Apparatus and method for removing moisture from portable electronic devices

Abstract

An apparatus and method are disclosed for rapid, low cost, and safe removal of trapped moisture from portable electronic devices. An airtight, sealable container is divided by an air and moisture permeable barrier into a compartment for the device and a compartment for desiccant. The method includes placing the device and desiccant into the compartments, sealing the container, and waiting for the desiccant to absorb the moisture. In preferred embodiments, the sealable container is made from plastic or glass, is disposable or reusable, and includes electrical, chemical, or other means for heating the device and / or mechanical means for forcing air between the compartments. Embodiments include silica gel or other descant in bulk or in pre-measured packets, pre-loaded in the container or stored in a separate, airtight container. Some embodiments include scoops or other means for measuring and dispensing desired desiccant quantities, and guidelines on optimal desiccant quantities and waiting times.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention generally relates to systems and methods for removing moisture from delicate circuitry, and more specifically to an apparatus for removing moisture from portable electronic devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Electronic equipment normally has a range of acceptable environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, determined by the design parameters of the components and the manufacturing techniques used to assemble the finished product. When the environmental conditions exceed the acceptable ranges, the equipment may malfunction and / or may be damaged. Portable electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, PDA's, portable radios, portable GPA units, digital watches, and similar devices, are especially susceptible to environmental exposure, since they are more likely to be transported and used outdoors, where rain, humidity, fog, and other climate conditions may be present.[0003]Exposure of portable electronic devices to mois...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]An apparatus and method of use are disclosed that provide for rapid, low cost removal of moisture from portable devices such as cell phones, pagers, palmtops, laptops, MP3 players, hearing aids, GPA's, watches, and similar devices without exposing the device to hazardous conditions. The apparatus includes an airtight sealable container with a first inner compartment and a second inner compartment, separated by a barrier that is permeable to air and moisture but not to desiccant. The first compartment is able to contain at least one electronic device and the second inner compartment is able to contain desiccant.

[0009]Other preferred embodiments of the apparatus include a means for stimulating the movement of air within and between the first and second inner compartments of the sealable container, thereby accelerating the removal of moisture from the device.

[0010]In another aspect of the invention, desiccant is pre-loaded in the second part of the air tight sealable container, thereby eliminating the need to handle and / or measure desiccant. In all other regards, this aspect is similar to or identical with the first aspect.

Problems solved by technology

When the environmental conditions exceed the acceptable ranges, the equipment may malfunction and / or may be damaged.

Portable electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, PDA's, portable radios, portable GPA units, digital watches, and similar devices, are especially susceptible to environmental exposure, since they are more likely to be transported and used outdoors, where rain, humidity, fog, and other climate conditions may be present.

Exposure of portable electronic devices to moisture is of special concern, because moisture can become trapped inside of such a device and can cause damage long after the initial contact is over.

Unfortunately, such damage is often not covered by manufacturer warranties or service agreements.

However, since it is not typically convenient for an owner to open such a device and expose the interior to the ambient air, the evaporation process can require days, weeks, or even longer.

This very long drying time poses a significant danger of corrosion damage, and is also highly inconvenient, since there may be reluctance to use the device due to fear that the moisture may cause electrical damage.

However, the sensitivity of most such devices to excessive heat, and the possibility of damaging them, effectively limits this approach and makes it impractical in many cases.

Desiccants are inexpensive materials that aggressively absorb moisture and thereby severely reduce the humidity of the surrounding air.

However, desiccants often generate dust and other contaminants that can pose a hazard to some portable electronic and mechanical devices, and so must be physically separated from the electronic device by an air-permeable barrier.

However, such packets must be used in increments of complete packets, which can lead to unnecessary waste of desiccant material.

Also, this approach may still not provide moisture evaporation that is sufficient to avoid damage to the device.

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