Graphene Heat Remover for Dynamic Thermal Path in Foldable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face challenges in heat dissipation due to compact designs, which can lead to overheating and reduced reliability of temperature-sensitive components, and existing heat dissipation mechanisms often require additional space and materials.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device design utilizing a flexible and ultra-thin heat remover made from graphene or graphite, which conducts heat efficiently and is integrated with a heat conduction controller to direct heat away from critical components, reducing the need for bulky heat dissipation materials and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional heat dissipation mechanisms (heat spreaders, cooling fans, vents, heat pipes) are used, then heat dissipation effectiveness is improved, but device volume and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible heat dissipation film made of graphite or graphene material that can be conformally attached to heat-generating components. This thin-film approach provides effective heat dissipation while occupying minimal space, directly resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation effectiveness and device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite graphite/graphene materials that combine high thermal conductivity with flexible and ultra-thin properties. This composite material enables effective heat dissipation in a compact form factor, addressing both the heat dissipation requirement and the volume constraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If traditional heat dissipation mechanisms are used, then heat dissipation effectiveness is improved, but the number of components and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple heat dissipation functions into a single flexible film component that can be conformally attached to various heat-generating components. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate heat dissipation components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible heat dissipation film serves multiple purposes: it acts as a heat spreader, thermal interface material, and structural element simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated heat dissipation components, lowering device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If compact design with ultra-thin components is used, then device volume is reduced, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidheat dissipation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs ultra-thin flexible graphite/graphene films that provide high thermal conductivity in a minimal thickness profile. This enables effective heat dissipation capability while maintaining the compact design and ultra-thin form factor required for portable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter by utilizing graphite and graphene materials, which possess exceptionally high thermal conductivity despite their ultra-thin nature. This parameter change enables compact heat dissipation solutions that do not sacrifice thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 graphene-based heat remover effectively dissipates heat while minimizing space occupation, enhancing the reliability and portability of portable electronic devices by maintaining optimal operating temperatures and extending the device's operational hours.

Implementation Method 1

A portable electronic device design utilizing a flexible and ultra-thin heat remover made from graphene or graphite, which conducts heat efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10152098B2Dynamic heat conducting path for portable electronic device

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 AZTRONG INC(US)

AI summary

A foldable electronic device includes a upper housing, a lower housing, and at least one energy module which further included thermoelectric materials which may convert heat to electric power. The energy module may supply power to at least one of heat generating component in the portable electronic device. A heat remover composed of graphene may be in thermal contact with the at least one of the components. The heat remover may also disposed over a surface of the energy module and may be formed one or more heat conduction path depends on the position of the upper and lower housings.