Dual-Chamber Mobile Device Cooling via Partitioned Heat Conduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic apparatuses with waterproof and splashproof structures face challenges in maintaining effective heat dissipation due to sealed designs, which can lead to dust and liquid intrusion, compromising the reliability of air-tightness and mechanical strength of sealants used in cooling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The electronic apparatus is designed with a dual-chamber structure, where a first chamber houses the heat generator and a second chamber contains a thermoconductive member, heat-radiating fin, and air blower, allowing for efficient heat conduction and dissipation while maintaining a sealed environment, using a combination of heat pipes and fins connected through a partition with a sealant to prevent liquid intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cabinet is sealed to provide waterproof and splashproof structures, then waterproof property is improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof propertyVSAvoidheat dissipation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is divided into a sealed first chamber for heat-generating components and an open second chamber for heat radiation, connected through a partition. This segmentation allows the sealed portion to maintain waterproof protection while the separate radiation chamber enables effective heat dissipation without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If an air blower is added to radiate heat effectively, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but dustproof property deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoiddustproof property

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air blower is positioned exclusively in the open second chamber, separated from the sealed first chamber containing sensitive electronic components. This spatial segmentation allows the air blower to draw air from the environment for effective heat radiation while preventing dust and impurities from entering the sealed chamber, thus maintaining dustproof protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a sealant is used to seal the heat pipe opening, then waterproof property is improved, but mechanical strength and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof propertyVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pipe is extracted from penetrating through the partition wall, and instead, its heat radiation function is transferred to the open second chamber. The partition itself serves as the thermal conduction path, eliminating the need for sealants at penetration points. This extraction resolves the conflict between sealing requirements and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition acts as an intermediary thermal conduction path between the heat pipe in the first chamber and the heat radiating fins in the second chamber. This intermediary approach allows thermal energy transfer without requiring physical penetration or sealants, thereby maintaining both waterproof integrity and mechanical strength of the partition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration ensures effective heat dissipation, minimizes the risk of dust and liquid ingress, and enhances the reliability of the cooling system by maintaining a sealed environment and preventing mechanical failure due to dust and liquid exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoconductive member arranged in the first chamber and connected thermally to the heat generator and to the partition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heat collecting-radiating member arranged in the second chamber and connected thermally to the partition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

an air blower arranged in the second chamber so as to circulate air in the second chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

an air blower arranged in the second chamber so as to circulate air in the second chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9367102B2Mobile computing device

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes a first chamber in which a heat generator is arranged and a second chamber separated with a partition from the first chamber. The electronic apparatus is provided with a first cabinet having the partition and an isolation wall that encloses to seal the first chamber, a second cabinet enclosing the second chamber and having an intake port and an exhaust port, a thermoconductive member arranged in the first chamber and connected thermally to the heat generator and to the partition, a heat collecting-radiating member arranged in the second chamber and connected thermally to the partition, and an air blower arranged in the second chamber so as to circulate the air in the second chamber.