Fluid Channel Weight Redistribution for Mobile Device Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotating mobile computing devices can cause disturbing force movements, screen shakes, and uneven weight balance due to changes in viewing orientation, which negatively impact the user experience.

Innovation Solution

A fluid channel system within the device's housing cavity, with channel sections corresponding to each side, redistributes weight by moving fluid between sections upon rotation, stabilizing the device and dissipating heat generated by electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device is rotated to change viewing orientation, then the user can view the display in different orientations, but disturbing force movements and screen shakes occur due to weight imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing orientationVSAvoidweight balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the weight distribution dynamic rather than static. The fluid in the channel redistributes itself based on the device's orientation, automatically adjusting the center of gravity to maintain balance in any viewing position. This dynamic adaptation eliminates screen shakes and disturbing movements while preserving all viewing orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid acts as an intermediary element between the device structure and the gravitational force. By introducing this intermediate substance that can flow and redistribute, the system mediates the effect of gravity to maintain balance without requiring active control mechanisms or complex mechanical counterweights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If electronic components are added to enable device operation, then the device functionality is improved, but heat generation increases which affects device temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid channel system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal management by cooling electronic components through fluid circulation, contributes to weight balance maintenance, and potentially aids in shock absorption. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle heat generation from improved device functionality without requiring separate dedicated cooling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by employing a fluid-based cooling system. The fluid circulates through channels positioned near electronic components, absorbing heat through convection and conduction. This hydraulic approach provides effective thermal management that scales with the heat generation from enhanced device productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 fluid channel system reduces disturbing movements and heat, enhancing user experience by maintaining balance and cooling the device effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid is stored in the fluid channel to move between respective portions of the channel sections in response to a rotation of the display housing to redistribute a weight of the tablet computing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The electronic components enable operation of the tablet computing device. The fluid channel is disposed in the housing cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3120212B8Redistribute weight of computing device
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A computing device includes a display and a fluid channel. The fluid channel includes channel sections and fluid. The fluid may move between respective channel sections to redistribute a weight of the computing device.