AIRFLOW SENSOR FOR FILTER BLOCKAGE DETECTION
First Claim
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1. A thermal management system comprising:
- an active airflow sensor that measures airflow in an air path inside an enclosure to be cooled, wherein the air path includes a filter and a fan; and
a controller responsive to the airflow sensor for monitoring the rate of airflow inside the enclosure and determining the condition of the filter.
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Abstract
A thermal management system includes an airflow sensor that measures airflow in an air path inside an enclosure to be cooled, wherein the air path includes a filter and a fan. A controller is responsive to the airflow sensor for monitoring the rate of airflow inside the enclosure and determining the condition of the filter. In one embodiment, the airflow sensor is an active type sensor, such as a thermistor, disposed on circuit boards. In further embodiments, the airflow sensor is disposed proximate a tube through the filter.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A thermal management system comprising:
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an active airflow sensor that measures airflow in an air path inside an enclosure to be cooled, wherein the air path includes a filter and a fan; and a controller responsive to the airflow sensor for monitoring the rate of airflow inside the enclosure and determining the condition of the filter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A thermal management system comprising:
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an airflow path inside an enclosure to be cooled, wherein the air path includes a filter and a fan; an airflow sensor disposed within the filter; and a controller responsive to the airflow sensor for monitoring the rate of airflow inside the enclosure and determining the condition of the filter. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A thermal management system for electronic components in an enclosure, the system comprising:
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means for measuring airflow in an air path inside the enclosure to be cooled, wherein the air path includes a filter and a fan; and means for monitoring the rate of airflow inside the enclosure and determining the condition of the filter.
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20. A method comprising:
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measuring airflow in an air path inside the enclosure to be cooled, wherein the air path includes a filter and a fan; monitoring the rate of airflow inside the enclosure; and determining the condition of the filter.
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21. A filter for and air path of an enclosure to be cooled by moving air, the filter comprising:
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an active airflow sensor that provides a signal representative of airflow through the filter; and a controller responsive to the airflow sensor for monitoring the rate of airflow inside the enclosure and determining the condition of the filter.
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22. A filter for and air path of an enclosure to be cooled by moving air, the filter comprising:
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a filter assembly formed to fit in the air path of the enclosure; a first sensor supported by the filter assembly that detects a difference in pressure across the filter; a second sensor supported by the filter assembly that detects airflow through the filter; and a controller supported by the filter assembly responsive to the first and second sensors for monitoring the rate of airflow inside the enclosure and determining the condition of the filter.
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Specification