Wireless Logger Display Screen Thermal Contact Modem

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless logger devices experience unreliable temperature measurements due to heat fluctuations caused by modem activation during data transmission, which affects the accuracy of environmental parameter monitoring in supply chains.

Innovation Solution

The logger device incorporates a display screen in thermal contact with the modem to enhance heat transfer, using thermally conductive materials like double-sided thermal adhesive tape to increase thermal mass and reduce heat fluctuations, while also employing an e-ink display for energy-efficient data representation and a rechargeable power source for optimized power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the modem is activated for real-time communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but temperature measurement reliability deteriorates due to heat fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidtemperature measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the modem into a beneficial cooling effect by positioning the display screen in thermal contact with the modem. The display screen acts as a heat sink, absorbing heat from the modem and dissipating it to the external environment, thereby stabilizing the temperature inside the logger device during modem activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen serves as an intermediary element between the modem and the temperature sensor. It thermally couples the modem to the housing structure, providing a thermal pathway that allows heat to be transferred from the modem to the external environment, thus mediating the thermal impact on temperature measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the display screen is placed in thermal contact with the modem, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays information to the user and simultaneously acts as a thermal management component by conducting heat from the modem to the housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation components, thereby improving heat dissipation without significantly increasing device complexity.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If thermal mass is increased to absorb heat, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen utilizes its own thermal mass and heat conduction properties to absorb and dissipate heat from the modem. This self-service approach allows the display screen to stabilize temperature without requiring external power input or active cooling mechanisms, thereby improving temperature stability while minimizing additional energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 stabilizes temperature measurements by effectively dissipating heat generated by the modem, reducing power consumption, and extending the operational temperature window, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the logger device.

Implementation Method 1

a display screen configured to be placed in the opening, wherein the display screen is position adjacent and in thermal contact with the modem and is configured, in addition to display information on the screen, to conduct heat created within the housing from the modem to an outer side of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250020493A1A wireless logger device and a method of improving heat transfer from such a logger device
Publication Date: 2025.01.16 CONTROLANT HF
  • US20250020493A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless logger device and a method for improving heat transfer in such a logger device, such that the logger device is configured to measure at least one environmental parameter of a shipment while transporting the shipment from an origin location to a destination location and regularly communicate the measured environmental parameter to an external data processing device. The logger device includes a housing having an opening, at least one sensing device including a temperature sensor for measuring the environmental parameter including temperature within the housing, a communication module comprising a modem for communicating the at least one measured environmental parameter to an external data processing device, and a display screen configured to be placed in the opening of the housing, wherein the display screen is positioned adjacent the modem and is in thermal contact with the modem.