Dynamic Optical Component Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face temperature-related failures due to components operating outside their acceptable temperature ranges, which can be exacerbated by ambient conditions and interactions between components.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of dynamic optical components that adjust reflectance and transmittance based on detected temperature variations within the device, using sensors to manage electromagnetic radiation and maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If dynamic optical components adjust reflectance and transmittance based on temperature detection, then temperature regulation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent operating temperatureVSAvoidthermal management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using dynamic optical components that can change their optical properties (reflectance and transmittance) in real-time based on detected temperature conditions. The optical component transitions between different optical states dynamically, allowing the thermal management system to adapt to varying temperature requirements without manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through temperature sensors that continuously monitor component temperatures and provide this information to control the optical component's state. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the optical properties based on actual temperature conditions, improving regulation effectiveness while keeping the control logic relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If dynamic optical components are used to control electromagnetic radiation, then thermal management effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal management effectivenessVSAvoiddevice manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the dynamic optical component to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an optical element and a thermal management device. The same component that controls electromagnetic radiation transmission also provides the thermal regulation function, eliminating the need for separate cooling mechanisms and simplifying the manufacturing process compared to systems requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If temperature sensors and dynamic optical components are integrated, then real-time thermal control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time thermal control capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the temperature sensor and dynamic optical component into a unified thermal management system. The sensor and optical component work together as a coordinated pair, with the sensor detecting temperature conditions and the optical component responding by adjusting its properties. This integration achieves real-time automated thermal control while minimizing complexity through functional consolidation rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach effectively regulates the temperature of electronic device components by controlling the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed or transmitted, preventing overheating and ensuring proper functioning within acceptable temperature ranges.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting at least one of the reflectance and the transmittance of incident electromagnetic radiation of a dynamic optical component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflectance adjustment: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

adjusting at least one of the reflectance and the transmittance of incident electromagnetic radiation of a dynamic optical component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransmittance adjustment: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

sensors to manage electromagnetic radiation and maintain optimal operating temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9235022B2Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for thermally managing electronic devices using dynamic optical components

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for thermally managing electronic devices using dynamic optical components are provided. At least one of the reflectance and the transmittance of incident electromagnetic radiation of a dynamic optical component on an electronic device may be adjusted based on a detected variable device characteristic of the device, such as a temperature of a device component. By adjusting the reflectance and/or the transmittance of the dynamic optical component, different portions of the incident electromagnetic radiation may be directed from the dynamic optical component for changing the variable device characteristic.