Clamshell Wireless Device Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Personal computing devices like laptops and tablets often lack onboard wireless data capabilities, such as 3G or LTE transceivers and antennas, limiting their network connectivity to Local Area Networks (LANs) unless connected to a wireless hotspot, which can be bulky and inefficient due to thermal interference between components.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communications device with a clamshell design that separates heat-producing components, using double- or triple-band LTE antennas diplexed/triplexed into a single PCB trace, and employing copper spreaders and a thermally conductive hinge assembly for improved cooling and reduced interference, allowing worldwide LTE connectivity in a compact form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication components are integrated into personal computing devices, then network connectivity capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivity capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple wireless communication functions (LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) into a single integrated wireless communication device that attaches to the personal computing device. This merging approach provides comprehensive network connectivity capabilities while avoiding the complexity of integrating separate components directly into the computing device's main structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication device is designed as a compact unit that nests onto the personal computing device through a cradle interface. This nested configuration allows the wireless components to be housed in a separate, space-efficient manner that adds functionality without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna types are integrated into a compact device, then wireless communication functionality is improved, but thermal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionalityVSAvoidthermal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication device into distinct sections, each housing different types of antennas (LTE antennas, Wi-Fi antenna, Bluetooth antenna). This segmentation allows each antenna type to be positioned separately with adequate thermal spacing, reducing interference while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The antenna zone is specifically designated along one edge of the device to optimize spatial distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces non-interfering materials (RF transparent materials) as intermediaries between different antenna components and between antennas and heat-generating components. These materials act as thermal barriers that reduce heat transfer to the antennas, minimizing thermal interference while allowing the compact integration of multiple wireless functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If antenna zone is established with RF transparent materials, then antenna performance is improved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna performanceVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies RF transparent materials locally only within the specific antenna zone along the edge of the wireless communication device, rather than throughout the entire device structure. This localized application maintains antenna performance by providing necessary thermal isolation where needed, while minimizing the overall volume increase of the device. The antenna zone is confined to a specific region to optimize space utilization.

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

Enables worldwide LTE mobile data connections in a small form factor by minimizing thermal proximity and interference, enhancing cooling and reducing physical size while maintaining performance and connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

employing copper spreaders and a thermally conductive hinge assembly for improved cooling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

employing copper spreaders and a thermally conductive hinge assembly for improved cooling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Data Source

PatentEP3405993B1Wireless communications device

Publication Date: 2021.03.03 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

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AI summary

A wireless communications device with a first housing including an LTE modem and a plurality of LTE antennas and a second housing including a battery system and network communications assembly, the first housing and second housing pivotally joined via a hinge assembly permitting movement of the device between a closed and one or more open positions.