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System and method for thermal management using distributed synthetic jet actuatorsRelated Patent Categories: Heat Exchange, With Retainer For Removable Article, Electrical Component, Air Cooled, Including FinsSystem and method for thermal management using distributed synthetic jet actuators description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060196638, System and method for thermal management using distributed synthetic jet actuators. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention is generally related to thermal management technology and, more particularly, is related to a system and method for cooling heat-producing bodies or components using distributed synthetic jet actuators. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Cooling of heat-producing bodies is a concern in many different technologies. Particularly in microprocessors, the rise in heat dissipation levels accompanied by a shrinking thermal budget has resulted in the need for new cooling solutions beyond conventional thermal management techniques. Moreover, there is a greatly increased demand for effective thermal management strategies to be used within small handheld devices, such as portable digital assistants (PDA's), mobile phones, portable CD players, and similar consumer products. Indeed, thermal management is a major challenge in the design and packaging of state-of-the-art integrated circuits in single-chip and multi-chip modules. [0003] Traditionally, the need for cooling large microelectronic devices has been met by using forced convection air cooling techniques. Forced convection can be implemented either with or without heat sinks. Conventionally, fans are employed to provide either global cooling or local cooling. [0004] Fans are capable of supplying ample volume flow rate, but there are several distinct disadvantages to using a fan. Fans are relatively inefficient in terms of the heat removed for a given volume flow rate. In addition, the use of fans to globally or locally cool a heated environment often results in electromagnetic interference and noise generated by the magnetic-based fan motor. Use of a fan also requires a relatively large number of moving parts in order to have any success in cooling a heated body or microelectronic component. For this or other reasons, fans may be hindered by long-term reliability. [0005] Mobile applications introduce the added complication of space constraints that might be difficult to achieve with fans, while at the same time increased thermal management requirements have necessitated larger fans driving higher flow rates. Since the power dissipation requirements have necessitated placing fans directly on the heat sink in some instances, the associated noise levels due to the flow-structure interaction have become an additional concern. [0006] In some instances, as in handhelds like portable digital assistants ("PDAs"), cell phones, etc., the need for thermal management has been met by employing a strategy of spreading the heat produced through the use of heat spreaders to the outer shell of the handheld. Subsequently, the heat generated is dissipated though the outer shell, or skin, of the device via natural convection. [0007] While these approaches are common, they offer certain drawbacks that will be exacerbated as new products that produce even more heat are developed. The difficulty with the heat spreading strategy is simply that it is often ineffective at removing adequate quantities of heat. Additionally, the heat dissipated may result in raising the temperature of the casing of the handheld device, which is not desirable from a consumer use ergonomic standpoint. [0008] In an effort to remedy some of the limitations of previous cooling techniques, the use of synthetic or "zero-net-mass-flux" jet actuators in thermal management has been explored. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,145 discusses the use of synthetic jet actuators for use in cooling. U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,145 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. Unlike conventional jets, synthetic jet actuators require no mass addition to the system, and thus provide a compact way of efficiently directing airflow across a heated surface. Because the jet streams are generated entirely from the ambient fluid, they can be conveniently integrated without the need for complex plumbing. [0009] As a further example of the development of thermal management techniques with synthetic jet actuators, Glezer and Mahalingam developed an apparatus and device for channel cooling. This apparatus and method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,497, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. [0010] While the techniques described in the afore-mentioned U.S. patents solve some of the limitations in the industry, there is an ever-increasing need for improving even the aforementioned techniques. For example, there is a need for a more effective, efficient, or compact synthetic jet actuator. It is desirable to have a more compact cooling device. On the other hand, there is also a need to distribute the cooling flow to far-reaching parts of a heated environment. [0011] Thus, a heretoforeunaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for thermal management in various environments. More specifically, the present embodiments include devices for cooling an area or device through the use of synthetic jet actuators in a distributed cooling apparatus. [0013] Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the device, among others, can be implemented as a device for thermal management comprising a synthetic jet actuator and a channel. The channel of this exemplary embodiment typically comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being positioned adjacent to the synthetic jet actuator. Operation of the synthetic jet actuator preferably causes a synthetic jet stream to form at the distal end of the channel. Of course, the synthetic jet stream may also form at the proximal end of the channel. [0014] The synthetic jet actuator of this or other exemplary embodiments, though not required, may comprise a housing defining an internal chamber and having at least one orifice in a wall of the housing. The synthetic jet actuator of this embodiment also preferably comprises a device for changing the volume of the internal chamber, wherein the volume changing device is preferably positioned adjacent to the housing. In some embodiments, the device for changing the volume may actually make up a portion of the synthetic jet actuator housing. For example, the volume changing device of some exemplary embodiments comprises a flexible diaphragm forming a portion of the synthetic jet actuator housing. [0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the channel is comprised of one or more tubes connected to an external surface of a wall of the synthetic jet actuator housing. In these exemplary embodiments the tube (or tubes) typically encloses at least a portion of a synthetic jet actuator orifice. [0016] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [0018] FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a first exemplary embodiment zero net mass flux synthetic jet actuator with a control system. [0019] FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the synthetic jet actuator of FIG. 1A depicting the jet as the control system causes the diaphragm to travel inward, toward the orifice. [0020] FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the synthetic jet actuator of FIG. 1A depicting the jet as the control system causes the diaphragm to travel outward, away from the orifice. Continue reading about System and method for thermal management using distributed synthetic jet actuators... 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