Method and apparatus for clearing obstructions from computer system cooling fans
First Claim
1. A method of attempting to remove an obstruction from a computer system fan comprising:
- detecting a fan obstruction; and
attempting to clear the fan obstruction by altering rotation of the computer system fan.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An obstruction is removed from a computer system cooling fan by manipulating fan rotation. When a fan obstruction is detected, the fan is stopped. If the obstruction is caused by an object that was drawn toward the fan intake, such as a sheet of paper, this operation may clear the obstruction. The fan may also be reversed to attempt to blow the obstruction clear of the fan. Thereafter, the fan is returned to normal operation and is monitored to determine whether the obstruction was removed. If the fan is still obstructed, these steps can be repeated. If the attempts to clear the obstruction are unsuccessful, then the computer system operator or management software can be signaled.
47 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of attempting to remove an obstruction from a computer system fan comprising:
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detecting a fan obstruction; and
attempting to clear the fan obstruction by altering rotation of the computer system fan. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer system comprising:
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a CPU;
a fan proximate the CPU, for cooling the CPU;
a sensor configured to detect a fan obstruction; and
a fan monitoring and control unit coupled to the fan and the sensor, wherein the fan monitoring unit detects a fan obstruction based on a signal from the sensor, and attempts to clear the obstruction by altering rotation of the fan. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A computer system comprising:
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a case;
a CPU within the case;
a fan positioned to remove warm air from the case;
a sensor configured to detect a fan obstruction; and
a fan monitoring and control unit coupled to the fan and the sensor, wherein the fan monitoring unit detects a fan obstruction based on a signal from the sensor, and attempts to clear the obstruction by altering rotation of the fan. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification