Cold-Weather Resilient Cover for Electronics Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries in electronics, such as GoPro cameras, experience rapid discharging and performance decline in cold winter conditions due to low temperatures, leading to reduced operational duration and potential shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A cold-weather resilient case with a heating mechanism that includes a cover and a carrier plate with an exothermic component, which contacts the electronics assembly to maintain optimal operating temperature, preventing rapid discharging and ensuring continuous camera operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-ion batteries are used in electronics assemblies, then the devices can operate with adequate power, but the batteries experience rapid discharging and performance decline in cold winter conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A heating element is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery and the cold environment. The heating element actively warms the battery, mediating the harmful effect of cold temperatures and preventing rapid discharging, thus maintaining both energy usage and reliability
2Reliability
If a heating mechanism is added to maintain optimal operating temperature, then battery performance is maintained in cold conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating mechanism is merged with the protective case structure. The case is designed to house both the electronics assembly and the heating element, combining two functions (protection and heating) into a single integrated unit, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Ease of operation
If the exothermic component is readily loadable to the carrier plate, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier plate is designed with dynamic, movable elements that allow the exothermic component to be readily loaded and positioned. The mechanism transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with movable parts, enabling easy operation while keeping the added complexity minimal and functional
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 solution effectively maintains the camera's performance in cold conditions, preventing battery discharge and allowing uninterrupted use of the device, even in frigid temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier plate may include a carrier base onto which an exothermic component may be held
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a cold-weather resilient case. The cold-weather resilient case employs a heating mechanism thereby effectively maintaining an optimal operating temperature for the camera even in the face of cold winter conditions. The cold-weather resilient case may include a cover and a carrier plate. The cover may be configured to envelop or encompass the electronics assembly. The carrier plate may be configured to hold an exothermic component which may further contact the electronics assembly in various configurations and may be further configured to heat the electronics assembly.