Docking System Separator for Foldable Device Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking systems fail to efficiently cool foldable electronic devices, such as 2-in-1 convertible computers, when they are in the fully open tablet mode due to the absence of a blower and the resulting airflow not reaching the hottest electrical components effectively.
Innovation Solution
The docking system includes an engagement surface with a separator to maintain a gap between the device's portions, allowing airflow from a blower to reach the non-display surfaces and efficiently cool the components, even when the device is in a partially open mode, thereby creating a separation space for airflow to pass through and cool the device effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional docking systems without a blower are used, then the device structure remains simple and compact, but the cooling performance is insufficient and cannot effectively cool the hottest electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separator as an intermediary component between the first and second portions of the foldable electronic device. This separator creates a separation space that channels airflow from the blower to the hottest electrical components, effectively mediating the cooling process without requiring complex internal modifications to the device itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a blower to generate forced airflow through the foldable electronic device. By using pneumatic principles, the system creates controlled air movement that passes through vents and separation spaces to reach internal components, significantly improving cooling efficiency compared to passive convection alone
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is kept in fully closed mode for docking, then the docking system can cool the device, but the device loses adaptability and cannot be used in various orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the foldable electronic device into distinct portions (first portion and second portion) that can be separated by a gap created by the separator. This segmentation allows the device to maintain cooling effectiveness while being positioned in various orientations such as tent mode or tablet mode, rather than requiring a fully closed configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical separation dimension by placing a separator between the first and second portions of the device. This creates a third spatial dimension for airflow movement, allowing cooling to occur effectively regardless of the device's horizontal orientation or folding state
3Productivity
If the laptop is used in portable mode without a blower, then the device remains compact and portable, but the cooling performance deteriorates compared to desktop computers
Solution Approach 1:
The separator acts as an intermediary structure that enables efficient airflow distribution to high-performance components. This allows the portable device to achieve desktop-level cooling effectiveness for high-demand applications like video editing and gaming, without sacrificing portability or requiring a full desktop form factor
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 enhances the cooling performance of foldable electronic devices, allowing them to operate like desktop computers, with improved durability and the ability to use less expensive processors, while maintaining a compact and quiet design.
Implementation Method 1
a blower coupled to the housing to supply airflow through the vent opening
Implementation Method 2
allowing airflow from a blower to reach the non-display surfaces and efficiently cool the components
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative examples include a docking system for a foldable electronic device such as a 2-in-1 convertible computer. The docking system may include a housing having an engagement surface to interface with a portion of the foldable electronic device when the foldable electronic device is operably engaged with the docking system. The engagement surface may include a vent opening arranged to direct airflow in between a first portion and a second portion of the plurality of portions, and a separator to maintain separation between the first portion and the second portion when the foldable electronic device is operably engaged with the engagement surface. A blower coupled to the housing may supply airflow through the vent opening.