Foot Cushion Mechanism with Shape Memory Alloy for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The trend of notebook computers towards thinner and lighter designs restricts the thickness of the cushion, leading to inadequate heat dissipation due to insufficient gap between the housing and the supporting surface, resulting in increased internal temperatures and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A foot cushion mechanism incorporating shape memory material members that deform upon heating, allowing the housing to move away from the cushion, thereby increasing the gap for enhanced heat dissipation, and can be controlled to adjust the angle for ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the cushion thickness is reduced to achieve thinner and lighter notebook design, then the device portability is improved, but the gap between housing and supporting surface becomes insufficient, resulting in poor heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The foot cushion mechanism incorporates a lifting function that dynamically adjusts the gap between the housing and supporting surface. The cushion can transition between a compressed state (when not in use) and an extended state (when heat dissipation is needed), allowing the notebook to adapt its thermal management based on operational requirements without permanently increasing its thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes shape memory alloy material whose physical properties change in response to temperature or electrical stimuli. By applying electrical current to the shape memory alloy wire, the cushion's length parameter changes, thereby adjusting the gap height and convective heat dissipation capability without altering the notebook's overall form factor.
2Temperature
If the cushion thickness is increased to provide sufficient gap for heat dissipation, then the heat dissipation performance is improved, but the notebook thickness increases, affecting the thin and light design trend
Solution Approach 1:
The foot cushion mechanism is nested within the notebook's existing structure. The cushion component is housed inside the notebook body and only extends outward when activated, similar to a nested doll structure where one element is contained within another. This allows the full gap height to be achieved without increasing the notebook's external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion transitions from a compact stored state to an extended operational state, providing the necessary gap height only when heat dissipation is required. This dynamic behavior allows the notebook to maintain its thin profile during storage and transport while achieving adequate thermal clearance during operation.
3Temperature
If a fixed thick cushion is used to ensure adequate gap for convection, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical lifting mechanisms with an electro-active material system. Instead of using motors, gears, or linkages to extend the cushion, the invention uses shape memory alloy wires that respond directly to electrical current, significantly simplifying the mechanism while achieving the same functional outcome of gap adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion's length parameter is controlled by changing the electrical state of the shape memory alloy wire. By applying or removing electrical current, the material transitions between different lengths, thereby controlling the gap height without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 mechanism effectively enhances heat dissipation by increasing the gap between the housing and the supporting surface, reducing internal temperatures and improving performance, while maintaining an aesthetic design by allowing the foot cushion to recover its original position when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one shape memory material member deforms when being heated due to a shape memory effect, and the housing is driven by the shape memory effect to move away from the foot cushion member
Data Source
AI summary
A foot cushion mechanism with lifting function is disclosed. The foot cushion mechanism includes a foot cushion member, a holding base and at least one shape memory material member. The foot cushion member is installed on a housing and abuts against a supporting surface. The holding base and the foot cushion member are respectively installed on opposite sides of the housing. The at least one shape memory material member selectively connects the housing and the holding base or connects the holding base and the foot cushion member. The at least one shape memory material member deforms when being heated due to a shape memory effect, and the housing is driven by the shape memory effect to move away from the foot cushion member such that a distance between the housing and the supporting surface is increased.