技术人员能够实践本发明,包括制造和使用描述的装置或系统,以及实行提供的任何结合的方法。本发明的可取得专利的范围由权利要求限定,并且可包括本领域技术人员想到的其它示例。如果这样的其它示例具有不异于权利要求的字面语言的结构要素,或者如果它们包括与权利要求的字面语言无实质性差异的等效结构要素,则它们意于处在权利要求的范围之内。