Multiple Energy Storage Devices With Geometry-Based Thermal Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamshell electronic devices suffer from inferior thermal dissipation due to their unique design, leading to reduced thermal dissipation surface area compared to candy bar devices, necessitating an improved foldable design that mitigates thermal issues.
Innovation Solution
A thermal mitigation circuit in electronic devices with multiple energy storage devices determines current draw from different energy storage devices based on the device's geometric configuration and support condition, prompting users to hold the device differently when thermal thresholds are exceeded, thereby optimizing thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clamshell design is used, then the device can be folded and portable, but the thermal dissipation surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate housings (first housing and second housing) that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the thermal management system to be segmented and adapt to different operational states (folded vs. unfolded) to balance portability and thermal dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the device between folded and unfolded states, allowing the thermal dissipation surface area to change based on operational needs while maintaining foldability for portability
2Productivity
If current is drawn from the energy storage device in the held housing, then the device can operate, but the held housing temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the state of charge of energy storage devices and detects which housing is being held, then provides feedback control to switch current draw between housings based on real-time thermal conditions and energy availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of current draw by switching between different energy storage devices based on their state of charge and thermal conditions, allowing dynamic adjustment to prevent overheating of the held housing
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 solution effectively maintains the device housing being held at a cooler temperature by adjusting current draw from energy storage devices, ensuring user comfort and continued device usability without excessive heat buildup.
Implementation Method 1
Clamshell electronic devices suffer from inferior thermal dissipation due to their unique design, leading to reduced thermal dissipation surface area
Implementation Method 2
Portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptop computers, tablet computers, and two-way radios derive their portability from energy storage devices, one example of which is a rechargeable electrochemical cell
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device included a first energy storage device coupled to a second energy storage device by a conductor. A thermal mitigation circuit, or alternatively, one or more processors, determine whether to draw more current from the first energy storage device or the second energy storage device as a function of a geometric configuration of the electronic device and a support condition of the electronic device. Current can be drawn from the second energy storage device situated in the second device housing, for example, when the electronic device is hand supported by the first device housing unless secondary factors exist. When charging states of the first energy storage device and/or second energy storage device are too low to do this, the one or more processors can present a prompt on the user interface instructing the user to turn the device over.