Portable Computer Preheating System for Cold Environment Booting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computers fail to operate normally in cold environments below 0°C due to delayed booting caused by the need for electronic components to be heated after power button press, leading to user misconceptions about device functionality and battery inoperability.
Innovation Solution
A portable computer system with a microprocessor-controlled heating unit and temperature sensor that preheats electronic components when the ambient temperature is below 0°C, indicated by a luminous or twinkling LED, allowing normal operation once the temperature reaches the operational threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are heated after power button press to enable operation at low temperature, then the computer can operate in cold environments, but the booting procedure is delayed causing user misunderstanding
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is activated before the power button is pressed by detecting power input through the power input terminal. This preliminary heating action ensures components reach operational temperature before the user presses the power button, eliminating booting delays and user misunderstanding while maintaining cold environment operation capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery is used to power heating in cold environment, then portability is maintained, but battery may become un-operable at low temperature
Solution Approach 1:
An external power source serves as an intermediary to provide power for heating components in cold environments. The power input terminal detects when external power is connected and activates the heating unit, bypassing the battery's low-temperature limitations while maintaining the device's portable design
3Reliability
If heating unit is activated continuously to prevent cold temperature issues, then component reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor provides feedback on the actual temperature of electronic components to the microprocessor. The microprocessor adjusts the heating unit's operation based on this feedback, activating heating only when components are below the threshold temperature and stopping when the threshold is reached, thereby minimizing energy consumption while ensuring component reliability
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
Enables the portable computer to boot and function effectively in cold environments by preventing user misconceptions about device failure and ensuring battery-powered heating of components, thus avoiding prolonged boot delays.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit disposed on an electronic component in the portable computer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a portable computer. When a power input terminal of the portable computer is connected to a power source, a sensor senses the temperature of electronic components of the portable computer to provide a sensed temperature value. When the sensed temperature value is lower than a preset temperature value, a microprocessor controls an indication device to operate and controls the heating unit to heat the electronic components. When the sensed temperature value is higher than the preset temperature value, the microprocessor controls the indication device not to operate and controls the heating unit stop heating the electronic components.