Portable Power Case With Thermal Shielding for Mesh Radio Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat-generating portable electronic devices, such as military radios, pose risks due to excessive heating, which can cause discomfort, burns, and increased detection by thermal imaging, compromising military operations.
Innovation Solution
A portable power case equipped with a rechargeable battery that can receive power from a DC power source like a solar panel or water turbine, and supply power to a transceiver, forming a mesh network while incorporating heat-shielding or dissipation materials to manage thermal issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If portable electronic devices operate continuously, then communication functionality is maintained, but excessive heat is generated causing discomfort, burns, and increased detection by thermal imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat-generating component (transceiver) from the portable power case, allowing the transceiver to be removed when not in use or when heat management is critical. This separation enables continuous operation capability while providing heat management flexibility by isolating the heat source from the user-carrying portion of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat-shielding materials as intermediary components between the heat-generating transceiver and the portable power case housing. These materials (aluminum foil, foam, wool, felt, rubber, plastic, or air gaps) act as thermal barriers that block heat transfer, allowing the transceiver to operate continuously while preventing excessive heat from reaching the user or surrounding components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heat-shielding materials are added to portable devices, then heat transfer to user is reduced, but device weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heat-shielding materials locally only in the areas where heat transfer is most critical, rather than enclosing the entire device. The shielding is positioned specifically between the transceiver and the power case housing, providing targeted thermal protection while minimizing unnecessary material addition and maintaining device portability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If portable power cases use rechargeable batteries, then extended operation is enabled, but heat generation from batteries adds to thermal management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the battery removably connected to the power case, allowing the battery to be separated from the heat-generating transceiver when thermal management is critical. This extraction capability enables the system to maintain extended operation through battery replacement while preventing excessive heat accumulation by separating the battery from the transceiver heat source.
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 manages heat generation, preventing discomfort and damage while maintaining communication networks without user intervention, ensuring continuous operation for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a portable power case including at least one battery that is operable to receive power from a direct current (DC) power source
Implementation Method 2
incorporating heat-shielding or dissipation materials to manage thermal issues
Implementation Method 3
incorporating heat-shielding or dissipation materials to manage thermal issues
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and articles for a portable power case are disclosed. The portable power case is comprised of at least one battery and at least one PCB. The portable power case is operable to supply power to a transceiver. The portable power case is operable to be charged using a DC power source (e.g., solar panel, wind turbine, water turbine). A plurality of portable power cases, DC power sources, and transceivers are operable to form a mesh network.