Patent attributes
A chassis for plug-in modules may be provided with a vented and ducted sub-rack support member. The vented and ducted sub-rack support member may deflect a portion of the air flowing within the chassis through vents in the top surface of the vented and ducted sub-rack support member in order to increase the air flow to heat producing components mounted on the backplane above the support member. The increased air flow may increase air flow velocity and decrease the ambient temperature of the air around these components and improve the dissipation of heat from each component into the air. Air flow above the vented and ducted sub-rack support member may also be redirected by upper deflectors mounted on the support member to portions of plug-in cards adjacent to the upper deflectors and may provide additional cooling to components on the plug-in cards near the backplane.