Fuel Cell Assembly Under Mobile Keyboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device designs face challenges with fuel cell placement, as it occupies extra space and retains heat, leading to inefficient heat dissipation and potential clogging of vents when placed on its back.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a fuel cell assembly under the keypad of a mobile device, where it ventilates through the keyboard, allowing for natural airflow and heat dissipation, while minimizing additional space usage and reducing dirt accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fuel cell is located at the back of the device, then the battery compartment accessibility is improved, but the heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates and vents may get clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell assembly is extracted from the conventional back location and repositioned to a new location that optimizes heat dissipation while maintaining operational accessibility through alternative design features
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel cell occupies extra space in the device, then the energy generation capacity is improved, but the device volume efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell assembly is nested within the existing device structure, utilizing available spaces and integrating with other components to minimize additional volume while maintaining energy generation capacity
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel cell retains heat in the device, then the energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the thermal management performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A heat dissipation system acts as an intermediary between the fuel cell and the device environment, managing thermal energy transfer to maintain both conversion efficiency and thermal management performance
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 enhances heat dissipation and maintains airflow, reducing condensation and extending the device's energy life by utilizing the keypad for ventilation, thus improving the overall performance and usability of mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell is an electric generating cell that converts fuel to electricity in an electrochemical energy conversion process
Implementation Method 2
the fuel cell ventilates through the keyboard
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device having: a keyboard; a printed circuit board having at least one contact responsive to the keyboard; and a fuel cell assembly having: a fuel cell located between the keyboard and the printed circuit board, the fuel cell having a membrane and at least one aperture corresponding with the at least one contact; a tank adapted to store a fuel for the fuel cell; and piping connecting the tank with the fuel cell, where the fuel cell ventilates through the keyboard. Alternatively, the fuel cell acts as the printed circuit board and at least one contact for the keyboard is printed onto the fuel cell.