Active Thermal Mitigation for Portable Radios

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable radio devices face challenges in maintaining temperatures at or below touch limits due to the lack of effective active thermal management systems, leading to user discomfort and potential damage from excessive heat during extended operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an active thermal mitigation system in a power adapter or battery device, featuring a micro-fan or blower for airflow generation and directional airflow via fins or venting gills, which can be connected to the radio device to facilitate continuous cooling through convection without requiring internal thermal management systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If active thermal management systems are incorporated within the radio device itself, then thermal mitigation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal mitigation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal management system is segmented into two independent parts: the radio device and the power adapter/battery device. The active thermal mitigation components (micro-fan, blower, fins, venting gills) are relocated to the power adapter/battery device, separating the thermal management function from the radio device itself. This allows the radio device to remain simple while still achieving effective thermal mitigation through the externally located active cooling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If active thermal management systems are incorporated within the radio device itself, then thermal mitigation effectiveness is improved, but portability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal mitigation effectivenessVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a radio device and a separate power adapter/battery device that houses the active thermal management components. This segmentation allows the radio device to remain lightweight and portable, while the power adapter/battery device containing the micro-fan, blower, and other thermal management components provides effective cooling when connected to the radio device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If passive thermal management methods such as heat shields are used, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal mitigation effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidthermal mitigation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary active thermal management system comprising a micro-fan or blower that generates airflow, and fins or venting gills that direct the airflow. These intermediary components act as a bridge between the heat-generating radio device and the surrounding environment, actively removing heat through forced convection rather than relying on passive heat shields alone. This intermediary system significantly enhances thermal mitigation effectiveness while keeping the radio device itself relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively maintains the radio device at or below touch temperature limits for extended periods, preventing user discomfort and device damage while maintaining portability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The active thermal mitigation system may be comprised of a micro-fan, blower, or other similar device configured to generate airflow, and may be configured to direct the aforementioned air flow at the selectively connected radio device, allowing for the continuous cooling the radio device via convection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The system may further include one or more fins or other features for directing and/or enhancing fluid flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20230254993A1Thermal mitigation device for application in radio batteries and/or adaptors and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC

AI summary

A portable radio device incorporating active thermal mitigation systems, and methods of use thereof. An example radio device incorporating an active thermal mitigation system may comprise a portable radio device selectively connectable or otherwise interoperable with a power adapter or battery device, wherein the power adapter or battery device includes an active thermal mitigation system. The system may include a micro-fan, blower, or other similar device configured to generate airflow, and may be configured to direct a flow of air or other fluid towards the radio device. The system may further include one or more fins or other features for directing and/or enhancing fluid flow, as well as sensors and control features to vary flow depending on temperature of the radio device or other variables.