Device and method for enhancing air cooling of electrical and mechanical systems

Abstract

The disclosed concept includes a cooling device and method for enhancing cooling in an electrical or mechanical system. The system includes air therein for cooling the system. The cooling device includes a flexible elongated member having an inner core and an outer cover. The inner core is constructed of a batting material and the outer cover is constructed of a cloth material. The outer cover is at least partially sealed such that the inner core is contained within the outer cover. The flexible elongated member is positioned within a particular portion of the electrical or mechanical system and is utilized to form at least one air seal such that air is diverted away from an unintended path and toward an intended path for use in enhancing the cooling of an area wherein cooling is needed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cooling device for enhancing cooling in an electrical or mechanical system, the system comprising air for cooling therein, the cooling device comprises:
 a flexible elongated member having an inner core, an outer cover, a first end, an opposite second end and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the opposite second end, the outer cover comprises a cloth material and the inner core comprises a batting material, the cloth material and the batting material are non-conductive and thermally stable, the outer cover is at least partially sealed such that the inner core is contained within the outer cover,   wherein the flexible elongated member is positioned within the electrical or mechanical system and is structured to form at least one air seal to divert the air away from an unintended path and toward an intended path.   
     
     
         2 . The cooling device of  claim 1 , wherein the outer cover comprises a seal along the intermediate portion of the flexible elongated member. 
     
     
         3 . The cooling device of  claim 2 , wherein the seal comprises sewn construction. 
     
     
         4 . The cooling device of  claim 3 , wherein a portion of the outer cover extends outwardly beyond the sewn construction to form at least one hem along the intermediate portion. 
     
     
         5 . The cooling device of  claim 2 , wherein the first end is positioned within the second opposite end such that the second opposite end overlaps the first end. 
     
     
         6 . The cooling device of  claim 4 , further comprising at least one fastening mechanism disposed in the at least one hem to couple the flexible elongated member to a component of the electrical or mechanical system. 
     
     
         7 . The cooling device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more coupling mechanisms structured to be adjustably positioned on a perimeter surface of the flexible elongated member and structured to connect the elongated member to a component of the electrical or mechanical system. 
     
     
         8 . The cooling device of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more coupling mechanisms is selected from the group consisting of cords, ties, wraps and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The cooling device of  claim 7 , wherein a plurality of coupling mechanisms are utilized and are spaced apart on the intermediate portion of the flexible elongated member. 
     
     
         10 . A method for cooling an electrical or mechanical system, the system comprising air for cooling therein, the method comprising:
 positioning a cooling device in the electrical or mechanical system, comprising:
 a flexible elongated a flexible elongated member having an inner core, an outer cover, a first end, an opposite second end and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the opposite second end, the outer cover comprises a cloth material and the inner core comprises a batting material, the cloth material and the batting material are non-conductive and thermally stable, the outer cover is at least partially sealed such that the inner core is contained within the outer cover; 
   forming at least one air seal in the electrical or mechanical system; and   diverting the air in the electrical or mechanical system away from an unintended path and toward an intended path.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the outer cover is sealed by stitching along the intermediate portion of the flexible elongated member. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein a hem is formed which extends outwardly from the stitching along the intermediate portion. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising securely mounting the flexible elongated member to a component in the electrical or mechanical system by coupling the hem to a surface of the component. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising at least one tie for coupling the flexible elongated member to a component of the electrical or mechanical system, wherein one end of the tie is positioned around the perimeter of the intermediate portion and another end of the tie engages a component of the electrical or mechanical system.