Alienware Thermal Vents

[chiropractor345]

Hello, I have a question regarding the latest model of Alienware desktops. I am designing a completely custom case for a college course. I had the idea of fins on the top of the case that would open and close, very similar to the alienware design. However, I do not have a case on hand to look at. Does anybody with (or without) a new alienware case have any insight into how the vents are powered. Is each fan powered individually, they are connected by a pulley etc..

Pics would be lovely, but words are great too. My current plan would be to implement a pulley system, but if people have other ideas, im welcome to those as well.

 

[Motopsychojdn]

I'm flagging this because theres a similar idea somewere, I'll try and find it
Moto
nope, I can't find the one I was after, This guy has some neat ideas though, especially concerning motors...
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/325313-13-work-project-scorpio

 

[Chainzsaw]

I am not entirely 100% sure, but I think the Alienware use Servo's to drive the heat vents.

Take a look here:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23156

and here:

http://www.hardocp.com/news/2010/10/12/dude_mods_powered_vents_into_his_case

Someone already modded their case to have a vent with servos.

Sounds like a great idea for a mod.

 

[6_5x47lapua]

the most logical approach is to have a single servo on one fin, and have the power distributed to the others via small rods that pivot at each end, much like a car's AC vent.

on the far left, see the little rods in the back? as the center fin is moved, the others move in sync.

 

[6_5x47lapua]

go look at your car for help if you need

 

[chiropractor345]

Thanks everybody, especially chainzsaw. The information is great, and has given me a bunch of ideas. Thanks!

 

[Chainzsaw]

Thanks everybody, especially chainzsaw. The information is great, and has given me a bunch of ideas. Thanks!

Hey no problem. I just wish I had the inclination/know how to do a mod like that.

Edit: If you ever get it going - maybe you could post your mod here in the future? That would be really cool and probably help a lot of people who want to try something like this. Maybe even a little build guide or something.

 

[chiropractor345]

I'd be happy too. I am starting this project for a Computer Aided Design course at school, so I will be starting with just creating a computer model (I will post pictures when it is completed). Then hopefully I can start over the summer. I will be relying on some of the machines at school however, so It wont be finished until i can return to school next fall.

 

[6_5x47lapua]

its a very cool project, hope it works out for you.

 

[chiropractor345]

Best answer selected by chiropractor345.