PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8305728-B2
Application Number: US-82742110-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Methods and apparatus for cooling electronic devices

Abstract:
Embodiments provide various apparatus and techniques for deflecting or redirecting a flow of ionized air generated from an ionic wind generator. In general, a deflection field generator can be located proximate to the path of the flow of ionized air. The deflection field generator is configured to generate an electromagnetic field, which deflects a least a portion of the flow of ionized air to a different path and may possibly increase local heat transfer.

Claims:
1. A processing device comprising:
 an ionic wind generator configured to generate a flow of ionized air along a path; and 
 a deflection field generator located proximate the path of the flow, the deflection field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field that deflects at least a portion of the flow of the ionized air to a different path. 
 
     
     
       2. The processing device of  claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic field exerts a Lorentz force on the at least the portion of the flow of the ionized air. 
     
     
       3. The processing device of  claim 1 , wherein the processing device comprises an enclosure having a vent, and wherein the vent is located in the path of the flow. 
     
     
       4. The processing device of  claim 1 , wherein the processing device comprises an enclosure having a first vent and a second vent, and wherein the first vent is located in the path of the flow and the second vent is located in the different path of the flow. 
     
     
       5. The processing device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is located proximate the path and the second component is located proximate the different path. 
     
     
       6. The processing device of  claim 5 , wherein the at least the portion of the flow is deflected to cool the second component. 
     
     
       7. A processing device comprising:
 a first component; 
 a second component; 
 an ionic wind generator configured to generate a flow of ionized air towards the first component; 
 a deflection field generator located between the ionic wind generator and the first component; and 
 a controller connected to the deflection field generator, the controller to activate the deflection field generator to generate an electromagnetic field that redirects at least a portion of the flow of the ionized air towards the second component. 
 
     
     
       8. The processing device of  claim 7 , further comprising a temperature sensor connected to the controller, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to sense a temperature of the second component, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the deflection field generator if the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature. 
     
     
       9. The processing device of  claim 7 , further comprising a power consumption sensor connected to the controller, wherein the power consumption sensor is configured to sense a power consumed by the second component, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the deflection field generator if the power exceeds a threshold power. 
     
     
       10. The processing device of  claim 7 , wherein the first component is a central processing unit. 
     
     
       11. The processing device of  claim 7 , wherein the second component is a graphics processing unit. 
     
     
       12. A method of redirecting a flow of ionized air along a path from an ionic wind generator, the method comprising:
 monitoring an parameter of a processing device; and 
 activating a deflection field generator in reference to a threshold associated with the parameter, the activation of the deflection field generator generating an electromagnetic field that redirects at least a portion of the flow of the ionized air towards a different path. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , further comprising detecting the parameter to exceed the threshold. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , further comprising detecting the parameter to fall below the threshold. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the parameter is a temperature of a component included in the processing device, and wherein the threshold is a threshold temperature. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the parameter is a temperature of a region of the processing device, and wherein the threshold is a threshold temperature. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the parameter is a power consumption of a component included in the processing device, and wherein the parameter is a threshold power. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 12 , further comprising modulating the deflection field generator to vary the electromagnetic field with time.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to new methods and apparatus for cooling electronic devices, and more particularly, relates to methods and apparatuses for cooling the electronic devices by deflecting a flow of ionized air generated by an ionic wind generator. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many modern electronic systems generate a large amount of heat, and a variety of different cooling mechanisms may be used to cool these electronic systems. For personal electronic systems, such as computers and other relatively transportable electronic systems, the cooling devices in use today are primarily mechanically-based devices, such as electric fans and heat sinks. A cooling device that has been proposed for use in such systems is an ionic wind generator, which generates airflow based on the ionization of air molecules. A limitation of currently-proposed ionic wind generator cooling systems for such devices (and for other conventional cooling devices as well) is that the generated airflow, from a first electrode toward a second electrode is limited to a linear path which is essentially static, and thus can only cool a specific region of an electronic system; particularly, only the regions that are in, or immediately adjacent, the path of the airflow can be cooled. 
     While the size, placement, and relative orientation of the two electrodes can be established to provide a linear path of a desired direction and dimension so as to provide a selected degree of airflow-based cooling in that region; such systems inherently involve compromises in terms of either performance or cooling capability. For example, because of the fixed path, the ionic wind generator cooling systems must be designed to provide airflow of a sufficient dimension, and in a sufficient amount, to meet all foreseeable cooling needs. However, as can be seen from the example of a computer system (such as, for example, a laptop computer), there may be substantial differences in the usage of the processors and other heat sources in the computer at different times, and thus a cooling system designed to meet the highest-level cooling needs may be using more power than would be necessary at times of relatively lower level cooling needs. Additionally, some components within the example laptop computer may not always be in substantial use, such as a graphics processor, that exacerbate heat generation. Thus, airflow directed to such a component when it is not heavily used, and is thus generating little heat, again is requiring a greater energy budget that would be otherwise required. 
     Thus, the limitations of such currently proposed ionic wind generator cooling systems for many electronic devices are limited relative to the variable cooling needs of many such systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure identifies as various embodiments of methods and apparatus for deflecting or redirecting a flow of ionized air, such as that generated by an ionic wind generator. As will be described in more detail later herein, in the embodiments described herein, a deflection field is generated proximate the path of the flow of ionized air, and is used to deflect at least some portion of the path of the flow of the ionized air to a different path. In some embodiments, the deflection field is established by a deflection field generator that is configured to generate an electric field and/or a magnetic field, sufficient to deflect at least a portion of the flow of ionized air to a different path. In some examples, the deflection field may be used essentially continuously to deflect at least a portion of the ionized airflow. However, many other contemplated examples of the invention include a deflection field generator which is selectively controllable to provide some deflection of the airflow to the alternate path. 
     In some cases, this selective control will be in response to one or more monitored parameters. As just one example of such selective control, a parameter of a processing device (as defined later herein) may be monitored and the deflection field generator may be activated in reference to some threshold associated with the parameter. For example, in monitoring a temperature of a particular component in the processing device, the temperature may be detected to meet or exceed a certain threshold temperature. As a result, the deflection field generator is activated to deflect or redirect at least a portion of the flow of ionized air to provide additional cooling proximate the particular component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a diagram illustrating the generation of airflow by an ionic wind pump; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict diagrams illustrating the use of a deflection field generator to deflect a flow of ionized air, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a flow diagram of a general overview of a method, in accordance with an embodiment, for defecting a flow of ionized air towards a different path; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict schematic diagrams illustrating an ionic wind generator as implemented in a processing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict schematic diagrams illustrating an ionic wind generator implemented in a different processing device, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict schematic diagrams illustrating an ionic wind generator implemented in another processing device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  depicts a simplified block diagram of a machine in the example form of a processing device within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows includes illustrative systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences, and computing machine program products that embody the present invention. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the inventive subject matter. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In general, well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail. 
     It should be appreciated that for the purposes of this specification, a “processing device” as described herein, refers to a device using one or more processors, microcontrollers, and/or digital signal processors having the capability of running a “program,” which is a set of executable machine code. A program includes user-level applications as well as system-directed applications or daemons. Processing devices include communication and electronic devices such as cell phones, media players, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDA); as well as computers, or “computing devices” of all forms (desktops, laptops, servers, palmtops, tablets, and other computing devices). 
       FIG. 1  depicts a diagram illustrating the generation of airflow by an ionic wind generator  100 . The basic operating principle of the ionic wind generator  100  is based on corona discharge—an electrical discharge near a charged conductor caused by the ionization of the surrounding air. As depicted, the example of the ionic wind generator  100  includes a corona electrode  102 , a collector electrode  104 , and a high voltage power supply  106  connected to both the corona electrode  102  and the collector electrode  104 . 
     The high voltage power supply  106  is configured to apply a voltage between the corona electrode  102  and the collector electrode  104  to create a high electric field gradient at the corona electrode  102 . This high electric field gradient causes particles in the air (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen molecules) to become ionized (to become charged), and therefore creates a corona or halo of charged particles  110 . An electric field propels the charged particles  110 , which transfer momentum to neutral air particles  108  by way of collisions, resulting in bulk air movement towards the collector electrode  104 . It should be appreciated that the ionic wind generator  100  has little or no moving parts, thereby possibly resulting in improved reliability and reduced noise level when compared to conventional cooling devices with moving parts, such as fans. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict diagrams illustrating the use of a deflection field generator to deflect a flow  280  of ionized air, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 2A , an ionic wind generator  202  is configured to generate a flow  280  of ionized air along path  204 . A “path” refers to a course along which ionized air traverses or flows. The ionized air depicted in  FIG. 2A  flows along a relatively straight path  204  that is defined along a continuous, straight line  226  that connects two reference points  221  and  222 , one of which (reference point  221 ) is located proximate to the ionic wind generator  202  and the other of which (reference point  222 ) is located on the continuous line  226  at a distance away from the reference point  221 . 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the flow of ionized air can be deflected or redirected to flow along a different path. As depicted in  FIG. 2B , the deflection field generator  208  may be located proximate the path  204  of the flow  280 . The deflection field generator  208  is a component or device that can generate a field  210  in the form of an electric field and/or a magnetic field. An example of the deflection field generator  208  is a permanent magnet, which is a magnetized material that creates its own persistent magnetic field. Another example of a deflection field generator  208  is an electromagnet, wherein an electrical current is used to generate an electromagnetic field  210 , which includes both an electric field and/or a magnetic field. It should be appreciated that generally, electric and magnetic fields are not completely separate phenomena; what one observer perceives as an electric field, another observer in a different frame of reference may perceive the same field as a mixture of electric and magnetic fields. 
     For purposes of illustration, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the context of an electromagnetic field that generates a Lorentz force that may be used to deflect the flow of ionized air. The Lorentz force (F) is expressed by:
 
   F =q (   E + v × B   )  Eq. 1
 
Where;
 
     q is the charge of an ionized particle, 
       E  is an applied electric field, 
       v  is a velocity of an ionized particle, and 
       B  is an applied magnetic field. 
     As expressed in Equation 1 above, the electric field  E , the magnetic field  B  (static or dynamic), or both the electric field and the magnetic field can exert a Lorentz force  F  on an ionized particle to change the direction of motion of the ionized particle. The electromagnetic field  210  generated by the deflection field generator  208  can be constant or selectively varied. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2B , the deflection field generator  208  is located proximate the path  204  of the flow  280  and may be activated to generate an electromagnetic field  210  (magnetic and/or electric field), which results in the application of a Lorentz force on the flow  280  of ionized air. The generated electromagnetic field  210  therefore deflects or redirects a portion of the flow  280  of the ionized air from the original path  204  to a different path  206  heading towards a different direction from the original path  204 . The magnitude of the deflection is exaggerated here for illustrative purposes. This different path  206  is defined along a continuous curve  227  between reference points  221  and  223 . For this path  206  to be different from path  204 , the reference point  223  at one point of the path  206  is located at a different location from the reference point  222  at one endpoint of the path  204 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and as indicated in  FIG. 1 , the flow of ionized air will be from ionic wind generator  202  toward one or more collector electrodes  280  and  281 . Accordingly, notwithstanding the deflection of some of the airflow from the original path  204  to the deflection path  206 , both paths  204  and  206  will eventually extend to the collector electrodes  280  and  281 , respectively, in the system. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a flow diagram of a general overview of a method  300 , in accordance with an embodiment, for deflecting a flow of ionized air towards a different path. As noted previously, the deflection of the ionized air flow can be selectively controlled, in some examples, that control can be in response to one or more monitored parameters. An example of one such method is described in reference to  FIG. 3 . The method  300 , in various embodiments, may be implemented either by hardware or by software executed on a processor, a controller, or other controlling devices employed within a processing device, as explained in more detail below. At  302 , a parameter of a processing device is monitored. As used herein, a “parameter” refers to a property or characteristic of an area or component of the processing device that can be sensed or monitored through use that appropriate sensor and associated circuitry or processing. Examples of parameters include a temperature of a component, a temperature of a particular region of a processing device, a power consumption of a component, a power consumption of the processing device; and further include any other parameter that might beneficially be monitored to provide data input useful in regulating the cooling system of the processing device. 
     In monitoring the parameters, detection may be made at  304  that the parameter exceeds or falls below a certain threshold. For example, if the parameter is a temperature of the component, the threshold may be either an upper temperature threshold or a lower temperature threshold. In another example, if the parameter is a power consumption of a component, the threshold may be either an upper threshold power or a lower threshold power. Depending on the type of application, the detection at  304  may be limited to detecting whether the particular parameter being monitored meets or exceeds a certain threshold. Alternatively, the detection at  304  may be limited to detecting whether the particular parameter being monitored falls below a certain threshold. The detection at  304  may also be limited to detecting whether the particular parameter matches a certain threshold. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the deflection field generator is activated at  306  in reference to the threshold defined above. That is, the deflection field generator may be activated if, for example, the parameter is detected to exceed a certain threshold. Alternatively, the deflection field generator may be activated if the parameter is detected to fall below a certain threshold. The activation of the deflection field generator may be implemented in any desired manner, for example, by supplying electrical current to the deflection field generator, or by actuating any other triggers or mechanisms that cause the deflection field generator to generate an electromagnetic field. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict schematic diagrams illustrating an ionic wind generator as implemented in a processing device  400 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the processing device  400  includes an ionic wind generator  202 , a controller  420 , a graphics processing unit (GPU)  406 , a central processing unit (CPU)  404 , and a deflection field generator  208 . The processing device  400  also includes temperature sensors  407  and  405  that are configured to sense the temperatures of the graphics processing unit  406  and central processing unit  404 , respectively. The control functionality for actuating the ionic wind generator can be implemented by a field generator control module  401 . Where the field generator control module  401  includes firmware or software instructions, those instructions may be processed by the controller  420 . Additionally, an enclosure of the processing device  400  includes vents  440  and  441  proximate to the graphics processing unit  406  and central processing unit  404 , respectively. 
     In  FIG. 4A , the ionic wind generator  202  generates a flow of ionized air along a path  450  towards the central processing unit  404 , thereby cooling the central processing unit  404 . The vent  441  is also located in the path  450  of the flow to serve as an outlet for heat generated by the central processing unit  404  as carried by the flow of ionized air. The deflection field generator  208  is located proximate to the path  450  of the flow and is in an inactive state. The field generator control module  401 , as processed by the controller  420 , monitors the temperatures of the graphics processing unit  406  and the central processing unit  404  by way of the temperature sensors  407  and  405 , respectively. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4B , if the field generator control module  401  detects that the temperature of the graphics processing unit  406  exceeds a certain threshold temperature, the field generator control module  401  activates the deflection field generator  208 , which generates an electromagnetic field  210 , to redirect a portion of the flow towards the graphics processing unit  406 . In other words, this electromagnetic field  210  deflects at least a portion of the ionized air flow to a different path  452  directed towards the graphics processing unit  406 , thereby cooling the graphics processing unit  406 . The vent  440  is also located in this different path  452  of the flow to serve as an outlet for heat generated by the graphics processing unit  406  as carried by the flow of ionized air. 
     The strength of the electromagnetic field  210  generated by the ionic wind generator  202  depends on a variety of factors specific to the application. Examples of such factors include the amount of ionized air that is to be deflected, the distance between the ionic wind generator  202  and the deflection field generator  208 , the proximity of the deflection field generator  208  to the path  450  and/or path  252 , the density of particles in the air, and a variety of other factors. Still, as an example, the deflection field generator  208  may generate a magnetic field in the range of 0.001 to 10e 11  gauss to deflect 0.005 to 20 cubic feet/minute of ionized air. 
     The path  452  may also be redirected to flow in a different direction based on the location of the deflection field generator  208 , the strength of the electromagnetic field  210 , and the geometry of the electromagnetic field  210 . For example, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4B , the path  452  may be deflected downwards below the central processing unit  404  by locating the deflection field generator  208  closer to the graphics processing unit  406 . Alternatively, multiple deflection field generators may be placed proximate to a path  450  or  452  to change its curvature. 
     In this embodiment, a component to be cooled (e.g., CPU  405  or CPU  407 ) can itself function as a collector electrode by applying a suitable voltage between the ionic wind pump  202  and the component. Accordingly, the component draws bulk air movement from the ionic wind pump  202  towards itself. In an alternate embodiment, one or more collector electrodes may be located proximate to the paths  450  and  452  to draw bulk air movement towards the CPU  405  and/or CPU  407 . 
     It should be appreciated that the processing device  400  may include more or different components apart from the graphics processing unit  406  and the central processing unit  404  shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , and the ionic wind generator  202  may be configured to cool these other components. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the graphics processing unit  406  and/or the central processing unit may be interchanged with other components of the processing device  400 . Examples of other components that can be cooled by the ionic wind generator  202  include heat sinks, power sources (batteries), transformers, storage devices, and other components. 
     Additionally, the field generator control module  401  may include instructions in either software or firmware that are processed by a processor, such as the central processing unit  404 . In another example, the field generator control module  401  may be implemented by Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), which may be integrated into a circuit board. Alternatively, the field generator control module  401  may be in the form of one or more logic blocks included in a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array). The described modules may be adapted, and/or additional structures may be provided, to provide alternative or additional functionalities beyond those specifically discussed in reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , some of which will be discussed in more detail below. The modifications or additions to the structure of the field generator control module  401  to implement these alternative or additional functionalities will be implementable by those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present specification and teachings. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict schematic diagrams illustrating an ionic wind generator  202  implemented in a different processing device  500 , in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , this embodiment of the processing device  500  includes an ionic wind generator  202 , a controller  420 , a deflection field generator  208 , temperature sensors  507  and  505 , and various components  520 . Additionally, a field generator control module  401  is processed by the controller  420 . 
     In  FIG. 5A , the temperature sensors  505  and  507  are not configured to sense temperatures of any particular component  520  included in the processing device  500 . Rather, the temperature sensors  505  and  507  are located within the processing device  500  to detect temperatures of specific regions  560  and  561 . As used herein, a “region” of the processing device  500  refers to a space, area, or portion of the processing device  500 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the temperature sensor  507  is located within or proximate to region  561  to sense a temperature of the region  561 . Similarly, the temperature sensor  505  is located within or proximate to region  560  to sense a temperature of the region  560 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the regions  560  and  561  may not have precise boundaries and are therefore illustrated using cloud shapes. However, in other embodiments, the regions  560  and  561  may have boundaries that are more precise if the processing device  500  includes specific sections, as may be defined by one or more physical barriers, that thermally isolate one section from another section. 
     In  FIG. 5A , the ionic wind generator  202  generates a flow of ionized air along a path  550  towards the region  560 , thereby cooling the region  560 . The deflection field generator  208  is located proximate to the path  550  of the flow and is in an inactive state. The field generator control module  401  monitors the temperatures of regions  560  and  561  by way of the temperature sensors  505  and  507 . As depicted in  FIG. 5B , if the field generator control module  401  detects that the temperature of the region  561  exceeds a certain threshold temperature, the field generator control module  401  activates the deflection field generator  208 , which generates an electromagnetic field  210 . This electromagnetic field  210  deflects at least a portion of the ionized air flow to a different path  551  towards the region  561 , thereby cooling the region  561 . 
     It should be noted that in an embodiment, an enclosure of the processing device  500  may include vents (not shown) that allow the ionized air to flow away from the processing device  500 . For example, the processing device  500  may include vents located in the path of the flow or proximate to regions  560  and  561 . As a result, the flow of ionized air along paths  550  and  551  can exit through their respective vents. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict schematic diagrams illustrating an ionic wind generator  202  implemented in another processing device  600 , in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , this alternate embodiment of the processing device  500  includes an ionic wind generator  202 , a graphics processing unit  406 , a central processing unit  404 , and a deflection field generator  208 . Additionally included in the processing device  600  are power consumption sensors  660  and  661  that sense the power consumptions of the graphics processing unit  406  and the central processing unit  404 , respectively. A power meter is an example of such a power consumption sensor  660  or  661 . 
     In  FIG. 6A , the ionic wind generator  202  generates a flow of ionized air along a path  650  towards the central processing unit  404 , thereby cooling the central processing unit  404 . Similarly, the deflection field generator  208  is located in the path  650  of the flow and is in an inactive state. In this embodiment, a software application provides instructions to central processing unit  404  to monitor the individual power consumption of the graphics processing unit  406  and the central processing unit  404 . As depicted in  FIG. 6B , if the software application detects that the power consumption of the graphics processing unit  406  exceeds a certain threshold power, the software application activates the deflection field generator  208 , which generates an electromagnetic field  210 . This electromagnetic field  210  deflects at least a portion of the ionized air flow to a different path  652  directed towards the graphics processing unit  406 , thereby cooling the graphics processing unit  406 , which may be drawing more power and therefore, may need increased cooling. 
     In one embodiment, the deflection field generator  208  can also be modulated to vary the electromagnetic field  210  with time. In general, fluid flow over a solid surface, such as a surface of the CPU  404 , the GPU  406 , or other components, develops a boundary layer, which is characterized by a “no slip” condition (or zero fluid velocity) at the surface and the mean free stream velocity at the outer reaches from the surface. Such a boundary layer thickness is characterized by a distance from the surface where, for example, a local velocity is 0.99 of the mean free stream velocity. A general characteristic of this boundary layer is that it grows in thickness in the direction of the flow. Similarly, convection heat transfer from a solid surface also has a thermal boundary layer that grows in thickness, but varies based on boundary conditions such as uniform surface temperature, uniform wall flux, and other conditions. For a uniformly heated surface, the heat transfer for one dimensional steady state laminar flow at any point X can be represented as: 
                     Nu   x     ≈     0.332   ⁢     Pr     1   3       ⁢     Re     x     1   2                   Eq   .           ⁢   2               
where Nu X  is the Nusselt number at position X, Pr is the Prandtl number, and the Re X  is the Reynolds number at distance X. The Nusselt number can also be expressed as:
 
                   Nu   =     hx   k             Eq   .           ⁢   3               
where hx is the heat transfer coefficient and k is the thermal conductivity. According to Equations 2 and 3, the heat transfer coefficient hx has roughly an inverse relationship to distance X, which is the distance in the direction of flow from a leading edge of a surface.
 
     To minimize or eliminate the thermal boundary layer over a surface of a component, the deflection field generator  208  can be modulated to create a time-varying electromagnetic field  210 . The deflection field generator  208  can be modulated by varying the waveform of the current supplied to the deflection field generator  208 . The resulting time-varying electromagnetic field  210  also causes the flow of ionized air along paths  650  and/or  652  to modulate. Such modulation of the flow of ionized air disturbs the flow such that more numerous and shorter length (and hence thinner) thermal boundary layers may be established along a surface of a component in the flow direction. Particularly, the time-varying electromagnetic field  210  disturbs the flow of ionized air by introducing, for example, eddy currents, turbulent flows, two and three dimensional local currents, and/or non-steady state flows. As a result of the modulation, the local heat transfer convection coefficient of the ionized air may be higher over a cooling surface area of a component, thereby possibly increasing local heat transfer. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a simplified block diagram of a machine in the example form of a processing device  700  within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. While only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. 
     The example of the processing device  700  includes a processor  702  (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit or both), main system memory  704  and static memory  706 , which communicate with each other via bus  708 . The processing device  700  may further include video display unit  710  (e.g., a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), a user interface (UI) navigation device  714  (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit  716 , a signal generation device  718  (e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device  720 . 
     The disk drive unit  716  includes machine-readable medium  722  on which is stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., software  724 ) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Software  724  may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main system memory  704  and/or within the processor  702  during execution thereof by the processing device  700 , with the main system memory  704  and the processor  702  also constituting machine-readable, tangible media. 
     While machine-readable medium  722  is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present application, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such a set of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals. 
     Certain systems, apparatus or processes are described herein as being implemented in one or more “modules.” As used herein, a “module” is a unit of distinct functionality that is performed through software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. When the functionality of a module is performed in any part through software or firmware, the module includes at least one machine readable medium bearing instructions that when executed by one or more processors, performs that portion of the functionality implemented in software or firmware. 
     While the invention(s) is (are) described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention(s) is not limited to them. In general, the techniques for deflecting an ionized air stream can be implemented with other specific systems consistent with the hardware systems described herein. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. 
     Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundaries between various components, operations, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of the invention(s). In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the invention(s).

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100630
Publication Date: 20121106
Grant Date: 20121106
Priority Date: 20100630
Inventors: LEE JEAN L.
BLANCO, JR. RICHARD LIDIO
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01L23/467", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F28F13/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/467", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/0002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F28F27/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01T23/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01T23/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L2924/0002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F28F13/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F28F27/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 45399577