Battery Case Clip Heat Sink for Pocket Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices experience reduced performance due to power throttling caused by heat generation in enclosed environments, which limits the maximum sustainable power and detracts from the user experience.

Innovation Solution

A case with a clip and heat sink design that dissipates heat away from the battery device, even when carried in a pocket or enclosed space, using thermally conductive materials and structures to maintain optimal temperature and reduce the need for power throttling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the battery device is carried in a pocket or enclosed space, then portability and convenience are improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates causing power throttling

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the heat dissipation solution from internal conduction to external radiation by projecting heat sink fins beyond the case boundaries. This dimensional extension allows heat to be dissipated to the external environment even when the device is enclosed in a pocket, resolving the contradiction between portability and heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces heat sink fins as an intermediary thermal management component between the battery device and the external environment. These fins act as a thermal bridge that conducts heat from the enclosed device to the outside air, enabling heat dissipation while maintaining the device's portable enclosed form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If power output is increased, then performance is improved, but heat generation increases causing power throttling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by high power output into a manageable thermal flow by directing it through extended heat sink fins. The heat that would otherwise cause throttling is channeled outward through the fin structure, allowing sustained high power performance without thermal shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the system by extending the heat dissipation surface area through projected fins. This geometric parameter change increases the effective heat transfer coefficient, enabling the system to maintain lower operating temperatures even at high power output levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the case is made fully enclosed for protection, then environmental protection is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the case structure into enclosed protective portions and open heat dissipation portions. The main case body remains enclosed for protection, while specific regions extend outward with fin structures that are intentionally left open to facilitate heat dissipation, resolving the contradiction between protection and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions of the case: the main body maintains a enclosed, protective structure, while specific localized regions feature extended fin structures with open geometries optimized for heat dissipation. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of protection and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 case effectively manages heat dissipation, maintaining battery performance and reducing the need for power throttling, thereby enhancing the user experience by preventing frame drops and maintaining high performance.

Implementation Method 1

using thermally conductive materials and structures to maintain optimal temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

dissipates heat away from the battery device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250233228A1Case with thermal management

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 APPLE INC

AI summary

Cases can couple to a battery device to be held within the case. The case can include features, such as a clip with a heat sink, for dissipating heat away from the battery device while the case is within a pocket of a user. Such features can promote heat dissipation for the battery device even while the battery device is within an enclosed environment. The clip can serve as a mechanical engagement feature as well as a thermal dissipation feature. The clip can conduct heat away from the battery device and into an external environment, providing improved heat dissipation for the battery device and reducing the need for power throttling.