Amorphous DLC Coating for Thermal Management in Portable Device Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat without relying on additional space-consuming and costly heat-dissipating components, which can lead to component damage and reduced user safety due to localized heat buildup.
Innovation Solution
An amorphous diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating is deposited on the structural frame of portable electronic devices using a plasma-assisted vapor deposition technique, increasing thermal conductivity and facilitating heat dissipation from heat-generating components without significantly increasing device thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heat-dissipating parts and materials (heat sinks, cooling fans, heat pipes) are used, then heat dissipation effectiveness is improved, but device thickness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural frame with heat dissipation functionality by depositing amorphous DLC coating on the frame surfaces and edges. This merges the structural support function with thermal management function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate heat sinks or thermal pads, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining effective heat dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the structural frame by applying amorphous DLC coating. The coating has high thermal conductivity properties that significantly enhance the heat dissipation capability of the frame without altering its mechanical structure or increasing device thickness, thus resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation effectiveness and compact form factor
2Temperature
If conventional heat-dissipating parts and materials are used, then heat dissipation effectiveness is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges structural frame and heat dissipation components into one integrated element. The amorphous DLC coating is deposited directly on the existing structural frame, eliminating the need for separate heat dissipation parts and their associated assembly costs, thereby reducing overall device manufacturing cost while maintaining heat dissipation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The structural frame serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support and facilitating heat dissipation. By coating the frame with amorphous DLC, the frame itself becomes the heat dissipation pathway, eliminating the need for additional dedicated heat dissipation components and reducing material and assembly costs
3Reliability
If heat is dissipated across the enclosure, then component safety and user comfort are improved, but additional heat-dissipating parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines structural support and thermal management functions into the structural frame itself. The amorphous DLC coating on the frame creates continuous thermal pathways that spread heat across the enclosure, ensuring component safety and user comfort without requiring separate heat dissipation parts, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The structural frame is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical support, structural integrity, and heat dissipation. The amorphous DLC coating enables the frame to serve as both a structural element and a thermal management component, eliminating the need for dedicated heat dissipation parts and simplifying the overall device architecture
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
The DLC coating enhances thermal conductivity, allowing for effective heat dissipation from components like processors and backlights, improving device reliability and user safety while maintaining a compact form factor and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
the amorphous DLC coating increases a thermal conductivity of the structural frame
Implementation Method 2
the amorphous DLC coating is deposited on the surfaces and the edges of the structural frame using a plasma-assisted vapor deposition technique
Implementation Method 3
the amorphous DLC coating is deposited on the surfaces and the edges of the structural frame using a plasma-assisted vapor deposition technique
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments provide a component for a portable electronic device. The component includes a structural frame within the portable electronic device and an amorphous diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating deposited on the surfaces and the edges of the structural frame, wherein the amorphous DLC coating increases a thermal conductivity of the structural frame.