PCM Heat Dissipation Structure for Terminal Power Spikes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current terminal devices face challenges in effectively dissipating heat during short-time power consumption increases, limiting performance improvement and user experience due to lack of efficient heat dissipation solutions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a phase change material (PCM) with a predetermined phase change point and heat capacity to absorb and store heat from the processor, maintaining the outer surface temperature within a safe range, combined with a heat transfer unit to dissipate heat efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If instantaneous overclocking is used to increase operating power consumption, then performance and program starting time are improved, but heat dissipation requirements increase and outer surface temperature rises excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram starting timeVSAvoidouter surface temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A phase change material layer is pre-applied to the outer surface of the terminal device housing. When instantaneous overclocking occurs, this pre-positioned phase change material immediately absorbs the generated heat through phase transition, preventing the outer surface temperature from rising excessively during high-performance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid states to absorb and store heat energy. During instantaneous overclocking, the phase change material absorbs heat from the device interior, maintaining the outer surface temperature within acceptable ranges while enabling sustained high-performance operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If conventional heat dissipation methods are used, then steady-state temperature control is achieved, but transient heat dissipation during power consumption spikes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoidduration of high-performance operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal response parameter of the device surface by applying phase change material. This material provides high heat absorption capacity during transient power spikes, enabling the device to maintain reliable heat dissipation throughout the entire duration of instantaneous overclocking operations, not just in steady-state conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated during instantaneous overclocking into a beneficial phase transition process. The phase change material absorbs the excess heat energy that would otherwise cause overheating, transforming the thermal problem into a controlled phase transition that extends the duration of high-performance operation.

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

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

Effectively manages heat dissipation during high power consumption, preventing overheating and extending the duration of high-performance operation, thereby enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a phase change material (PCM) with a predetermined phase change point and heat capacity to absorb and store heat from the processor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

combined with a heat transfer unit to dissipate heat efficiently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4191379B1Terminal device having a heat dissipation apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4191379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4191379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4191379B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A heat dissipation apparatus applied to a terminal device is provided. The heat dissipation apparatus includes a phase change material (PCM, Phase Change Material) and a heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit is in contact with the phase change material to conduct heat of the terminal device to the phase change material. Because the phase change material maintains a temperature substantially unchanged during a phase change, a temperature of the heat dissipation apparatus is not excessively high while heat is absorbed, thereby providing good user experience.